1859 Jail Museum

10/13/2026

Spooky Season is Here!

Don't Miss Out!

For the next seven days, ticket prices for our October Paranormal Investigations are $60 per person. Purchase by October 20!

We still have a few spots left on October 31, join us on Halloween for a few treats, and an investigation on All Hallows Eve! Costumes encouraged!

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/1859-jail-museum-paranormal-investigations

10/11/2026

Come see us in October for an eerie exploration of innocence turned criminal, proving that even the most delicate figures have a dark side.!

They're lonely, and longing to make new friends..

10/11/2026

Thank you Explore Missouri!

A quiet Missouri home hides something much harsher out back: original jail cells, iron doors, and a chilling piece of frontier history.

10/09/2026

The parlor is set, the undertaker has been here...

Don't miss our October exhibit -

"Seven Days of Darkness: The Wake of Henry Bugler"

The 1859 Jail Museum would like to invite you, to join us in remembering our first jailer.

Late in the evening of June 13th 1866, Henry was brutally murdered by a small group of armed men, just inside his office door. The undertaker was summoned overnight, and by 2 P.M. the following afternoon a seven-day public wake commenced. Henry lay in repose in the house's parlor while the Independence community paid their respects.

This exhibit will be in place until we close on October 31.

If you are interested in one of our Jail Haunt events, please click the link below!

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/organizations/jackson-county-historical-society

09/29/2026

October is just around the corner, and the inmates are restless!

Reserve your spot before these events fill up! Follow the Zeffy link below!

October 9,10, 16, 17 - Haunted History Tours
7:00 and 9:00 P.M. $30 per person
These are 90 minute guided tours, where you'll hear about darker events in the old jail's history.

October 23, 24, 30, 31 - Paranormal Investigations
7:00 P.M. - Midnight $70 per person
For the more adventurous... 5 hours, lights out! the team from P.A.I will let you check out some equipment, and lead you on small group investigations of the old jail and jailer's home.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/organizations/jackson-county-historical-society

09/21/2026

Thank you Kathy Quinn! We're so happy to be able to show off the Howard School after a year-long restoration.

09/10/2026

Jail Haunt Events are starting to fill up! Claim your spot before October!

Follow this link for tickets!
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/organizations/jackson-county-historical-society

09/08/2026

First Grade Tours are off and running!

Every year in September, the 1859 Jail Museum hosts Independence first-graders for a tour of the jail, a craft, and a classroom session in the Howard one-room School.

09/07/2026

The 1859 Jail Museum will not be open today. WIth the closure of the SantaCaliGon festival following last night's storm, we have decided to use this day to properly reset the museum for first grade tours - which start bright and early tomorrow.

Our hearts go out to all the vendors and businesses afftcted by the storm. Some of our staff was on-site to check for damage, and while the museum appears to be unscathed, the same cannot be said for the amazing makers and craftspeople that help make SantaCaliGon what it is. Please follow the link below from Visit Independence, MO, and consider giving these vendors some additional business.

https://visitindependence.com/blog/keep-the-santacaligon-spirit-going-support-this-years-vendors/?fbclid=IwY2xjawULukRwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMU5oNW8zb2ZEU0U4QVJ4TlNzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe-jac_jPg9zPRQ3PyR1TaHcL_3CCA_PPw1oZHT3CNfWjS_MwyKCrI8ayMZr0_aem_PiVzmoUaIkxYT4rvaFF2qg

09/03/2026

Santa-Cali-Gon is here! The 1859 Jail Museum will be open for tours 10 - 4 Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday during the festival. We'd love to see you!