Bushwhacker Museum

“No place is a place until the things that have happened
in it are remembered.” Wallace Stegner

The Bushwhacker Museum takes great pride in preserving the memories of Vernon County, Missouri.
It is widely regarded as one of the premier small town museums in the Midwest.

Closed for Tours Until May 1, 2025

The Bushwhacker Jail is located at 321 N. Main St. while the Bushwhacker Museum is one block south in the lower level of the Nevada Public Library building on the northwest corner of the Nevada Courthouse Square.

Check out the Museum Gift Shop

The gift shop includes local and regional history books along with souvenirs, clothing, woodworking items and more!

2025 Calendar of Events

Don't miss the brand-new "History on the Square" walking tour of downtown Nevada, May 2nd & 3rd!

New Title: Deaths and Burials Vernon County Missouri

By willtollertonFebruary 19, 2025Events

This 3-volume set of books includes more than 72,000 deaths/ burials in cemeteries throughout Vernon County, Missouri. Names are indexed and alphabetized for easy reference. A fantastic resource for genealogists. Now on sale for $85.00 +Shipping. Click here to purchase Deaths and Burials: Vernon County Missouri – Bushwhacker Museum.

Spring Public Program “Filling Harry’s Plate”

By willtollertonFebruary 19, 2025Events

Sunday, April 13, 2025 || 2:00PM || @ Bushwhacker Museum This program takes a look at mid-century modern food trends born during the Truman. Award-winning writer and foodways interpreter Suzanne Corbett will present this program, which is free to the public. She will explain how food defined American life, and the dishes […]

History on the Square Tour

By willtollertonJuly 21, 2023Events

May 2nd & 3rd, 2025 || Tickets: $15.00/ Person || Tour Starts at the Bushwhacker Museum Meet characters from Nevada, Missouri’s past and learn about the historic structures and businesses that once graced or continue to define the iconic courthouse square. Tours leave every 20 minutes starting at 5:00pm and the last […]

The Bushwhacker Museum . . .
is designed to appeal to all ages, with an informal atmosphere and many interactive exhibits. Children seem to be especially fascinated by the Native American exhibits, and enjoy playing “school” in the old child-sized classroom.

With over 10,000 square feet of exhibit space, the Bushwhacker also caters to a wide range of interests. Exhibits include everything from prehistoric tools and fossils to antique medical instruments and women’s wedding finery. You will find Civil War artifacts, antique carriages, old handmade quilts, children’s toys, antique sidesaddles, early fire department memorabilia and so much more … Come take a stroll with us through Vernon County's past!

The Bushwhacker Jail . . .
is a rare example of prison facilities in the late nineteenth century. It is the oldest structure in Nevada, and one of the few buildings spared when Federal Militia burned Nevada to the ground in 1863. You can tour the beautifully restored jailer’s family quarters, step inside a grim, dark jail cell, or marvel at the graffiti in the old drunk tank. This is an unusual adventure for the entire family.

“No place is a place until the things that have happened in it are remembered.” Wallace Stegner