Arabia Steamboat Museum
The Arabia Steamboat Museum in Kansas City is a renowned institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing artifacts from the historic steamboat Arabia, which sank in 1856. Established nearly 34 years ago, the museum has been a significant attraction that highlights America’s river trade routes and early commerce. It houses an extensive collection of artifacts recovered from the wreck, providing visitors with tangible connections to 19th-century life. Currently, the museum faces the challenge of relocating from its Kansas City site, with the potential move driven by lease expiration and funding considerations. The museum aims to find a new home along the river, potentially in Jefferson City or St. Charles, to continue its mission of education and historical preservation.
News Summary
The Arabia Steamboat Museum is in search of a new docking location after Jefferson City announced it won’t provide public funding for its relocation. Local historian Bob Priddy hopes for a move to Jefferson City, linked to the city’s historical significance as the capital. With a potential relocation cost of $50 million, co-owner David Hawley aims to preserve the museum’s collection. The museum has been a significant attraction in Kansas City, and its move could benefit Jefferson City by boosting tourism and educational opportunities.
Jefferson City, Missouri – The Arabia Steamboat Museum is currently searching for a new docking location following the announcement that Jefferson City will not provide public funding for the museum’s relocation. This decision comes as the city begins to explore potential opportunities for enhancing its historical significance in conjunction with its upcoming 200th anniversary as the state capital.
Local historian Bob Priddy remains optimistic about the museum’s move to Jefferson City, emphasizing the city’s rich connection to the steamboat trade. However, the museum may also consider alternative locations, such as St. Charles, as it seeks a new home. The current lease for the Arabia Steamboat Museum in Kansas City is set to expire in November 2026, adding urgency to this search for a new docking site.
Estimations indicate that the total cost to relocate the museum could reach approximately $50 million. Museum co-owner David Hawley is uncertain about the future of the museum but expresses a strong desire to keep the collection intact and preserved. He envisions a potential new setting along the river, which would maintain the museum’s unique atmosphere and historical context.
The Arabia Steamboat Museum is renowned for housing artifacts from the famed steamboat that sank in 1856. For nearly 34 years, the museum has served as a significant attraction in Kansas City, drawing visitors interested in the historical narrative of America’s rivers and trade routes. The museum’s relocation could prove to be economically beneficial for Jefferson City, providing an influx of tourism and educational opportunities tied to the region’s history.
Hawley has indicated interest in the relocation process and expressed hopes of possibly negotiating a lease renewal. As the timeline approaches for the museum’s lease termination, more information regarding its future and the potential for a move will emerge, helping to clarify the direction that the museum intends to take.
Jefferson City’s decision against public funding presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the Arabia Steamboat Museum. The museum’s artifacts provide a tangible connection to the past and could enhance the city’s historical offerings during a major anniversary year. Discussions regarding the future of the museum are ongoing, with stakeholders eager to find a resolution that keeps the legacy of the Arabia Steamboat and its collection alive for future generations.
Stephi Smith, the city government reporter for the Jefferson City News Tribune, is covering this developing story as well as other local government-related news. She began her role with the news organization in April 2023 and has a background in reporting local news near Seattle and at the Missourian in Columbia, Missouri.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Kansas City Unveils ProspectUS Plan for Community Revitalization
Arabia Steamboat Museum Faces Uncertain Future in Kansas City
Kansas City Boat & Fishing Show Returns After Hiatus
Kansas City Plans Redevelopment of Former Macy’s Building
Additional Resources
- News Tribune: Proponents Continue Push for Steamboat Museum
- Wikipedia: Steamboat
- KRCG TV: Resident Hopes Steamboat Museum Moves to Jefferson City
- Google Search: Arabia Steamboat Museum
- Fox 2 Now: Steamboat Museum in KC Eyes Historic St. Charles Relocation
- Google Scholar: Steamboat Museum History
- The Missouri Times: Bernskoetter Wants to Relocate Arabia Steamboat Museum to Jefferson City
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Steamboats
- Fox 4 KC: KC’s Arabia Steamboat Could Move to Proposed $100M Museum in Jefferson City
- Google News: Arabia Steamboat Museum Relocation
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
