The “Camp” scene from “The War of 1812: The Camp and the Home” exhibit.
Now on display at the Fort Osage Education Center, “The War of 1812: The Camp and the Home” features artifacts that could be found in the homes and in the camps of civilians and soldiers during the War of 1812. “The War of 1812: The Home” features an original 1810-1815 rocking chair, a wash stand (ca. 1800 - 1820), a water crock (ca. 1780-1800), an original Newspaper published in 1808, as well as other artifacts that could be found in a home during the War of 1812. “The War of 1812: The Camp” features a hand sewn reproduction common tent, standing orders of the 1st Infantry and other items that would have been found at a camp site during the War of 1812.
“The War of 1812: The Camp and the Home” exhibit is free of charge and will be on display through the third weekend of October in the Fort Osage Education Center. The Fort Osage Education Center is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00a.m. to 4:30p.m. year round. The exhibit is co-curated by the 1st U. States Infantry Living History Organization and Jackson County Parks + Rec.
The “Home” scene from “The War of 1812: The Camp and the Home” exhibit.
The “Camp” scene from “The War of 1812: The Camp and the Home” exhibit.
The “Camp” scene from “The War of 1812: The Camp and the Home” exhibit.
Jackson County Parks + Rec, the Truman Library and the Atkins-Johnson Farm & Museum offered a class for Teachers, Interpreters & Museum Docents to learn how to incorporate Archaeology into the classroom.
During this workshop, participants investigated a historic farmstead that was found in southwest Montana in 1869. Using data from an actual excavation at the Tinsley Farmhouse, participants learned how archaeologists study the past. Studies of such farmsteads and farm residences are appropriate in Missouri since many similar sites are found throughout the state. Indeed, the Tinsley family ended up in Montana because they fled the bloodshed in Missouri during the Civil War.
The workshop also participated in activities at Fort Osage National Historic Landmark, the Truman Library and engaged in two days of archaeological fieldwork at the Atkins-Johnson Farm & Museum. Participants also had the opportunity to receive two graduate credit hours from Lindenwood University.
We have made some updates to the website over the last couple of months. Mainly, we have just been cleaning up all the clutter throughout the site. We have also added a new interactive History Map, where you can view the historical points of interest in the area. We have added pages for some of the cemeteries in the Sibley area and a page for the Sibley Catholic Church. More pages will be added this summer as time allows. If you have any photos or information that you would like to contribute, please contact us.
The Dispatch Canoe and Kayak Race is coming up on August 6, 2016! There is still plenty of time to register if you would like to participate in the race. If you are unable to participate and would like to support the race, please contact the race director on our Dispatch Canoe and Kayak Race page.
The 30th Annual Fall Muster is coming on October 22 & 23, 2016. This is setting up to be a major event for Fort Osage this Fall. In addition to Clemson’s Company of the 1st US Infantry, the St. Louis Artillery, 25th US and some members of the recreated 7th US Infantry are planning to attend. Please make plans to attend this event and support Fort Osage!
Jackson County Parks + Rec is once again offering Military Appreciation Days every Wednesday now through Veterans Day. Veterans and Active Duty military personnel will receive free admission to various Jackson County Parks + Rec attractions. The free admission includes Fort Osage National Historic Landmark and Missouri Town 1855. Active duty and retired service men and women can also receive complimentary boat rides, golf and free admission to the beaches at Lake Jacomo, Blue Springs Lake and Longview Lake.
For more information visit the Jackson County Parks + Rec website at www.makeyourdayhere.com
Veterans memorial during the 200 Years of the American Soldier event in 2003.
A fascinating look at the government issued equipment provided to the American soldier from the early 19th to the early 20th century. From canteens to muskets, authentic pieces will be on display. Special emphasis will be placed on how these accoutrements were essential to the soldier’s well being. The exhibits will be displayed in the Education Center. The event will take place Memorial Day weekend (Saturday, May 28 – Sunday, May 29). The event will feature exhibits from the War of 1812, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, World War I and World War II. For more information on this event, please contact Fort Osage National Historic Landmark.
A Blacksmith at Missouri Town 1855. Photo Credit: Jackson County Parks + Rec
Historic interpreters will teach you blacksmithing, how to bake a pie on the hearth, make lye soap and much more! Pre-registration and payment are required to attend a workshop. Registrations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis until class size is met. Unless otherwise noted, all materials are included in the cost of the workshop and will be provided by the instructor. Workshops not meeting the minimum reservation requirements will be canceled.
To register for a workshop, call (816) 503-4864 or register online.
2016 Workshops
Saturday, May 7: Sheep Ornament
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Cost: $15 (includes cost of kit). Make a sheep pennyrug ornament from wool felt.
Saturday, May 14:Carving a Spirit Face on a Walking Stick
Times: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Cost: $15 + supplies (there is a $5.00 fee for the walking stick blank, payable to the instructor).
Learn how to carve a spirit face on a walking stick. You will also learn how to select and prepare a stick as well as finishing.
Additional walking stick blanks will be available for purchase from the instructor.
Saturday, May 21: Hearth Cooking - It’s All in the Pudding
Times: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Cost: $20 Steaming, baking, and boiling, it’s all in the making of puddings. You will be making a meat, a vegetable, and a fruit pudding.
Wednesday, May 25: Toothbrush Rug
Times: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Cost: $10 + Supplies (cost of supplies is $28, payable to instructor). Turn rags into rugs using a technique that is easy to learn but hard to put down. Learn to make oval rugs and discuss how to make rectangular rugs with a slight change in technique. This is a great way to make custom color rugs from cheerful bright colors to muted cozy colors. Colors of the rugs may vary.
Saturday, June 11: Doll Quilt
Times: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $10 + Supplies A small four square quilt that is the ideal size for a doll. Basic sewing skills required.
Wednesday, June 15: Kid’s Embroidery
Times: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Cost: $10 + Supplies (cost of supplies is $5, payable to instructor). Learn basic embroidery stitches just like young ladies would have done in 1855. Make a small sampler to take home.
Saturday, Jun. 18: Fire Pit Cooking
Times: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Cost: $20 If it’s too hot in the kitchen, then let’s cook outside! Meat, vegetables, bread and dessert are on the menu.
Saturday, June 18: Baskets - Salt & Pepper and Napkin Baskets
Times: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Cost: $50 (incl. basket cost) Get ready for grilling season! Weave two baskets to organize your table: one for salt and pepper and the other to hold napkins. These easy, useful baskets are perfect for beginning weavers.
Saturday, August 6: Basket - Casserole Carrier
Times: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Cost: $45 (incl. basket cost) Students will bring their favorite casserole dish (approx 10×12) to weave a custom basket carrier with shaker tape handles to fit it perfectly. A variety of accent colors will be available. This class is suitable to all ability levels.
Saturday, October 15: Hearth Cooking - Here Piggie, Piggie
Times: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Cost: $20 You will be using a reflector oven to roast a pork tenderloin. Vegetables, bread and a desert will be prepared on the hearth.
Saturday, October 29: Hearth Cooking
Times: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $20 You will be cooking a meal from the new Friends of Missouri Town cookbook.
Saturday, November 5: Soap Making
Times: 9:30 AM - 11:30 PM
Cost: $15 Make soap with lye and lard using the cold water method. You will be taking home a bar of soap that you have made in class.
Saturday, November 5: Crocheted Rag Rug
Times: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $10 + Supplies Participants will tear their fabric into strips and learn the basics of crocheting a rag rug.
A portion of the Big Shoal Baptist Church foundation. Photo taken during Project Archaeology 2014.
Jackson County Parks + Rec, the Truman Library, and the Atkins-Johnson Farm & Museum will be offering a class for Teachers, Interpreters & Museum docents to learn how to incorporate Archaeology into the classroom.
Practice the basics of scientific inquiry using archaeological data. Learn how archaeologists investigate and interpret past cultures and peoples. Finally, learn how to incorporate all of this into your classrooms or other settings. Archaeology is an excellent tool for engaging youth in science education.
Participants will receive full instruction in archaeological science for the classroom and a complete curriculum guide and materials.
Participants also have the option to receive up to 2 graduate credit hours from Lindenwood University. Tuition is $60 per credit hour.
Teaching Archaeology though the Common Core will be offered June 20-24, 2016
The U.S. government controlled the Native American trade on the Lower Missouri River by establishing Fort Osage (1808-1827). Both civilians and soldiers resided in the fort, and a common activity was sending letters, both personal and business, to St. Louis and points beyond. Couriers in dugout canoes and keelboats would deliver the mail, or dispatches, downriver. In St. Louis, these couriers would then collect the mail for the fort occupants and deliver them back upstream to Fort Osage.
Fort Osage National Historic Landmark
In the spirit of delivering Dispatches to Fort Osage, racers will be handed copies of actual Fort Osage dispatches, which were written during the fort’s occupation in the early 1800’s, by a soldier re-enactor. The racer will be given the task to deliver the Dispatch to another Fort Osage soldier re-enactor at the Fort Osage boat ramp, 16 miles away. The soldier will give every person who delivers their Dispatch a finisher’s coin, which will be the size of a silver dollar and will be a replica of the Jefferson Peace Medal. Racer’s may also keep their Dispatches.
“Morning clear and cool. About 12 O’Clock we met the Chiefs and Warriors of the Big & Little Osages and the Kansas in Council and all Smoked the Pipe of Peace together…”
“After the council Mr. Prince with the Boat Started for St. Louis, by him I dispatched the Letters I wrote yesterday.”
-George C. Sibley, Fort Osage, September 27th, 1808
Race Information Saturday, August 6, 2016 Start Times 9:00 am - Build your own boat Class and Fishing Kayak Class (with a River Bank Start)
9:30 am - Family Fun Class
10:00 am - All Other boat Classes
Entry Fee Early Registration - $35/adults
Children - $10
Day of Event Registration - $40/adults
Here is the 2016 calendar of events for Fort Osage National Historic Landmark. Check back often for changes and new events!
Historic Cemeteries Bus Tour Saturday, April 16 Time: 11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Registration for this event has closed. Unfortunately, all spaces have been filled.
Join us on a bus tour of eight historic cemeteries in the Fort Osage area. Cost is $20 and included lunch and admission to the fort, in addition to the bus tour. Space is limited to 20, and registration is required.
Historic Sibley Cemetery Tours Saturday, April 23 Time: 10:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.
Explore Jackson County’s oldest cemetery, and learn about some of its famous interments, from our knowledgeable curator. The symbolism behind some of the historic gravestones will also be shared during the guided tour.
Artifact Identification Day
Saturday, May 7 Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Have you ever wondered about the history of old arrowheads and other artifacts you might have collected? Professional archaeologists will inspect your treasures and tell you their approximate age and by whom they were crafted.
Spring Nature Walks
Saturday, May 14 Time: 10:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.
Learn about the flora and fauna surrounding Fort Osage and enjoy a guided hike along the Banks of the Missouri River. Special attention will be given to local species found during the Lewis & Clark Expedition of 1804-1806.
200 Years Of The American Soldier
Saturday, May 28 – Sunday, May 29
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. A fascinating look at the government issued equipment provided to the American soldier from the early 19th to the early 20th century. From canteens to muskets, authentic pieces will be on display. Special emphasis will be placed on how these accoutrements were essential to the soldier’s well being. The exhibits will be displayed in the Education Center.
Flag Day
Saturday, June 11
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Special presentations at 10:30 a.m. & 2:00 p.m. Learn about proper flag etiquette and explore a display of flags representing different periods of American history. Our knowledgeable staff will answer questions and provide valuable historic information about our nation’s enduring symbol.
Independence Day
Monday, July 4 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Celebrate the anniversary of American Independence at Fort Osage. Interpretive demonstrations highlighting life on the early 19th century frontier to include musket and cannon demonstrations, and patriotic speeches, make this a perfect place to celebrate our country’s Independence!
Archaeology Day Saturday, August 13
Time: 10:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
Professional archaeologists will present an overview of over 60 years of investigations which have enabled historians to establish both the historic and pre-historic history of this nationally recognized historic site.
Grand Festival of Chez les Canses Saturday, September 24 Time: 9:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Explore how early French settlers lived at the confluence of the Missouri and Kansas Rivers in the late 1700s. Re-enactors will interpret everyday life skills common on the frontier. Artisans will display custom made wares, both decorative and utilitarian, which were essential to these early settlers.
30th Annual Fall Muster
Saturday, October 22 – Sunday, October 23 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Executed with historical accuracy, this annual re-enactment relives events surrounding the prelude to the War of 1812, as Fort Osage hears for the first time war has been declared with Britain. Musket and cannons are made ready, civilians are conscript, and both residents and soldiers stationed at this remote frontier outpost are on alert. Visitors can literally feel the tension of the unknown and share the fear and excitement with our re-enactors as Fort Osage prepares for war! CLICK HERE for the participant registration form.
All events are subject to change. For more information on Fort Osage please visit their website at www.makeyourdayhere.com.
The 26th Annual War of 1812 in the West Symposium, to be held at Arrow Rock, State Historic Site Visitors Center, April 2-3, 2016. Saturday 9am to 5:00pm and Sunday 9am to Noon. Free to attend and Open to the Public. No Registration is required.
Presentations to Include: ”Commodore Perry’s Marines: Revealing their True Identity” by John Steinle, “Major General Robert Ross, the Saving of Baltimore, 1814 and the ‘Boy Martyrs” Wells and McComas by Christopher T. George; William Clark and the Cooper Clan of the Boonslick Country by James Denny; “Post-war Military Land Bounties in the West” by Hal Youmans; “Who were Bryan and Morrison?: The Haliburton of Missouri’s War of 1812 by Lynn Morrow; The Corps and the War of 1812 by Lorna Hainesworth; “Light Give Light, To Light Discovery”: The Remarkable Career of Captain John C. Symmes by David C. Bennett; and more speakers including: Mike Dickey, Mike Harris and Eric Mathews.
The Arrow Rock State Historic Site visitor center is located at 39521 Visitor Center Drive, just off Highway 41, one-quarter mile south of the town of Arrow Rock. For more information, contact Arrow Rock State Historic Site at (660) 837-3330 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll-free at 1-800-334-6946 (voice) or 1-800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information about state parks and historic sites, visit www.mostateparks.com.
For more information on this event, please visit the Annual War of 1812 in the West Symposium website at www.1stusinfantry.com.
Jackson County Parks + Rec is once again offering Military Appreciation Days every Wednesday now through Veterans Day. Veterans and Active Duty military personnel will receive free admission to various Jackson County Parks + Rec attractions. The free admission includes Fort Osage National Historic Landmark and Missouri Town 1855. Active duty and retired service men and women can also receive complimentary boat rides, golf and free admission to the beaches at Lake Jacomo, Blue Springs Lake and Longview Lake.
