Bushwhacker Museum

06/12/2026

Tom Drennen, author of "Guardian Guerrillas" will do a talk and book signing at the Bushwhacker Museum on Saturday, June 13th at 11AM. The book tells the story of Missouri outlaw and Bushwhacker Frank James and his experiences during the Civil War and beyond.

06/12/2026

06/12/2026

Author Brian Hogan will give a first-person portrayal telling the story of his ancestor, the Rev. David Hogan, who witnessed the Battle of Drywood in 1861. The performance will take place at the Bushwhacker Museum on Saturday, June 13th at 1:00pm in the Bushwhacker Museum. Don't miss this entertaining and educational event.

06/11/2026

Ironweed Bluegrass Band will perform at the Bushwhacker Museum on Saturday, June 13th at 10am and 12pm. Don't miss this free concert at enjoy the finest in bluegrass, vintage country and good ol’ hillbilly twang.

06/11/2026

Check out the fun living history events going on at the Bushwhacker Museum this Saturday, June 13th during the Bushwhacker Days festival. The museum and 1871 jail will be open free of charge for extended hours, 9am-4pm. We will have a Bluegrass band, two book authors, and several reenactors giving talks about local Civil War history. We look forward to seeing you at the museum!

05/28/2026

The Vernon County Historical Society will hold its first summer Lunch & Learn of 2026 on Tuesday, June 2nd, 12pm at the Bushwhacker Museum. The speaker is Paula Kraft Neal, who will give a program titled "Cottey College Through the Eyes of Jane Bewley" based on the memoirs of her grandmother. Lunch will be catered by the museum volunteers. The cost is $20/ person. Reservations can be made by calling the Bushwhacker Museum at 417-667-9602 or purchase online at https://bushwhacker.org/product-category/event-tickets/

05/20/2026

The Deepwood Cemetery, Nevada, Missouri will host a walking tour on Saturday, May 30th. The tour is titled "Buried History" and will explore the hidden meanings of cemetery monuments. Tours start 11am and 1pm from the cemetery entrance at 800 S. Washington Street. The event is free and open to the public but RSVP's are requested to select a tour time. RSVP to: [email protected].
Tours last about one hour. Freewill donations can be made to the Deepwood Cemetery Association.

05/12/2026

BUSHWHACKER ROYALTY PAGEANT 2026
Age Divisions: Queen (18 yrs. & above), Princess (14-17 yrs.),
Junior Miss (11-13 yrs.), Little Miss (8-10 yrs.), Miss Pioneer (5-7 yrs.)

Candidate Requirements:
Candidates must be Vernon County residents and may be sponsored by a local family, business or organization. NO entry fee required.

Candidate forms may be picked up at the Bushwhacker Museum, 212 Walnut Street, Wed.-Friday, 10am-4pm, at the Nevada/Vernon County Chamber of Commerce.

Entry deadline is May 28th.

05/05/2026

The new Vernon County Jail & Sheriff's Home sign is now completed and installed at 231 N. Main Street. Many thanks to the Nevada Tourism fund for sponsoring this beautiful new signage.

The Bushwhacker Museum and 1871 Jail are now open for tours, Wed.-Fri, 10am-4pm and Saturday, 10am-1pm. Come check these places out!

03/30/2026

The Vernon County Historical Society's Quarterly program on Sunday, April 12th, 2:00pm, will feature Becky Bruce of the Bushwhacker Quilt Guild. Becky will discuss the history of quilting in America. A selection of quilts held in the Bushwhacker Museum collection will be temporarily displayed for the occasion. Don't miss the opportunity to view these rarely seen works of art!