Arabia Steamboat Museum

10/10/2026

People are often surprised there was yarn aboard the Arabia. Skein after skein was pulled gently from the muddy cargo.

Most of the yarn was madder red/purple-red. The color remains fast with little apparent change. The indigo and rust-colored yarn, however, did not survive so well. This likely has to do with the mordants used causing acidic reactions.

All of the yarn is wool, equivalent to the modern fingering-weight, and now weigh roughly 29g at an estimated ~120 yds per skein. It would be lovely as socks or mittens or scarves! In total, there are ~100 skeins. The steel knitting pins which you see in the photo are sized between modern 000 and 0000 - which may sound terribly tiny, but it's not really. The cargo contained just over 750.

10/08/2026

Dear Readers

We know many of you are interested in what happens with the museum in the coming months so here is a brief update with what we know:
- The lease ends on Nov. 13.
- We do not know what will happen on Nov. 14.
- There are several municipalities very interested in partnering with the museum and aware of the time limitations we face.

As soon as we know more, we'll for sure make a formal announcement. Thank you!

10/07/2026

One of the persistent myths is that people "back then" were dirty, smelly, and didn't take baths. You, dear readers, know differently, of course. But for those new to history, let's visit for just a moment.

The bottom tub in the photo is a washtub or, if you will, a bathtub. It is over 2 feet across, originally painted blue, and doubled as a laundry basin when used with a washboard. The Arabia had several of these in the cargo, destined for homes in territorial lands. The two slightly smaller tubs shown were blue, as well, and used for laundry or other cleaning tasks.

Regardless of the myth of the dirty peasant, if folks had a sliver of soap, a bowl of water, and a snippet of a rag, they at least washed the essential bits on a regular basis. As a whole, they recognized the importance of personal hygiene and enjoyed smelling nice as much as we do. These wooden tubs were pulled closer to the fire or woodstove, water heated and poured in, and a bath taken. Not perhaps as convenient as our modern showers, but definitely better than a cold mountain stream in the middle of winter!

The cargo held several large boxes of "family soap" which served double-duty as a detergent (so not the most moisturizing!). Various deodorants were also available for purchase at most stores, just not in the multitude of artificial scents we have now.

Now when the unknowing repeat the myth, you possess the wherewithal to correct them with facts.

09/22/2026

We found nearly 200 tons of history aboard the steamboat Arabia. But not this tiny coin.

In 1851, the United States introduced one of the strangest coins it ever produced — a three-cent silver piece nicknamed the trime.

More than 38 million had been minted by the time the Arabia sank in 1856. Yet among the money recovered from the wreck, we haven't found a single one.

Why did America need a three-cent coin in the first place? And what might its absence from the Arabia tell us about the people who survived the sinking?

Our newest video tells the story — and sometimes, the things we don't find can be just as interesting as the things we do.

https://youtu.be/C83CgS_6Xho?si=ZH4g0F-UE1_TmrRg

We found 200 tons of treasure from the Steamboat Arabia — but not o...

09/08/2026

These were turned into the Info desk on Friday, Sept 4th.

If they are yours or you know who they belong to, please call the Museum so they're reunited.

(Sorry this wasn't posted before - it's been busy!)

09/05/2026

Dear Arabia — Our new film is now live. 💌

On September 5, 1856, the Steamboat Arabia sank in the Missouri River and was buried 45 feet under what is now a Kansas cornfield. Lost for 132 years. This is our letter to her — filmed in the very field where she still rests.

Watch the full 7-minute film here: https://youtu.be/hHLeN8p5nZo?si=RBTSJDA9kWUyBvxw
It's also playing on the front page of our website.

If this story moves you, please share it. It helps the Arabia's 200 tons of stories survive whatever comes next. And if you're nearby — we're open today at 10am.

We'd love to see you.

September 5, 1856 — the Steamboat Arabia sank in the Missouri River...

09/04/2026

SO many good folks here today speaking with our guest historians!

09/01/2026

Be sure to view the event page.

We're adding info on some of the amazing visiting Historians.

08/21/2026

If you haven’t been to the Arabia Steamboat Museum in a while and were wondering when would be a good day to visit, consider this a sign!

On Friday, September 4th we will have a rare Living History day at the Arabia. Half a dozen local historians will be on-hand to interact with patrons and give mini-talks about the Bleeding Kansas era, 1854-1861.

Confirmed to attend are Eric Smallwood, from the Constitution Hall State Historic Site, and Jordan Liedemann from Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm.

Also threatening to visit are a crew of river rats and roustabouts from further up the Missouri at the Steamboat Bertrand Museum in DeSoto, Iowa! We’re keeping an eye on those guys.

This will be a fun, casual event with costumed historians wandering among guests, and possibly a scheduled talk or two. Regular admission applies. Stay tuned for more details as we have them!

07/11/2026

One of the questions we often hear is, "are any of the original partners still alive?"

Yep, three of the original five - l to r: Dave Lutrell ("construction guy"), Jerry Mackey ("pickle guy"), and David Hawley ("HVAC guy"). Dave L surprised us with a visit today, and the three got together for a visit and lunch. Not sure what mischief was being planned in the other photo of them with their faces away from the camera, though 😉.