Atkins-Johnson          Farm and Museum

Sports and Recreation: Fun on the Farmstead in the 19th and 20th Centuries

April 1 - June 27, 2026

People of all ages throughout history have enjoyed physical activity with loved ones and their communities, but how did sports and recreation differ 200 years ago from today? This exhibit will explore the organized sports, pastimes, and casual games that the Atkins and Johnson families may have played.

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Lace, Laugh, Love: Wedding History in Missouri

July 8 - October 3, 2026

While marriage has been a common human practice across the globe for millennia, wedding trends come and go with the decades. Explore the difference in the celebrations of love that have happened in the past 200 years. This exhibit is in celebration of the opening of the AJ Barn Events Center!

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Declaration 1776: The Big Bang of Modern Democracy

October 7 - October 31, 2026

When the Declaration of Independence was issued, the idea that "all men are created equal" was revolutionary. With this seminal document, the Founding Fathers unleashed an open-ended driving force that would shape modern history. Around the world, other countries have declared independence taking the US Declaration of 1776 as a model. This exhibition uses primary sources to illustrate how Americans and people across the world have been inspired by the Declaration in their pursuit of equality and self-determination.

Declaration 1776 is an exhibit organized by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.

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Holiday Toys

November 4 - December 5, 2026

Closing out the season annually, the museum offers a short display on vintage toys from the past. Just in time for the holidays, this exhibit featured a unique variety of antique dolls, wind-up toys, games, and activity toys on loan from local collectors.