Glenn House celebrates 140th anniversary

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – The Glenn House in downtown Cape Girardeau serves as a reminder of what life was like during the Victorian era, and that history was on full display during the house’s 140th anniversary celebration this afternoon. 

“Once you visit the house, it kind of gets in your blood, and you can appreciate her beauty, and we need to preserve that for future generations,” docent coordinator Leah Michel said.

That is what the Glenn House is all about, and Michel said part of preserving and appreciating that history results from the nature of the tours here. 

“We are kind of unique for a museum because we do interact with things,” Michel said. “We want you to appreciate the history, and we feel like interacting with things helps keep it alive.” 

During the celebration, visitors could take tours of the house, enjoy some cake, and indulge in some homemade ice cream. 

“Homemade ice cream is a big favorite in my family, so I’m glad to be able to share that with other people,” Michel said.

Natalie Arbuckle toured the house on Sunday and will soon become a docent here. 

“I’m kind of shy but I can definitely make it work,” she said. “I think it’s really easy especially when people are receptive, and I love getting to talk to people who are interested in a lot of the same things that I am.” 

Arbuckle is double majoring in history and historic preservation at Southeast Missouri State. 

“I really, really enjoy learning what I get to learn about, and I definitely think there is a lot of importance in keeping memories alive, both good and bad, and I really hope more people become more interested in it over time,” she said.

Tours are available on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m.