Connecting the Past to the Present
to Benefit Future Generations
Henry County Museum is excited to take part in Clinton’s 8th Annual Merry Main Street celebration. It’s our community’s festive downtown open house filled with holiday cheer, local shopping, and community spirit.
Celebrate the season, support local business, and the Henry County Museum. We can’t wait to welcome you!
Saturday, November 8
Merry Main Street 2025
Visit the museum and let us help you complete your entry in the Merry Main Street 2025 sweepstakes. Every sticker gets you closer to winning $100 in “Downtown Dollars” to spend anywhere on the square!
Special Museum Perks:
• All visitors receive a sticker for the sweepstakes drawing.
• New museum members will get a free gift, along with the satisfaction of supporting the museum and its programs.
• One lucky participant will win a free individual membership just by submitting their completed sweepstakes entry at the Main Street office! Win the Merry Mainstreet sweepstakes drawing and earn a 2026 Henry County Membership as a bonus!
The festivities begin right after the Christmas parade on the square at 6:00 PM.
Come one, come all—we can’t wait to welcome you to a magical night of living history!
Friday Night, November 28
Living History Night at the Museum
Join us the night after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 28th, after the Christmas Parade. Experience life as it was in 1900. Admission is free!
See firsthand how our beloved Village transforms into a lively turn-of-the-century marketplace, all dressed up for Christmas. Stroll down Main Street filled with holiday cheer and interact with townsfolk dressed in period clothing.
Visit the pharmacist busy at work in the drug store, a doctor greeting patients in his office, and a banker ready to welcome you—hopefully without any bank robbers in sight! Meet a harness maker in the Saddle Shop, a merchant in the Provisions Store, and a lawyer in the law office. You might even spot a barber offering a trim—or a tooth pull, if you’re brave.
Warm up with a cup of apple cider and a fresh-baked cookie as you explore Henry County's roots and experience the sights, sounds, and stories of a bygone era.
What to Expect:
Guided tours with hosts in period dress
Authentic 1860s holiday décor in every room
Historic menus in the dining room to showcase traditional Christmas fare
Period-appropriate gifts and customs to explore in every room
Live caroling by beloved local vocalists Sam and Phyllis Lucas
Friday Night, November 28
A Dorman House Christmas
Experience Christmas as it was in 1860 at the Historic Dorman House!
Join us for a magical evening at Clinton’s oldest and largest brick home. The 1850s-era Dorman House is a true gem of Henry County history.
Immediately following the Christmas parade on Clinton’s downtown square, the house will open its doors for a festive, candlelit tour that brings the spirit of Christmas to life.
Whether you're a history buff, a holiday lover, or simply looking for a warm and memorable evening, this is a perfect way to kick off the season.
Come experience the sights, sounds, and stories of a 19th-century Christmas—right here in Clinton. We can't wait to welcome you!
Admission is free, and the house will remain open until 8:30 PM.
Introducing In-Depth Articles
We created a new In-Depth Articles section on the Henry County Museum website—a space dedicated to storytelling and historical reflection.
As guardians of our shared heritage, we created this feature to go beyond basic history. Our goal is to spark curiosity and deepen our readers’ understanding of our community.
In the months ahead, look for stories behind cherished artifacts, portraits of remarkable community members, and historical events worth remembering. It’s our invitation to explore, reflect, and connect.
Visit our new Articles Page and read our newest in-depth article about Lawrence W. Brown, a Missouri original.
Museum Collections
The Henry County Museum features thousands of county artifacts from the early 1800s to more recent times.
Our collection is displayed in creative venues, including an early 1900s village with a drug store, a doctor's office, a bank, a saddle shop, a general store, and more.
Genealogy Research
Our volunteer researchers go beyond what you find online.
We can help verify key details and uncover missing pieces of your family history. Our genealogy library offers expert guidance and historical insights to deepen your understanding of your ancestors' world.
Venue Rentals
Host your special event in a unique historic setting at our museum, ideal for small- to medium-sized gatherings.
Whether it's a wedding, corporate meeting, or birthday celebration, our charming venues create a memorable backdrop. Give your guests an experience they won’t forget.
A Word About Our Sponsors
Our sponsors play a vital role in our mission to preserve history and safeguard knowledge for future generations.
Their unwavering support empowers organizations like the Henry County Historical Society to bridge the gap between the past and the present. With gratitude, we extend our heartfelt thanks to these exceptional businesses and organizations!