Preserving the Voice of the American Soldier

Based in the historic birthplace of the Stars and Stripes, we collect and celebrate the independent voice of the American soldier. From the first Civil War editions to the modern era, discover the fascinating stories and rare archives that bring our nation’s military journey to life.

Our Mission

As a premier military history museum in Missouri, our mission is to honor veterans by documenting, preserving, and exhibiting the 160-year legacy of the Stars and Stripes military newspaper. Born in Bloomfield in 1861, we serve as a vital resource for education and research, ensuring the stories of the U.S. Armed Forces remain accessible to all.

Our Vision

To be the definitive home for the stories of the American soldier, ensuring the legacy of military journalism inspires every generation.

Plan Your Visit

Know before you go.

Latest From The Museum

A flyer for the 7th Annual Spirit of Democracy Banquet and Silent Auction, hosted by The Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library. Key details include the date of November 7, 2026, at the Osage Centre in Cape Girardeau, MO, featuring keynote speaker and best-selling author Alex Kershaw. The flyer lists ticket and sponsorship tiers ranging from General Admission to Gold Sponsorship.

Join the Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library on November 7, 2026, for our 7th Annual Spirit of Democracy Banquet and Silent Auction, featuring keynote speaker and best-selling author Alex Kershaw.

A flyer for an upcoming historical presentation titled 'Fortress City: Uncovering the Civil War Defenses of Cape Girardeau'. The flyer features information about guest speaker Dr. Adam Criblez, an Interim Chair at Southeast Missouri State University. The event will take place on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 6:00 PM at The Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library, and is free to the public. It outlines the topics to be explored, including engineering, strategic necessity, and the legacy of the fortifications.

Join the Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library on September 17, 2026, for a deep dive into the engineering and military strategy behind Cape Girardeau’s "Fortress City" defense during the Civil War.

Flyer for the 14th Annual Liberty Days event at the Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library on October 2-3, 2026, featuring a living history timeline.

Journey through history at the 14th Annual Liberty Days 2026 on October 2–3! Experience a living history timeline featuring a period village, weapons demonstrations, battle reenactments, and live entertainment. This family-friendly event at the Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library offers a hands-on look at the past with food, crafts, and educational fun for all ages.

A flyer for an upcoming historical presentation titled 'General Nathan Bedford Forrest: December of 1862 Raid'. The flyer lists guest speaker Rick Justice, a retired history teacher and author. Key event details include: Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM at The Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library. The event is free and open to the public. It features discussions on 'What to Expect': The Strategy, The Impact, and Expert Insight into Forrest's tactics.

Join the Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library on August 20, 2026, for an engaging deep dive into General Nathan Bedford Forrest’s pivotal 1862 West Tennessee campaign.

Flyer for an event titled "Guerrilla Warfare in Civil War Kentucky." It features a presentation by historian and author Gerald W. Fischer, discussing the hidden history of guerrilla warfare in the Western Theater. The event includes a post-presentation book signing for his books, including Guerrilla Warfare in Civil War Kentucky, Volume II.

Join author Gerald W. Fischer for an engaging evening as he explores the hidden history of Civil War guerrilla warfare in the Western Theater, followed by a special book signing.

Flyer for an event titled 'Letters Home from World War II: St. Louis'. The flyer details a presentation by Christopher Alan Gordon on the correspondence of St. Louis residents during WWII, including heartbreak and hope. It includes key event information: Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 6:00 PM at The Stars and Stripes Museum, free and open to the public. A book signing with the author follows.

Join the Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library on July 16, 2026, for a moving evening as author Christopher Alan Gordon unearths personal stories of hope and heartbreak from the "Greatest Generation."