Charles Schifferdecker and Edward Zelleken each had great success through their entrepreneurial efforts in numerous business ventures. They became wealthy and prominent Joplin citizens engaged in many civic pursuits to make Joplin a better place to live and work. They not only built two landmark homes which left an everlasting impression on the Joplin community, but also were leaders in establishing several Joplin institutions including Joplin’s first hospital, the Masonic temple, St. Peter’s Catholic Church, and Schifferdecker Park.

The museum provides insight into Joplin’s early days and rapid growth at the end of the 19th century told through the lives of these two successful businessmen, mine owners, industrialists, and generous philanthropists who invested  in Joplin’s growth and success. These two successful families significantly enhanced the community through their generous activities.

Preservation

In 2017 David and Debra Humphreys set out to preserve and memorialize the history and architecture of Joplin’s Victorian era found in the homes of Charles and Wilhelmina Schifferdecker and Edward and Margaretha Zelleken. The completely restored homes serve as two parts of a living history museum, offering beautiful examples of early residential architecture and design in the Historic Murphysburg neighborhood of Joplin, Missouri.