New Madrid Historical Museum, New Madrid
November 2026
Through photographs, personal recollections, historical records and scientific seismic research, the earthquake displays make history fun and informative and ask the viewer intriguing questions. For example, some major legends about the quakes are discussed, giving opposing interpretations and asking you what you think. Here’s one: Legend: The river ran backwards. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, Reelfoot Lake is the result of sinking that occurred during the New Madrid quakes. Other eyewitness reports suggest that the Mississippi River flowed backward for 10 to 24 hours. A more likely explanation may be that waves from the quakes made it appear as if the river were flowing upstream. You decide.
Jeff Grunwald, museum administrator, notes that, “The earthquakes are by far the main draw at the museum. Hundreds of earthquakes annually in the middle of the country is pretty unusual, which is why people come.” But there is much more to see and explore, such as the Civil War exhibit and Mississippian exhibits.
The Battle of Island Number 10, which ended with a Union victory, is the focus of the Civil war exhibit. The Mississippian civilization (around 850 to 1300 A.D.) exhibit includes pottery, maps and dioramas of the Lilbourn Fortified Village Site which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969.
Other exhibits include World Wars I and II, the area’s cotton production, kitchen items, vintage clothing and furniture.
“As far as unusual items, I would say our hair wreaths (we have two) are super unusual; one could say ‘odd’ by today’s standards,” says Grunwald. “My favorite piece is a Spanish sword that was found up near Benton. What I like best about our little museum is that we are able to give our guests some science as well as history.”
The New Madrid Historical Museum is located at 1 South Main Street. The museum is open seven days a week, 358 days a year. From April through November, hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. From December through March, hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. The museum is closed Thursday and Friday of Thanksgiving week, Christmas Eve and Day, New Year’s Eve and Day and Easter Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students under 18. Age six and under are free. For more information, visit NewMadridMuseum.com or call 573-764-5944.