Malden Historical Museum

08/27/2026

Remembering When Country Music Came to Malden — 1972

Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner came to Malden in 1972, bringing their popular country music roadshow to the Malden High School Gymnasium.

Take a trip back in time and read the story in the Bootheel Beacon about the day two country music stars came to our hometown.

And a special thank you to all the readers, advertisers, donors, and supporters of the Bootheel Beacon. Your continued support makes it possible for us to keep the Bootheel Beacon free to the public while covering the local news, events, people, and history of our Missouri Bootheel communities.

Thank you for reading — and thank you for supporting local journalism and preserving our local history.

This is an important and only way to research and explore the history of Malden, Missouri, using a legal newspaper data search from 1901 to 1998.

03/14/2026

Malden Historical Museum is home to Malden High School’s historical collection, lovingly preserved by alumni and graduates since 1950. The museum proudly houses yearbooks from 1946 through 2012, along with treasured collectibles and memorabilia donated by classmates through the years.

Today, the Malden Historical Museum pauses to remember Ellis Jones, a member of the Malden High School Class of 1947, who recently passed away. His memory is part of the rich legacy of Malden High School, and the museum is honored to help preserve that history for future generations.

Through yearbooks, photographs, and donated keepsakes, the stories of graduates like Ellis Jones continue to live on in the halls of the museum and in the hearts of the Malden community.

03/07/2026

Come discover the story of Malden from 1887 to 2026 at the Malden Historical Museum. Our guided tours will take you through the people, places, and events that shaped our hometown.

Stop by and spend some time exploring Malden’s rich past. You’ll see fascinating artifacts, photographs, and stories you may have never heard before.

🕙 Open every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

We’d love to see you there—you won’t be disappointed!

Friendly tip: During heavy rain, you might want to avoid the corner of Beckwith St. and Howard St. due to occasional flooding.

Bring a friend and come enjoy a walk through Malden’s history!

11/06/2025

Thank You, Allen Everett Electrical!

The Malden Historical Museum extends our heartfelt thanks to Allen Everett Electrical of Malden for their generous help installing new light fixtures at cost to support the museum.

Your kindness and craftsmanship help us continue preserving Malden’s rich history—brightening not only our displays, but also our community spirit.

It’s local businesses like yours that make a difference every day. Thank you for shining a light on history and helping us keep the museum glowing for generations to come! 🙏🏻

10/30/2025

💡 Community Spotlight 💡
A big thank-you to Allen Everett Electrical of Malden for installing our new electrical ballast at the Malden Historical Museum today — at no charge for the installation!

Your generosity helps keep our museum bright and welcoming for visitors as we continue preserving Malden’s rich history for future generations.

🙏 Volunteers are greatly needed to help us keep the museum open and thriving. If you love Malden’s history and want to make a difference, please consider giving a few hours of your time — your support keeps history alive!

04/22/2025

Happy Easter from the Malden Historical Museum!
There’s still time to stop by and visit us today—we’re open until 2:00 p.m. We’re just a block off downtown Main Street and two blocks from Douglass and Howard Streets.

Take a tour through the most extensive collection of Malden history, made possible by generous donations from hundreds of families who want their stories preserved for future generations.

Did you know?
Malden will celebrate its 147th founding on April 22nd! The petition to incorporate the town was granted on April 22, 1878. Just a decade later, Main Street boasted four stores and five saloons. Malden officially became a city on March 19, 1889, and our first brick landmarks included:
• Levi Mercantile Company (1889)
• Dunklin County Bank (1890)
• City Hall (1891, rebuilt in 1936)

Come celebrate our rich hometown history today—or join us any Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

We also welcome volunteers who want to help keep the Malden Historical Museum thriving in its mission since 1955 to preserve and protect our community’s past.

03/29/2025

Remembering Harold Hester, Jr. — “The Tall One”

This CB radio vest belonged to Harold Henry Hester, Jr., a dedicated volunteer and model citizen of Malden, Missouri. Proudly embroidered with “The Tall One,” Harold was known for his towering presence—not just in height, but in heart.

Harold was always ready to lend a hand—serving as a volunteer fireman, a member of the Malden Auxiliary Police, a Sunday School superintendent, and an alert CB radio dispatcher always tuned in for emergencies. His vest tells the story of a man who lived to serve others, both as a U.S. Air Force veteran and as a tireless helper here at home.

Harold passed away on January 10, 1997, at the age of 52. But his legacy reminds us of how vital volunteerism is to the life of a community.

Today, the Malden Historical Museum needs that same spirit.

Volunteers are essential to help preserve Malden’s history—by opening the museum to the public, maintaining the museum home and its precious collections, and serving as board members to guide its future.

The museum tells the story of thousands of Malden citizens who lived, worked, and built their lives here—especially during World War II, when the Malden Army Airfield helped train thousands of airmen to defend our country. We must continue telling their stories.

Volunteer today—and help ensure future generations understand and respect Malden’s rich and vital past.

The museum is celebrating 70 years! Help us continue to save our history!

We are open Saturday’s 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Come down now!

03/22/2025

The Museum is Open Today!
It’s a beautiful day to explore Malden’s rich history!

We invite you to visit the Malden Historical Museum and discover our vast collection—from the town’s earliest beginnings to the preserved photographic composites of every senior graduating class. These cherished class photos once lined the halls of the original Malden High School on Smith Street, now home to Malden Grade School.

Come take a walk down memory lane—we’d love to see you!

Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Saturdays
Location: 201 N. Beckwith St., Malden, MO