The Missouri History Museum in Forest Park interprets Missouri’s past, especially St. Louis’s place in broader national history. Operated by the Missouri Historical Society, founded in 1866, it occupies the Jefferson Memorial Building, built in 1913 with profits from the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, linking it to a defining city event. After joining the regional museum district in 1988, it secured public support that helped maintain free admission. A major 2000 expansion added the Emerson Center and greatly increased exhibition and public space. Its collections include colonial and Native artifacts, 1904 World’s Fair material, Charles Lindbergh items, a replica of the Spirit of St. Louis, and objects from the Lewis and Clark Expedition.