A Summertime Past

2025 Participating Sites

Want to know when, where, and what activities each site will have? Scroll below to learn about all of the historic sites, museums, and private homes participating in this special event!

Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 10am - 4pm

Benoist Mansion Oakland

1853-4 Italianate Country House

7801 Genesta Ave., (enter off Seth) St. Louis, MO 63123

314-352-5654

Accessible: 1st Floor

Admission: Adults: $10; Children 12 to 5: $5

Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum

Established 1849

4947 W. Florissant, St. Louis, MO 63115

314-381-0750
Accessible: Wild Wood Valley Gardens is fully accessible. Other aspects of the cemetery are not as accessible.
Admission: Free

Upon entering the grounds at 4947 W. Florissant, stop at the Gatehouse (building on the left) to interact with volunteers for maps and directions to Gardens and points of interest on the 314-acre Level III Arboretum.

The Tour Line, a 3.7 Mile journey through the 14 miles of roadway, will be the best way to tour these grounds with over 87,000 burials. Booklets secured at the Gatehouse will highlight a few of this historic cemetery's History, Horticulture, and Architectural highlights.

1820 Col. Benjamin Stephenson House

1820 Federal Style

409 S. Buchanan St., Edwardsville, IL, 62025
618-692-1818

Accessible: All lower levels
Admission: Adults: $6, Children (6-12 years): $3, 5 and under: free

Brookes Park

1782-1820 French Creole Style

420 Brookes Dr. Hazelwood, Mo. 63042

314-731-0980

Accessible: Park, restrooms, and LRSH. 2 steps into Utz-Teson House. Knobbe House: no.

Admission: Free

Brookes Park is home to three historic structures: Knobbe House (1877) Little Red School House (1852) and the Utz-Teson House which was built in 1782. Members of the Hazelwood Historic Preservation Commission will be present to offer food to any and all wishing to tour the three buildings.

Campbell House Museum

1851 Greek Revival Style

1508 Locust St., St. Louis, MO 63103

314-421-0325

Accessible: Yes

Admission: Adults: $10, Children (12 & under): Free

Come see our beautiful Victorian garden in bloom. Built in 1851, the first house in the elegant Lucas Place neighborhood, the Campbell House was the home of renowned fur trader and entrepreneur Robert Campbell and his family from 1854 until 1938. The museum contains hundreds of original Campbell possessions including furniture, paintings, clothing, letters, carriages and a unique set of interior photographs taken in the mid-1880s.

Carondelet Historical Society, Des Peres School

1873 Italianate Style

6303 Michigan Ave., St. Louis, 63111

314-481-6303
Accessible: Yes (Iron St. entrance)

Admission: Free

Join author and historian NiNi Harris at 11:00 am for Landscapes and History of St. Louis City Parks, a captivating presentation exploring the inspiration, design, and legacy of St. Louis’s treasured public parks—especially those shaped during the Victorian era.

Discover how these green spaces, with their elegant landscaping, winding paths, and civic ideals, became the heart of St. Louis neighborhoods and an enduring part of our city's identity. Harris will share highlights from her newly released second edition of St. Louis Parks (Reedy Press), with copies available for purchase following the talk (cash or check only).

Chatillon-DeMenil Mansion

1848, 1863 Greek Revival Style

3352 DeMenil Pl., St. Louis, MO 63118

314-771-5828

Accessible: No

Admission: Adult: $10, Children (under 12): $5

Come stroll the nearly 1 acre of beautiful grounds at the Chatillon-DeMenil mansion at no charge. Featuring manicured French-inspired and Victorian gardens, woodland areas, and occasional wildlife, there’s something for everyone.

Ferguson Historical Society

1959 Mid-Century Modern

1050 Smith Ave, Ferguson, MO 63135 (behind the Ferguson Community Center)

Accessible: No
Admission: Free

Join us at our History House! Completed in 1959, the house originally served as a convent for the Good Shepherd Catholic Church and School. Today, the house highlights Ferguson's rich history through historical artifacts while still showcasing the house's Mid-Century past in the original kitchen.

Field House Museum

1845 Federal Style

634 S Broadway., St. Louis, MO 63102

314-421-4689
Accessible: 1st Floor & Museum Exhibits
Admission: Adult: $8, Children (under 12): $4

Visit the Field House Museum for a colorful afternoon. Tour the historic Field family and learn about Roswell Field, attorney for Dred Scott, and his son Eugene Field, the "Children's Poet." Immerse yourself in the 19th century with original family items, many unique finds collected by Eugene on his travels. Afterwards explore the 4,000 sq. ft. Museum expansion with rotating exhibits, the Eugene Field Library, and gift shop. The Field House Museum is a National Historic Landmark.

Don’t miss the debut of our newest exhibit, Behind the Feathers: A Century of Weatherbird History, opening at 1 pm. This colorful display takes a closer look at the history and artistry behind one of St. Louis' favorite birds!

Gittemeier House - Historic Florissant, Inc.

1860 Missouri German Vernacular Style

1067 Dunn Rd., Florissant, MO 63031

314-565-1468
Accessible: 1st Floor

Admission: Donation

This 1860’s farmhouse is a local landmark and was built by Franz Gittemeier who came to Florissant from Prussia in the 1850s. After working as a farm hand, Franz left for the California gold rush. He returned to Florissant’s fertile land with enough gold dust to purchase 270 acres of farmland. Franz built this three story home, married and had 10 children. His children married into prominent families and contributed to the growing population of the late 1800’s Florissant. Enjoy wine and cheese as you peruse the house gardens; one will find a large quilt display, period furnishings, local history displays, Franz’s wooden shoes, early wedding photos, Hume’s family history, Aubuchon family furniture, Narrow Gauge Railroad artifacts and much more. The Florissant Gardeners will be on hand to discuss period flora. Some plants may be available for purchase.

Hawken House Museum

1867 Greek Revival Style

1155 S. Rock Hill Rd., Webster Groves, MO 63119

314-968-1857

Accessible: No

Admission: Adult: $5, Children (12 & under): Free

Join us for a guided tour of the historic home of Christopher and Mary Ann Hawken. Christopher was the son of Jacob Hawken, who—alongside his brother Samuel—crafted the legendary Hawken rifle. Jacob built this home for his wife Mary Ann, the granddaughter of Thomas Sappington.

Interested in the story behind the iconic Hawken rifle? Don’t miss a special presentation at 3:00 p.m. by Art Ressel, former owner of the Hawken Shop, as he shares the fascinating history of this renowned firearm.

Our gardens are bursting with color, including the flourishing herb garden lovingly maintained by the Webster Groves Herb Society. At 2:00 p.m., society member Madalyn Payne will speak in the garden about the historical uses and significance of the herbs on display.

We hope you’ll join us for an afternoon of history, heritage, and horticulture!

Historic Daniel Boone Home

1868 Highway F, Defiance, MO 633419

636-798-2005

Accessible: Home 1st and 2nd floor. Grounds: No

Admission: Adult: $8, Senior (60+): $6, Children (5-12): $5, Under 5: Free

Come celebrate the beauty of summer in the lush Femme Osage Valley at Historic Daniel Boone Home. This Georgian style home was the residence of Daniel Boone’s youngest son Nathan and his family. It was also the place Daniel called “home” and where he passed away on September 26th, 1820. This frontier mansion is nestled in the rolling hills of southern St. Charles County and is surrounded by other historic buildings which were moved to the site. Come stroll the grounds and explore the historical gardens as well as enjoying in the more ornamental plantings around throughout the park. The Boone home will be open for tours, with an admission fee, but the grounds are free of charge to walk. Come enjoy nature’s beauty and the relaxed pace of life.

Historic Sappington House

1808 Federal Style

1015 S. Sappington Rd., Crestwood, MO 63126

314-822-8171

Accessible: 3-Step Entrance, A 20-minute virtual tour can be viewed in the Library

Admission: Adult: $8, Children (under 12): $1

Enjoy summer beauty in our formal flower and herb gardens as well as tour our historic home. Dramatic recitations will be performed in the parlour. Anne Williams will recite Shakespearean sonnets in the morning, and Tom Poelker will portray Benjamin Franklin in the afternoon. Our lovely green grounds are awaiting families, perhaps for picnicking. You can choose from a free exchange of seeds harvested from our autumn gardens. We also have plants for sale. Plein air artists will join us in the park, sketching their nature observations on paper. Summertime refreshments will be served.

Mudd's Gove

1859 Greek Revival Style

302 W. Argonne Dr., Kirkwood, MO 63122

314-965-5151

Accessible: 1st Floor

Admission: $5

Mudd's Grove, a magnificent 7,000 square foot red brick mansion, stands as a beacon of Kirkwood's past. This architectural marvel, one of the largest Greek Revival houses in St. Louis County, invites you on a captivating journey through time. Immerse yourself in the meticulously restored interiors, a testament to 19th-century living. Enter the Research Library to learn about Kirkwood's rich history. Stroll the thoughtfully designed gardens, a haven of tranquility.

Special Activities:
10:00AM-1:30 PM - The Missouri Botanical Garden “Plant Doctors” Will Be On the Front Porch. Bring Your Plants and Questions
10:00AM-4:00 PM - Children’s Activities: Scavenger Hunt & Coloring Pages

Old St. Ferdinand Shrine

1819 Federal Style

#1 Rue St. Francois St., Florissant, MO 63031

314-837-2110

Accessible: Limited

Admission: Adults: $5

Come walk where a Saint lived and worked! Eleven Saints have been named in the United States, and we are lucky enough to say she called Old St. Ferdinand Shrine home. St. Philippine Duchesne brought Catholic Education to St. Louis. We are one of the oldest examples of Federal style architecture on this side of the Mississippi River and this side of the Rockies. We’re the oldest church in the St. Louis Archdiocese. Our brick buildings date back to 1819, before Missouri was even a State.

Overland Log Cabin

1850 Vernacular Log House

2404 Gass Ave., Overland, MO 63114

314-426-7027

Accessible: No

Admission: Donation Only

We will have our log house, museum, and log barn open for tours. Plus our herb garden and wildflower gardens and outbuildings will be on display.

Payne-Gentry House

1870 Victorian Cottage

4211 Fee Fee Rd., Bridgeton, MO 63044

314-739-5599 (ask for Cindy)

Accessible: No

Admission: Adults: $5, Seniors (60+): $3, Children (4 to 15 years old): $2, Children under 4: free.

The Payne-Genty House is a one-story summer home built by Elbridge and Mary Elizabeth Payne. It is on the National Register of Historic Places, and contains a restored doctor’s office, which was used by their son, William, as a physician, surgeon, and pharmacist. Their daughter, Mary Lee, who was an accomplished artist, married William R. Gentry. The House contains many items that belonged to the original family, including books, furniture, personal items, artwork, music, items used by Dr. Payne in his practice, as well as journals written by the mother, son and daughter.

Sutter-Meyer Farmhouse

1873 Vernacular Style

6826 Chamberlain Ct., University City, MO 63130

Accessible: 1st Floor

Admission: Free

The Sutter-Meyer House is the oldest known residence in University City,

Missouri. Built around 1873, it is a remnant of late 19th century and early 20th century rural America. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 and designated a Landmark of University City by the Historic Preservation Commission in 1986.

Taille de Noyer House

1790 Missouri French/Greek Revival Style

1896 S. New Florissant Rd., Florissant, MO 63031

314-409-9478

Accessible: Limited

Admission: $5 Donation

Located on the McCluer High School Campus—enter the campus from 1896 N. New Florissant Road, go straight and then make the first and only right turn. Come visit this wonderful historic home, the only Spanish-era colonial home in STL that is open to the public. Beautifully furnished, the house features lovely period furniture, a fun toy collection upstairs, and stunning vintage clothing on the third floor. One of the first floor rooms has the original log construction exposed. A variety of books and souvenirs are for sale. FVHS strives to honor ALL history at the house—both the Mullanphy’s role in Florissant and the African Americans who were enslaved on the estate.

This year at Taille de Noyer, step into timeless elegance with a display of exquisite vintage wedding gowns and beautifully crafted antique quilts. Each piece tells a story of love, tradition, and artistry through the age.s..

Tappmeyer Homestead

1880-1884 Italianate Style

2 Barnes West Dr., Creve Coeur, MO 63141

314-795-9322

Accessible: Yes

Admission: Free

The Tappmeyer Homestead is fundamentally about the land. Whether it was the grain crops the original farm produced, the vegetables grown in the garden, the fruit harvested from the large orchard, or the perennials and flowers grown for their beauty or medicinal use – it was always about mother nature and the land. This understated elegant Victorian Italianate farmhouse constructed in 1880, belies the sun-up to sun-down long days and backbreaking, hard work of the immigrant farm family who called it home. Today, the house is framed by plantings appropriate to the historic time, with a demonstration heritage garden. Inside you will find the attention to detail continues with the first floor of the house decorated for late spring.

The Centre for French Colonial Life

1789-1818 French Creole Style

198 Market St., Ste. Genevieve, MO 63141

573-883-3105

Accessible: No

Admission: Adults: $1, Students:$5, Military/Preschool: Free

Museum exhibits: Adults: $5, Children: $3 1880-

Visit Ste. Genevieve to see what colonial St. Louis looked like and experience our rich French colonial heritage. The Centre for French Colonial Life museum will offer guided tours of the Bolduc and LeMeilleur Houses. At the Beauvais-Linden House you will step back in time as you negotiate at the magasin (trade store), visit with craftspeople, and play parlor games.

On the 14th, celebrate 300 years of French culture at the Annual French Heritage Festival (10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.). It starts with a parade, throughout the day you can enjoy live music, hear storytellers, visit the milice encampment, sample creole food, see living history demonstrations, play games, and top the evening off with some folk dancing.

Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site

1812-1816 Greek Revival Style

7400 Grant Road, St. Louis, MO 63123

314-842-1867

Accessible: Yes

Admission: Free

Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site consists of nearly ten acres of beautiful landscapes, historic buildings, and a native rain garden for all to explore and enjoy. Park activities include a 22-minute film, ranger-led tours of Grant's White Haven estate, and a museum about Grant's life. We will have a self-guided tour of the rain garden and a variety of activities for children. All activities are free, and no reservations are required.

Willoughby Heritage Farm

1922 Craftsman Style

Willoughby Heritage Farm - 631 Willoughby Ln., Collinsville, IL 62234

DD Collins House - 703 West Main Street, Collinsville IL 618-977-0941 Accessible: 1st Floor of both homes Admission: Free

Willoughby is a 1920’s to 1950’s working farm with lots to do for all ages: feed/ pet the animals, have a picnic, take a hike on the trails, play in the Kid Zone, or tour the 1922 farmhouse and timberframe barns. The farmhouse will be open with self-guided tours of the farmhouse and gardens from 10am-2pm.