The Willow Springs Historical and Genealogical Society (WSH&GS) is celebrating renewed activity on its Facebook page and, even more significantly, the reopening of its museum after six years of closure.
A Grand Re‑Opening event is set for Thursday, February 5, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at The Sass House, 211 N. Harris Street in Willow Springs. The celebration will follow a 1:00 p.m. ribbon‑cutting ceremony hosted by the Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce.
Owned and operated by the Willow Springs Community Foundation, the WSH&GS works to preserve and share the history of Willow Springs. Museum exhibits feature historic photographs, a reading room, a Willow Springs School history room, Wendell Bailey memorabilia, Earl Shipley displays, a Missouri State Highway Patrol exhibit, and other locally significant artifacts.
The Society welcomes donations of historical materials during operating hours. Financial contributions are also appreciated and support ongoing and future projects. Cash donations may be made at the Willow Springs Community Foundation office in the Ferguson Building in the Downtown Willow Springs Historic District.
Beginning February 5, 2026, the museum will be open to the public on Thursdays from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., with plans to expand hours as resources allow.
The Society’s first major initiative following reopening is the digitization of its photographs and records, with a long‑term goal of creating an online database for public access.
Museum staff includes Curator Alex Biehl and Docent Bob Chaney.
For questions about operations or The Sass House, contact the Willow Springs Community Foundation at 417‑469‑1400. For collection donations or research inquiries, message the WSH&GS Facebook page or call 417‑252‑3361.
