The Jackson County Historical Society (JCHS) is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the heritage of Jackson County, Missouri, and encouraging the study and appreciation of local and regional history. Founded in 1909, it serves communities throughout the county, not only Kansas City, and preserves more than 300,000 archival materials, including an extensive collection of historical photographs.

JCHS shares its resources through the 1859 Jail Museum, tours, educational programs, events, and its JCHS Journal and digital e-journal. Visitors can explore the jail’s history and the people connected to it, as well as take special experiences such as haunted-history tours. The society also cares for the Historic Truman Courthouse and supports restoration of the 1870 Howard Schoolhouse.

Researchers can use the digital history database, request research assistance or photography, and explore archival collections such as the Noll Collection, Kemper scrapbooks, and Veterans History Project. JCHS also offers memberships, youth and business partnership opportunities, internships, volunteer programs, public speakers, and ways to support preservation through donations and its shop.