Located at 11 North Walnut, The Heritage Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of Dexter through displays of photos, journals, clothing and artifacts of the people, organizations, churches and businesses of the past. Dexter was founded in 1873 by the railroad. The town was laid out by the railroad and lots were sold on July 4, 1873, thus, the railroad has played a very important part in our history. One notable collection on display is "Evans Pottery," unique pottery made from native clay by an artisan also native to the area. The museum is currently open by appointment only by calling 573-624-7458 or 800-332-8857. Closed holidays. Free admission.
      "Dexter - A Pictorial History," a hardbound book depicting all aspects of Dexter's history through text and photos, can be purchased from the museum for $15 plus $4 shipping.

The Heritage House

     Located at Cooper and Castor, it is one of the community’s original homes. Each room has been restored to depict a period that different owners of the home lived in, including the original owners. The house is maintained by a local non-profit volunteer organization that provides tours by appointment and during special events recalling the regions’ past. The grounds are maintained by the city’s park department. For more information call 573-624-7458 or 800-332-8857. No admission.

The Heritage Depot

     The Heritage Depot, located on West South Main in Historic Downtown Dexter, is currently being restored through a joint effort of the city, the Chamber of Commerce and The Heritage Museum. It may be seen in its current state by calling 573-624-7458 or 800-332-8857. Donations for the restoration may be sent to The Heritage Depot Project, c/o The Heritage Museum, 11 North Walnut, Dexter, MO 63841. For additional information, call: 573-624-7458 or 800-332-8857. "Dexter - A Pictorial History," a hard bound book depicting all aspects of Dexter's history through text and photos, can be purchased from the museum for $15.00 plus $4.00 for shipping. The book is also available at the Chamber office.

The Heritage Caboose

     The Heritage Caboose is located on East South Main, due east of The Heritage Depot in Historic Downtown Dexter. The caboose is maintained by The Heritage Museum. Open by appointment only. Call 573-624-7458 or 800-332-8857. No Admission.

The Stars and Stripes Museum

     For those in military service and to veterans who served overseas, the phrase Stars and Stripes represents more than just our American flag. They recognize it as the newspaper that serves as the communication link between U.S. military personnel serving overseas and their hometown. On November 9, 1861, ten Illinois Union soldiers, using the vacated press of the Bloomfield Herald, published the first Stars and Stripes, which they named after the American flag. One of the original copies of that 1861 paper is now owned by the Stoddard County Historical Society. The history of the publication and the military lives it touched are being preserved at the Stars and Stripes Museum/Library. The facility serves historians, students and writers as an invaluable research tool. It also provides the general public with an educational opportunity to share the history and experience of veterans and Stripers alike. The museum/library is located in Stoddard County between Bloomfield and Dexter on State Hwy. 25. The museum/library is open weekdays, except Tuesday, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Sundays 1 to 4 p.m.   E-MAIL: stripes@newwavecomm.net WEB PAGE: www.starsandstripesmuseumlibrary.org
Phone 573-568-2055. (A portion of the above text was taken from Stars and Stripes, Welcome Home brochure, published by the Stars and Stripes Museum/Library, 1999)

     

Lodging
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