The Thomas Sappington House Museum in Crestwood, a St. Louis suburb, is on the National Registry of Historic Places and is tucked away in a 2.5-acre park, featuring lush lawns and a small lake with a fountain. A stunning and rare example in Missouri of Federal architecture, popular from 1780 to 1830, the historic structure still stands at its original site and is bordered by period flower and herb gardens which appear as they did over 200 years ago. To read more about the Sappington family and the historic home, click here to access the Saga of Sappington House.
Historic Sappington House (HSH) is judged to be the oldest brick home in St. Louis County. Meticulously restored and elegantly refurbished with authentic, early American antiques dating from before 1835, the site allows visitors to look back in time to see how wilderness inhabitants lived in the early 1800s.
House guided tours are conducted Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays by appointment from 11 am to 2 pm. Fees are $5 for adults and $1 for children younger than 12. The last tour begins at 1:30 pm. Call 314 822 8171 for additional information and group tours. The museum is closed in January.
A getaway to HSH must involve delicious food, in this case freshly prepared farm-to-table, all day breakfasts, lunches and hand-crafted pastries/baked desserts from The Barn restaurant. And above The Barn, the Loft Gift Shop specializes in “American Rustic Chic” gifts for your lifestyle, garden and all occasions.
For added interest, Sappington House is adjacent to Grant’s Trail, a paved cycling/walking greenway, and Father Dickson Cemetery, a burial ground founded in 1903 for African Americans. Also in this historic district, you will also find Sappington Cemetery, resting place of early generations; U.S. Grant National Historic Site, a residence of President Grant; Hawken House, home of Thomas and Mary Ann Sappington’s granddaughter and for more recent history, Route 66.
Whether it is natural beauty or a historical/cultural experience or delectable dining or boutique shopping that you crave, you will enjoy your visit to Historic Sappington Park, a welcoming destination for special events, tours, and school field trips. For a preview, stroll around https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTpcndOoqco, and check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cps1LTS6a4o. And then come visit Historic Sappington House by car, bus, or bicycle and enjoy your stay!
The Library of Americana and Decorative Arts nestled in verdant Sappington Park, contains an extensive collection of books detailing Missouri and American history, antiques and genealogy. The Library of Americana is a nationally recognized research library where reading and browsing are encouraged; however holdings are not available to borrow.
Click here to access a listing of rare holdings. Click here to see the complete catalog of resources at the Library of Americana.
A 19-minute, closed-caption virtual tour of the museum is available for visitors requiring special assistance.
Library rental
The Library of Americana can be rented for small meetings, workshops, etc., when not in use by the Sappington House Foundation. The two-hour rental fee is $50 with a $100 refundable damage deposit for the 17-foot wide by 28-foot long (476 square foot) floor space.
Meeting space amenities include a ceiling-level projector, screen, monitor, DVD player and Wi-Fi access. The building as well as the restroom are handicap accessible.
The library presents a literary and historic ambience. Attendees have expressed appreciation that the space is especially conducive to small group learning and discussions, as well its central location for St. Louis drivers and convenient parking once you arrive. More discerning visitors notice the grass cloth wallcovering and gild-framed oil paintings.
Phone 314 822 8171 for more information and click here for the library rental space contract and policies.
| Days / Hours: Open Wednesdays through Fridays Saturdays by appointment 11 am – 2 pm Last tour starts at 1:30 pm Admission fees: Adults $5, Children $1 |