Past Exhibits

The Life & Art of Charles M. Schulz
April 28 – July 21, 2023

Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the Peanuts Gang at the Field House Museum in the traveling exhibit, Life & Art of Charles M. Schulz. Explore Schulz’s personal history and his role as the sole inspiration and artistic talent behind Peanuts and its unique cast of characters. Follow Schulz from his Minnesota roots to his life in California and track the development of the characters that make up the unique world of Peanuts. From comic strips and Schulz quotes to photographs that illuminate the story behind the creation of this most popular and influential cartoon strip, this exhibit is sure to be a hit!

Exhibit curated by the Charles M. Schulz Museum

Famous Women of St. Louis
March 31 – June 2023

Countless St. Louis women change lives every day, and a fortunate few make headlines in doing so. From groundbreaking entertainers to stunning legal minds, the Gateway to the West boasts ties to some of history’s most remarkable women. Whether they spent their childhood in one of our historic neighborhoods or accomplished remarkable feats here as adults, our beloved city has fostered growth, inspired action, and encouraged dreams. These 18 phenomenal women are just the beginning.

Rouding the Bases: The History of St. Louis Browns Baseball
March 31 – October 29, 2023

St. Louis is a baseball town. Today, we all rally behind our Cardinals. But from 1902 to 1953, the St. Louis Browns split the city’s loyalties–and, eventually, their stadium. While the team didn’t bring home many victories, it had more than its fair share of legendary players, colorful owners, and rowdy stories. Come with us on this journey to rediscover the team in a city that was “First in shoes, first in booze, and last in the American League” in Rounding the Bases!

Slavery in St. Louis
November 1 – 12, 2023

The famous Black abolitionist William Wells Brown once remarked that “no part of our slave-holding country is more noted for the barbarity of its inhabitants than St. Louis.” Slavery existed in St. Louis for 100 years while under French, Spanish, and American rule. Famous African-American civil rights leaders such as William Wells Brown, Dred and Harriet Scott, and James Milton Turner were once enslaved in St. Louis. Learn their stories and more in this traveling exhibit curated by the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site.

The Man, the Myth, the Legend
January 19 – July 24, 2022

Wherever he went, laughter and lifelong friends followed. From published memories to countless magazines, newspapers, and books, many wrote tributes to Eugene Field. Explore the cherished stories and tales about the man, the myth, the legend as recorded by those who held him dear in this exploratory exhibit on the prankster, husband, and artist, Eugene Field.

Bagatelle

Jan. 28, 2022 – Jan. 8, 2023

Before the ring of pinball machines echoed through arcades, Bagatelle was filling parlors and pockets across the world. Drawing from the private collection of Mr. Ed Nickels, Bagatelle will follow the journey of pinball’s predecessor from the court of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette to game rooms across the country. Featuring intricately decorated and brightly colored bagatelles from the 19^th and early 20^th centuries, this exhibit will surely catch your eye and get you yearning for a game night.

Sponsored in part by Miniature Market.

Bon Appétit
Feb. 2 – July 17, 2022

The Field House Museum cordially invites you to join us for Bon Appétit. By the late 1800s, the dining room was a common feature in many homes, leading to a rise in dinner parties. From the very first step of sending out invitations, a Victorian dinner party was a carefully orchestrated performance. Hosts and attendees were expected to follow specific rules of etiquette, and if not done properly, one was at risk for social ruin. Learn all about the etiquette of a bygone era when you could thank your host for the pleasant evening but not the meal itself while admiring dishes and tableware from the Museum’s collection.

A Brush with Immortality
Feb. 19 – Aug 14, 2022

Before digital and film cameras, the only way to record someone’s appearance was through portraits. Portraiture is a long-established art form dating back to ancient Egypt and before. In fact, portrait murals from Pompeii have been preserved for almost 2000 years! Discover a brief history of portraiture from its origins to the selfie alongside famous examples and displays from the Museum’s collection. Then take your own portrait in the exhibit to share with family and friends!

The Wonderful World of Collecting Dolls
July 29, 2022 – March 12, 2023

From iconic collections and popular children’s playthings to dolls from around the world, The Wonderful World of Collecting: Dolls will capture the eye of any collector.

Around the World with Eugene Field
Oct. 15 – Dec. 24, 2022

Step into the past with Eugene and learn about the many places, both within the United States and around the world, that Eugene traveled to & lived in and the stories that go along with them.

Momentous Milestones
2019-2022

As the Field House Museum celebrates the 175^th anniversary of the construction of the historic Field family home, we will be looking back at how we have changed since 1845. Featured on the Museum’s third floor, Momentous Milestones will highlight everything from the penny drive that saved the house in 1934 to the interior and exterior restorations that helped to earn us our National Landmark Status. Stop by the oldest privately-owned residential home in St. Louis, and we’ll share our secret to aging. It’s not every day you turn 175!

Momentous Milestones is sponsored by the following:

The Daniel & Henry Co.
Landmarks Association of St. Louis, Inc.

Writing the Tales of Eugene Field
Jan. 20 – June 20, 2021

“The Children’s Poet” was more than just a man of verse and newspaper columns. The latest exhibit in the Eugene Field Library looks at the often-forgotten stories that Field penned, from his first Little Book of Tales to the posthumously published Love Affairs of a Bibliomaniac.

Moving Forward: Exploring the Legacy of Annie Malone
February 5 – June 20, 2021

Produced by the Annie Malone Historical Society, this exhibit used eye-catching displays of photos and artifacts to celebrate Annie Malone, a pioneer African American entrepreneur, charitable organizer, and civil rights activist. Look out for this traveling exhibit at future locations. Learn more at the Annie Malone Historical Society’s website: www.anniemalonehistoricalsociety.org.

Stitching Stories from the Past
June 25 – October 24, 2021

A carefully designed quilt can express a thousand words. With a rich history in creative expression and storytelling, the quilts featured in Stitching Stories from the Past captured the minds of visitors with a wide range of passions. From August 25 – September 16, 2021, Stitching Stories from the Past also featured the Missouri Bicentennial Quilt on loan from the State Historical Society of Missouri.

Missouri Writers: 200 Years of Talent
July 14, 2021 – Jan. 8, 2022

As Missouri celebrates its Bicentennial, the Eugene Field Library will play host to an exhibit about some of the writers who have called this state their home in Missouri Writers: 200 Years of Talent. From our namesake Eugene Field to contemporaries such as Qui Xiaolong and Gillian Flynn, we explore who these writers are, their works, and more. Be sure to stop in and see our Speaker Series showcase that highlights the authors who have spoken here at the Field House Museum.

Won’t You Be My Neighbor
July 16, 2021 – Feb. 13, 2022

Lovers of architecture and neighborhood history can’t miss Won’t You Be My Neighbor?, an exhibit brought to you by the Field House Museum that will follow the architectural history of St. Louis from the bricks that built it to the communities it has housed. The historic buildings and neighborhoods of St. Louis make the city what it is, and each has a rich and robust history worth hearing.

Struggle for Statehood
Nov. 1, 2021 – Jan. 23, 2022

The Field House is excited to announce that it will be hosting Struggle for Statehood, a traveling exhibit commemorating the bicentennial of Missouri statehood created by the Missouri Humanities Council in partnership with the Kinder Institute on Constitutional Democracy at the University of Missouri, partners in the Bicentennial Alliance.

The exhibit chronicles the three years that the controversy over Missouri’s admission into the Union was fiercely debated and reexamines the lasting significance of the conflict on a local and national scale. The exhibit leads visitors through the story of Missouri’s admission with accessible educational content, including historical accounts and stories of people that this controversy touched.

Lines with Power and Purpose
Nov. 3, 2021 – Jan. 19, 2022

On a daily basis, editorial cartoonists deliver biting social commentary made palatable through amusing and well-crafted illustrations. Lines with Power and Purpose: Editorial Cartoons features fifty-one original editorial cartoons from the nation’s great metropolitan newspapers during the Golden Age of print journalism. Included in the mix are six Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonists, each demonstrating the theme of political commentary through editorial illustrations and addressing issues.

Binding the Written Works
Feb. 5, 2020 – Jan. 10, 2021

A bibliomaniac by nature, Eugene Field was known to have once remarked that the only book worth reading, is one that is nicely bound. In Binding the Written Works, the Eugene Field Library takes a closer look at the fascinating art of book binding and trends that the medium followed during the period of 1850-1950. Transformations were plentiful in the ways in which books were bound during his life and death, all of which will be on display.

Tails of Friendship
February 15 – November 29, 2020

Created in partnership with the Humane Society of Missouri to celebrate their 150^th anniversary, Tails of Friendship is a must-see for animal lovers and history buffs alike! On display in the museum’s entry, this exhibit features the remarkable story of pet ownership since the ancient era and also highlights the invaluable work of the Humane Society in protecting countless animals since 1870. Accented with pet-themed toys from the Field House Collection and the collar of the family’s beloved fox-terrier, Jessie, visitors will leave with a new understanding of their four-legged friends and their place in history.

Life in Miniature
March 13, 2020 – March 7, 2021

Lose yourself in a microscopic world in the Field House Museum’s exhibit Life in Miniature. Featured on the third floor of the historic house, this exhibit shares the big story of all things tiny. Dollhouse enthusiasts can spend time examining the contents of a number of historic dollhouses while miniature lovers expand their knowledge on the place of these diminutive objects throughout history. With roots dating all the way back to ancient Egypt, and a variety of uses including education and city planning, the impact of miniatures is anything but small!

The Power of Words: The Ongoing Tale of Black Children’s Literature
June 30, 2020 – June 20, 2021

Representation is an integral building block of a strong and equitable community. In partnership with St. Louis Black Authors of Children’s Literature, The Power of Words: The Ongoing Tale of Black Children’s Literature shared the continued efforts towards equitable representation in children’s and young adult literature. From spoken tales to digital fiction, the stories featured in our main gallery exist to encourage young readers, foster a love of reading, and celebrate pride in diversity.

Image from The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats used with permission from the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation, ezra-jack-keats.org

Steiff Everlasting
July 8, 2020 – January 31, 2021

Learn all about the Steiff company and their luxurious collectibles in Steiff Everlasting. As one of the first inventors of the teddy bear, it’s no surprise that Steiff has maintained their status as the world’s premier toy manufacturer since 1880, inspiring admirers like Don and Shirley Zork to curate their own cuddly collection. Featuring a selection of the Zork’s private collection, this exhibit includes favorite sets such as The Wizard of Oz and Mickey Mouse, as well as several limited editions with their signature white tags.

Fantastic Fairs: The Fields at the World’s Fairs
December 16, 2020 – July 11, 2021

The history of the World’s Fairs in Chicago and St. Louis was given a personal touch in Fantastic Fairs. With stories of Eugene’s involvement at the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago and Julia Field’s position as a juror at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis with the memorabilia to match, visitors were sure to feel the grandeur of the Fairs from the Fields’ perspectives. Featured in the Field House Museum’s entry, this exhibit gave visitors a peek into the cultural behemoth that was the World’s Fair while following in the Fields’ footsteps as guests of honor. Several items from the Chicago World’s Fair were graciously on loan courtesy of the Glessner House Museum in Chicago.

The Wonderful World of Collecting: The Disneyana of Don and Shirley Zork
February 2019 – August 2019

Help the Field House Museum celebrate 90 years of Mickey Mouse by looking back at the early collectibles of the famous cartoon figure. On display from the Zork Collection will be a plethora of figurines, china, toys, and more. From toothbrush holders to lamps, Mickey Mouse was branded everywhere on objects for all ages. Learn the history of Walt Disney Studios and the famous creator, as well as the best places to start your own collection.

Eugene and Julia: The Love Story of the Fields
Feb. – July 2019

The saying “love at first sight” could never be more true when it comes to Eugene and Julia Field. From their whirlwind courtship, to their undying love throughout marriage, Eugene and Julia: The Story of the Fields will highlight the depth of their love through letters and the recounting of their lives together. This is a story you’ll be sure to fall in love with.

Foundations of Freedom
February 2019 – February 2020

Foundations of Freedom followed the landmark case on its journey to the United States Supreme Court with attention to slavery in Missouri, freedom suits, the contributions of the attorney for the Scott family, Roswell Field, and the rise of national discussions on slavery and citizenship. This exhibit was sponsored in part by the Missouri Humanities Council with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Famous Women of St. Louis
April 2019 – September 2, 2019

Field’s Famous Foods
Aug. 2019 – Jan. 2020

Take a bite out of Eugene’s writings when you explore the most mouth-watering and unique poems on everything food. Eugene Field loved food and often wrote about some of his favorites. Many of these poems are featured in Field’s Famous Foods alongside modern recipes. From apple pie and cheese to onion tarts, enjoy comparing famous foods of the past with popular dishes of today.

Finishing Touches
September 4, 2019 – February 2020

Finishing Touches will go beyond clothing and explore the accessories that completed a look during the 1800s and early 1900s. A woman or gentleman of status was not ready to be seen in public until hats, gloves, rings, fans, etc. were added. Not only were accessories expected to be in place to complete an outfit, but could also be used as tools for communication. Discover the history of fashion accessories and St. Louis fashion within the Garment District when you tour this upcoming exhibit.

Things that Go Vroom!
September 25, 2019 – February 9, 2020

Accented with historic toys from the museum’s collection, Things That Go Vroom takes visitors on a trip through St. Louis’ transformation from a railway and river-fed trading post to a hub of aeronautical manufacturing. With cast iron trains from the 19th century and “Hot Wheels” from the 1970s, you won’t want to miss this exciting ride into our city’s past and the toys that set our imaginations on track!

Step Right Up!

Nov. 25, 2019 – Jan. 3, 2020

The adventure and excitement of the circus awaits! From Royal Circus wagons to wind-up clowns that walk on their hands, the Field House Museum’s collection of historic, circus-themed toys is an exhibit to flip for.

This exhibit was a traveling exhibit installed at the Maplewood Library.

From Caricature to Celebration: A Brief History of African-American Dolls
March – July 2018

Toys are constant companions throughout childhood and beyond. Today’s children can find themselves represented in their toys, but this hasn’t always  been the case. From Caricature to Celebration: A Brief History of African-American Dolls takes you on a tour of dolls spanning more than a hundred years. From the earliest days of traditional African dolls and racial stereotypes through the years of assimilation and early acceptance, follow the journey through more than 80 dolls to reach the present day.

From Plant to Pail: A Brief History of Peanut Butter
April 28 – Sept. 30, 2018

A tasty snack enjoyed by many, peanut butter is as American as apple pie. From sandwiches to sauces, the iconic food has become a staple in pantries across the U.S. Did you know that peanut butter made its first big debut here in St. Louis at the 1904 World’s Fair? Or that it was first sold in metal pails to help keep it fresh? Find out more fun facts about the history of peanut butter in From Plant to Pail: A Brief History of Peanut Butter. See over 75 unique peanut butter pails, generously on loan from Donald and Shirley Zork.

Prominent Pieces: The Golden Age of Board Games
May 9 – Aug. 26, 2018

Advance to the Field House Museum for Prominent Pieces: The Golden Age of Board Games. Discover the circumstances that led to the creation of game favorites such as Clue and Monopoly, and how advances in technology contributed to their success. Browse a selection of game boards from the museum’s collection, representative of the 1850s-1950s, when these games enjoyed the height of their popularity. Play a game in the hands-on area to experience the thrill that comes with face-to-face competition.

Let’s Play Ball: Historic Games of America’s Favorite Pastime
July 20, 2018 – Jan. 20, 2019

From board games to bagatelle, Let’s Play Ball!: Historic Games of America’s Favorite Pastime shows how baseball has been played off the field for decades through the  unique, vibrant, and artful collection of Mr. Ed Nickels. Come see games based on baseball greats like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, pinball’s predecessor, baseball cards from unlikely sources, and a few games made right here in St. Louis. Let’s Play Ball! is sure to be a home run for the whole family.

Eugene and His Works: The Adoration of the Children’s Poet
Aug. – Oct. 2018

Lullabies are nearly as old as human civilization. They are a tradition that is passed down from generation to generation through the cradle and are a child’s first introduction to society. A calming story spoken or sung, lullabies soothe the fears of the young and provide a sense of comfort. Eugene Field was a father and a lover of poetry; perhaps that is why he wrote so many lullabies. His poems range from stories of love’s protection to fanciful delights of fantasy. One of his series of verse reflects the heritage of different cultures, including Armenian, Jewish, Sicilian, and Japanese. In the library exhibit Eugene and His Works: The Adoration of the Children’s Poet on display are various publications of Field’s lullabies from individual books of “Wynken, Blyken, and Nod” to signed copies of “Western Verse”, and so much more.

A Plate at the Table
Sept. 5, 2018 – Feb. 24, 2019

A successful dinner party in the 1800s could mean the difference between a society sweetheart and a social pariah. From the clothing you wore to the setting of the table, a fine dinner was expected to follow proper etiquette to a tee. A Plate at the Table invites you into the culture of dining in nineteenth-century St. Louis by answering questions like where families such as the Fields bought their china and how they prepared for formal dining, surely providing a feast of information that every successful Victorian host or hostess ought to know.

Holding Court: The Nobility of the Liberty of London Doll Collection
Oct. 6 – Dec. 30, 2018

Hear Ye, Hear Ye, the Field House Museum requests the honor of your presence at Holding Court: The Nobility of the Liberty of London Doll Collection. Offered by London department store Liberty & Co., these small cloth souvenir dolls came to be known as “Liberty of London Dolls.”  Valuing the exquisite detail and hand-crafted elements of these dolls produced from the late 1930s into the late 1950s, Saint Louisan Margaret Shapleigh collected over 250 Liberty of London dolls.  In addition to lending its name to the dolls, Liberty’s is famous for its floral printed fabrics and innovative art and design in consumer goods.

Christmas Prose & Christmas Verse
Nov. 2018 – Jan. 2019

This holiday season the Eugene Field Library will be taking an in depth look at Eugene Field’s book Christmas Prose and Christmas Verse. Drawn from the book will be images and tales of the winter season. Prominently on display will be copies of the book itself. Come see how Field interpreted the traditions of Christmas and created his own.

Childhood in Eugene’s Time: A Study Through Literature
2018

Oh how times have changed! Before our very eyes, the concept of childhood has rapidly transformed with innovations in technology. Long gone are the days when children had only books, toys, and imagination to keep them occupied.

Childhood in Eugene’s Time: A Study Through Literature, showcases how novels and poetry can be utilized to understand the past. Our curator led
exhibit, using examples of Eugene Field’s poetry and novels by other authors of Field’s lifetime, will engage discussion about how childhood is reflected in the themes of Victorian era literature. Come explore how different or similar life was for children in the 1800s versus the modern day.

Nifty Nostalgia: Toys from the 50S, 60S, & 70S
Nov. 19, 2018 – Jan. 7, 2019

The Field House Museum opens its toy vaults to share classic old playthings, from cowboys to fashion dolls, tea sets to toy cars. Revisit your childhood (or your parents’ childhood) with this nostalgic look back at the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s!

This exhibit was a traveling exhibit installed at the Maplewood Library.

Teddy Bear Picnic
June – October 2018

For over 100 years the teddy bear has been a staple of American childhood. Often a favored toy, the teddy bear has accompanied many children on picnics and the grand adventures of youth. With an origin story that stretches across two continents, the teddy bear’s enduring legacy is one that has filled the imagination and hearts of millions of children and adults.

Learn the history of the teddy bear, the famous companies that created them, and see the many teddy bears on display in Teddy Bear Picnic.

Illustrating the Words: The Artistry of the Picture Book
November 2017 – April 2018

A picture is worth a thousand words, but an illustration brings imagination to life. Sparking creativity and creating worlds of wonderment, the picture book brings substance to fiction, all while subtly teaching morals and life lessons to its readers.

Illustrating the Words: The Artistry of the Picture Book showcases original illustrations of both classic and contemporary children’s books. Let your creativity come alive as you wander through over 40 pieces of artwork adorning the walls of the Field House Museum.

Threads of Society: American Quilts and the Stories They Tell
September 2017 – February 2018

Not just bedcovers, quilts were made with careful consideration. Whether commemorating personal events, remembering friends, broadcasting social status, or displaying skill, quilts often provide details of a woman’s life that would otherwise have been lost to time. They act as important representations of the American spirit in art, worthy of recognition and regard. Motifs and practices shown throughout the history of fine art can be found in abundance in these carefully crafted textiles, as both a continuance of past styles and a precursor to artistic movements that would not be popularized for decades to come.

Pop-In for Pop-Ups: A Peek at the Popular Book
November 2017 – February 2018

For over the last 600 years paper engineering has astonished and entertained the world, becoming more than just a tool of science. Transforming from the simple movement of two pieces of paper sliding against each other, to the springs and motions of today’s movables, the pop-up element continues to entertain. Pop-In for Pop-Ups: A Peek at the Popular Book focuses on the artwork and mechanisms of movable books. Here you will find artistic pop-ups for children and adults dating from the late 19th century to the present day. From the basic designs of Benjamin and Geraldine Clyne of Jolly Jump-Ups, to the mastery of Robert Sabuda, all evolutions of the pop-up are represented by the artwork on display.

The Children’s Poet Eugene Field & His Verse
Nov. 28, 2017 – Jan. 3, 2018

Best known for his poems “Wynken, Blynken, & Nod” and “The Duel”, more commonly called “The Gingham Dog & Calico Cat”, this exhibit showcases Eugene’s poetry as well as vintage toys from the Field House Museum’s collection that highlight his creative verse.

This exhibit was a traveling exhibit installed at the Maplewood Library.

Nancy Ann Storybook Dolls
December 2, 2015 – January 4th, 2016

These unique dolls, which were created by socialite and silent western film star Nancy Ann Abbott, are sure to be a delight for the young and young at
heart. See all of your favorites from “Rain Rain Go Away” to the “Queen of Hearts” in this exceptional exhibit of fantasy!

This exhibit was a traveling exhibit installed at the Maplewood Library.

London Calling
November 26, 2014 – January 5, 2015

London is calling. See the amazing Liberty of London dolls on display at the Maplewood Library. From the earliest of nobles to the Queen’s coronation, these dolls are a must see!

This exhibit was a traveling exhibit installed at the Maplewood Library.

Plastic Playground: Plastic Toys from the 1950s to 1970s
2014

The Field House Museum wants you to experience our fun exhibit, Plastic Playground. This exhibit showcases classic toys made of plastic from the 1950s to 1970s and takes adults back to their childhood. Fisher Price, GI Joe and Plasticville train buildings are just a few artifacts currently on display. Let us take you back, and show a younger generation the toys that you played with when you were their age!