What we can help with
- Census, deed, and vital records guidance
- Historic photographs and artifact references
- Local newspaper and obituaries index support
- School, church, and township history context
Shelby County Historical Museum
Preserving and sharing the story of Shelby County, Missouri for generations to come.
We welcome visitors, researchers, and families to explore the people, places, and traditions that shaped our county. Through exhibits, programs, and archives, we safeguard local history and celebrate community memory.
Open for tours and research by appointment
Rotating exhibits and community programs
Located at 210 E. Maple St., Shelbina, MO, the museum preserves artifacts, archives, and stories that connect our community to its past.
About the museum
Preserving Shelby County’s story with care and community pride
Founded by local historians and civic leaders, the Shelby County Historical Museum has served as a steward of our shared heritage for decades. From handwritten ledgers to family heirlooms and oral histories, the collection reflects the people, places, and events that shaped Shelby County, Missouri.
Our galleries honor the past while welcoming new generations of learners. We work with schools, community groups, and researchers to preserve memories and bring them forward through exhibits, educational programs, and special events.
Mission Statement
The Shelby County Historical Society preserves, interprets, and shares the rich heritage of Shelby County, Missouri. Through our collections, exhibits, and educational programs, we connect past and present, honoring the pioneers who settled this land and the generations who built our community. We honor our charter founders for their vision and dedication. We serve as stewards of our county's history, making it accessible to residents, researchers, and visitors, so the stories of Shelby County endure for future generations.
Museum history
The museum began as a volunteer-led collection in 1963 and has grown into a regional archive with thousands of artifacts, photographs, and documents. Each generation of supporters has expanded the collection, strengthened preservation practices, and kept the museum’s doors open to the public.
Official nonprofit information
Verified organizational details for the Shelby County Missouri Historical Society Museum.
Organization
- Organization: Shelby County Missouri Historical Society (nonprofit historical society and museum)
- About: Local nonprofit historical society serving Shelby County, Missouri
- Mission: Preserve and share county history through exhibits, archives, and education
- History: Founded in 1963
- Achievements: Opened new museum, hosted events, guided tours, and grew membership exponentially
Contact & Identity
- EIN: 23-7217499
- Address: 210 E Maple St, Shelbina, MO 63468
- Email: [email protected]
- Official Website: schsmuseum.org
- Phone: 573-588-0245
Nonprofit Registration Status
- Registered Entity Name: SHELBY COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, INC.
- Type: Nonprofit Corporation
- Charter No.: N00012665
- Status: Good Standing
- Domesticity: Domestic
- Home State: MO
- Principal Office Address: 210 E Maple St, PO Box 604, Shelbina, MO 63468-1301
Financial Information
Reporting period reflects year-end 2024. A major capital investment for the new museum was completed in 2025. The organization reports no liabilities at year-end. Operations are supported through income from remaining funds, supplemented by donations and community contributions. Donations support program services, preservation of collections and historical materials, educational initiatives, community engagement, and general operating support for the museum’s mission.
Leadership
Board of Directors
Events & Programs
Learning together through local history
Join lectures, school visits, and community gatherings that celebrate Shelby County’s heritage. Our programs welcome families, educators, and researchers to connect with local stories and discover new perspectives.
Free and family-friendly
Education-focused
Community-led
May 2026 Calendar
Monthly overview
Research & Genealogy
Guided help for family historians, students, and researchers
Our collections staff assists with local history and family research connected to Shelby County, Missouri. We welcome inquiries from residents, students, and descendants seeking trusted sources, documented context, and respectful preservation of local stories.
Helpful to prepare
- Full names, spellings, and estimated dates
- Known addresses, towns, or family associations
- Copies or citations of sources already checked
- Your research goal and intended use
How to submit a request
- 1Complete our research request form (placeholder link) or email the museum at [[email protected]].
- 2Include specific names, dates, and locations. The more details you provide, the more targeted our response will be.
- 3We will reply with what we found, next steps, and any reproduction or service fees (placeholder policy).
Support the Museum
Your generosity keeps Shelby County history alive
The stories of Shelby County are worth preserving — and we need your help to do it.
The Shelby County Historical Society has been a guardian of our community's heritage since 1963. Through our collections, exhibits, and educational programs, we keep the history of Shelby County alive for residents, researchers, and visitors — and for the generations yet to come.
Our work is made possible by people who believe, as we do, that these stories matter. A donation to SCHS — in any amount — helps us maintain our collections, care for our museum, and continue sharing the rich heritage of Shelby County, Missouri.
We are grateful to every artifact and monetary donor who has supported this mission. The museum we call home stands as a lasting tribute to one of our most beloved benefactors, Marjorie Boling, whose extraordinary generosity and devotion to Shelby County history made so much of what we do possible.
Will you join her legacy?
To make an artifact and/or monetary donation, contact us at [email protected] or visit us at the museum.
Thank you for helping us keep Shelby County's history alive.
What your donation supports
- Archival preservation of photographs, documents, and textiles.
- Exhibit development and artifact conservation.
- Educational programming for schools and community groups.
- Digitization projects that expand public access.
Thoughtful ways to give
Honor a loved one, celebrate a milestone, or provide reliable annual support. We gladly acknowledge memorial gifts and will notify family members upon request.
Memorial and tribute gifts for enduring legacy.
Monthly support to sustain ongoing preservation work.
One-time gifts for immediate program needs.
Community Involvement
Volunteers make Shelby County history possible
Whether you can give a few hours a month or a regular weekly shift, your time helps us preserve, interpret, and share the stories that connect our community. We welcome students, retirees, families, and professionals with a wide range of skills — if you care about local history, there is a place for you here.
Contact & Visit
We’d love to welcome you to the museum
Whether you’re planning a family visit, exploring local records, or arranging a research appointment, our team is here to help. Reach out with questions, share your story, or let us know how we can support your visit.
Museum Location
Address: 210 E Maple Street, Shelbina, Missouri
Parking and accessible entry available on the south and east side of the building.
Summer Visiting Hours
- 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month, 1:00 to 5:00 PM
- Every Tuesday morning from 9:00 to 11:00 am
- Every Wednesday afternoon from 1:00 to 5:00 pm
- Every Thursday evening from 5:30 to 8:30 pm
Appointments available for researchers outside regular hours.
Get in touch
Share a question, request, or visit plan and we will respond promptly.
- Phone
- 573 588 0245
- [email protected]
- Research Requests
- [email protected]