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    J.C. Penney Boyhood Home

    4.0 (1 review)

    J.C. Penney Boyhood Home Photos

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    4 years ago

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    Patee House Museum

    Patee House Museum

    4.4(25 reviews)
    44.5 mi

    This is an absolute gem in St. Joseph!!…read more What made our visit even more special was learning just how much Gary Chilcote -- the man who created this incredible collection and continues to invest in it -- cherishes this community and its history. We spent four hours there and still didn't see everything! Did you know Abraham Lincoln came to St. Joseph -- not just once, but twice?! From the fascinating interviews with famous figures like Walter Cronkite, to the incredible collections, to an entire floor preserved to showcase the original hotel rooms in all their historic glory, there is truly something here for everyone. And what struck me most was realizing how much of this incredible museum represents the love and generosity of generations of St. Joseph families who understood the importance of preserving their community's history. Everywhere you turn, there is another story, another treasure, another piece of history that draws you in and makes you stop and wonder. Halfway through our visit, I found myself wondering about Gary and what he was doing today. So, naturally, I Googled him -- and was amazed to discover just how much this museum truly is a family affair... really, a family love affair. As someone who has always loved history, I have an enormous appreciation for the commitment Gary and his family have made -- and continue to make -- to preserving this remarkable piece of St. Joseph. And then came the most unexpected and wonderful moment of our entire visit. We literally closed the place down and still hadn't seen everything! As we were leaving, we commented to the woman at the front desk about how magnificent the collection was. As we turned to walk out, there was a gentleman sitting near the door who smiled at me. I smiled back, walked outside... and then suddenly realized: OMG -- THAT WAS GARY CHILCOTE!! I immediately turned around, walked back inside and approached him. "Are you Gary?" He responded with the kindest smile and a nod. I asked if I could shake his hand, and in that moment I was honestly overcome with chills, pride and admiration. I could hardly find the words to tell him how much I appreciated and admired the work and dedication that he and his family have poured -- and continue to pour -- into this extraordinary place. As we talked, I asked him questions about some of the history we had seen and learned, and he graciously shared even more stories with us. WOW. Just WOW. Mr. Chilcote, the honor was truly ours to meet you. Your willingness to share your knowledge, your passion for history, and your love for St. Joseph made this visit so much more than an awesome day. It was magical. Thank you for preserving these stories, these treasures and this history for generations to come. Keep up the incredible work!! And thank you for reminding us why preserving our history matters so much.

    First - the employee DID ask if we wanted to ride. we said "yes". instead of walking behind the…read morecounter at the carousel, he followed us a short while, then left. IF I volunteered, there still wouldn't be anyone because we ALL GO TO LUNCH AT 1030! As far as the length of our visit, it doesn't take that long to recognize your terrible attitude!

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    Patee House Museum
    Patee House Museum
    Patee House Museum

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    Glore Psychiatric Museum - A interesting piece

    Glore Psychiatric Museum

    4.5(80 reviews)
    42.6 mi

    We had the incredible opportunity to experience the Glore Psychiatric Museum in two completely…read moredifferent ways! First, we came at night for a paranormal investigation. Our museum host was absolutely wonderful--super nice and helpful. They gave our team a great introductory tour of the key areas and then handed over the reins, giving us the freedom to investigate independently for the rest of the night. The very next morning, we returned with a larger group for a regular daytime visit. The museum is fascinating! The exhibits are deeply interesting and do an excellent job covering the extensive history of the asylum and the evolution of mental health care. There is an entire second building that houses other great collections, including The Black Archives, which is easily accessible via a walkway on the 2nd floor. Highly recommend a visit whether you're a history buff or a paranormal investigator!

    The Glore Psychiatric Museum is located 51miles NW of Kansas City in St. Joseph Missouri. It has…read morebeen called one of the fifty most unusual museums in the United States. The museum illustrates how the treatment of mental illness has progressed through time which was first located in a ward of the original "State Lunatic Asylum No. 2" Besides the artifacts of the instruments used for lobotomies, hydrotherapy and Bath of Surprise floors two and three have art work of the patients. Besides this museum St Jo was established in 1821 and became a principal channel of distribution for the building of the west also the Pony Express started here in 1860; visit Pony Express Museum which is a must see. The massive mansions reflect the prosperity of the 1880s. It's a fun day trip.

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    Glore Psychiatric Museum
    Glore Psychiatric Museum
    Glore Psychiatric Museum

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    J.C. Penney Boyhood Home - museums - Updated September 2026

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