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Jefferson City Council Recommends Against Steamboat Museum Proposal

A steamboat representing maritime heritage near the river.

News Summary

Jefferson City staff advise the council not to pursue a steamboat museum proposal amid discussions to relocate the Arabia Steamboat Museum from Kansas City. Advocates express concerns over costs and funding amidst plans for potential new locations, including Jefferson City and St. Charles. Senator Mike Bernskoetter supports legislation for a Steamboat Legacy Fund to finance the initiative. With a large annual visitor count, the museum’s management considers a flexible operational model similar to the Smithsonian as options for relocation are explored.

Jefferson City city staff have recommended that the Jefferson City Council not pursue a proposal to establish a steamboat museum within the city. The decision comes as discussions regarding the potential relocation of the Arabia Steamboat Museum, currently located in Kansas City, gather momentum. The museum’s lease is set to expire in November 2026, prompting reassessments of its future location.

The council is scheduled to deliberate on the feasibility of relocating the Arabia Steamboat Museum during their upcoming meeting on Monday. After nearly 34 years as a tourist attraction in Kansas City, the museum’s management is exploring options for a new home as talks began recently regarding the end of their lease next fall.

Bob Priddy, an advocate for the museum, noted that relocating to Jefferson City could align well with the city’s bicentennial celebration as the state capital in November 2026. However, Priddy estimated that the cost of moving the museum could reach approximately $50 million, with financial support identified as a critical hurdle to overcome.

In addition to Jefferson City, St. Charles, Missouri, has also expressed interest in becoming the new home for the Arabia Steamboat Museum. David Hawley, co-owner of the museum, conveyed uncertainty regarding the future, emphasizing the essential need to preserve the museum’s valuable collection. He indicated that a new location should ideally be situated near the river to maintain the connection to steamboat history.

Support for the museum’s relocation has garnered the backing of Senator Mike Bernskoetter, who is pursuing legislation to create a Steamboat Legacy Fund. This initiative, encapsulated in Bill SB 322, seeks to fund the construction of two new museums in Jefferson City, one dedicated to state history and another focused on steamboat heritage. Proposed funding for this initiative involves increasing the entry fees for Missouri’s riverboat casinos from $2 to $3. If the legislature approves this fee increase, stakeholders aim to utilize the funds for museum development.

Approximately 80,000 visitors frequent the Arabia Steamboat Museum each year, with a notable number traveling from outside the Kansas City area. The museum houses a unique collection of artifacts from the Arabia, a steamboat that sank in 1856. In the event of relocation, the museum plans to showcase additional exhibits, highlighting approximately 200 known steamboat wrecks along the Missouri River.

The museum’s management is considering adopting a model akin to that of the Smithsonian Institution, where the building would be government-owned while the exhibits are managed privately. This approach could provide flexibility in how the museum operates and engages with visitors upon relocation.

While opposition to the proposed casino fee increase is anticipated, stakeholders involved in the museum’s potential relocation remain dedicated to seeing the initiative realized. The situation continues to evolve as both financial and logistical aspects are assessed leading up to the Jefferson City Council’s decision.