Arabia Steamboat Museum

These fancy figurines likely belonged to one of the cabin passengers on the Arabia’s last voyage. Those able to afford to stay in a cabin enjoyed a much more pleasant experience than those who purchased deck passage. Cabin passengers were fed in the dining room, while deck passengers were often left to fend for themselves and might have even shared deck space with livestock at times.

If you’re looking for a unique gift this season, check out our gift shop or give us a call at 816-471-1856 to order. We recommend ordering before December 11 to ensure delivery by Christmas. Sales help support the museum and the continuing preservation of the Arabia’s cargo.

It's more typical to be flipping the switch on your holiday lights today, but on the day after Thanksgiving 1988, Bob Hawley flipped the switch on the generators and de-watering wells for the steamboat Arabia's excavation for the first time. While they were capable of pumping 8,000 gallons of water per minute, this wasn't enough to reach the boat. Eventually, 12 more pumps were added. #excavation #arabiasteamboatmuseum #steamboat #museum #history #missouririver #rivermarketkc #kchistory #visitkc #howwedokc #missouritourism #missouriadventure

The museum will be closed Thursday for Thanksgiving, but we’ll be open regular hours the rest of the holiday weekend. Please note that face masks and social distancing are required in accordance with orders from the city and county health departments. Have a safe and healthy holiday!

Most of the buttons on our clothing had come loose after so many years in the mud, but this one miraculously survived on a wool coat, along with the trim.

An intricate design on the sole of a rubber shoe from the Arabia, apparently marked size 4B.