Father Peter John De Smet  &  Father De Smet with Tribal Chiefs
St. Stanislaus Historical Museum
History & Information Page


The St. Stanislaus Museum was started in 1972 by Fr. Claude Heithaus with the generous
support of his brother William Heithaus.  We have been a not-for-profit museum since 1976.
 Our vision is to preserve and display items of historical significance to the early history of
the St. Stanislaus Seminary, Florissant and North St. Louis County relating to the
development of the Midwest and Western United States in the early and mid 1800's.

Our focus is on presenting items and information about the people of this area who went
on to become contributors to this history whether they were missionaries, traders,
trappers, farmers or scholastics.  In addition, we try to illuminate how this area was during
this time period discussing its French and Spanish origins influenced by other immigrants
and historical developments.





As part of this vision, we are encouraging individuals to join the St. Stanislaus Historical
Museum Society as members, reaching out to the community for articles that would further
add to our displays and looking to collect oral histories from families with a long history in
this area.  As a not-for-profit, any contributions, monetary or otherwise, are tax deductible
up to the extent allowed by the law.

Since September, 2007, we have enjoyed a great number of visitors including De Smet
family members, school groups, scouts, area residents and seniors.  We are a member of
Historic Florissant and congratulate them on their 50 year anniversary.  Thanks for your
interest in our Museum.  Your comments and contributions are deeply appreciated.

You can become a member and help support the St. Stanislaus Historical Museum Society
by printing the below Membership Application and returning it or by a donation of any
amount as well!


St. Stanislaus Historical Museum displays artifacts from the time of Father Peter John De
Smet, who came to this country in 1821 at the young age of 20.  He came to live a life of
adventure, bringing the Word of God to a primitive and savage population.  Today we call
this group Native Americans.

Some tribes were hostile, while others were begging for Black-Robes (missionaries) to
come teach them.  Father De Smet crossed this country many times, and was welcomed by
a list that included most tribes west of the Mississippi River.  He was thought to carry with
him the protection of the Great Spirit, in a time of outbreaks of deadly diseases such as
smallpox, and deadly battles with both other tribes and settlers.

Father De Smet also crossed the ocean 19 times, when a single crossing is recorded to
have taken a full month.  His travels were usually to bring back new recruits to help as
missionaries, but also the means to continue to pay for supplies to carry on the missionary
work, along with donated clothing, goods, books, works of art, and furniture.

In 1868 when a peace treaty was signed as a result of his efforts, it was called the most
remarkable event in the history of the Indian wars.  Native Americans knew Father De Smet
as "the white man whose tongue does not lie."

Father De Smet was viewed as the most sincere friend the Indians ever had, and it was
said that "Father De Smet alone of the entire white race could penetrate to these cruel
savages and return safe and sound."

Father did not see the Native Americans as cruel savages, but as innocent souls awaiting
the Word of God.  On their behalf, he met with presidents, popes, and kings, and he is
credited with traveling around 180,000 miles in a very different world than the one we know
today.

Theirs was a rugged life of trails and obstacles, disease and peril.  We hope that as you
enter our museum, you will step into the world of Father De Smet and his beloved Native
Americans.

We invite you to make your family's history a part of our Museum history by recording
memories on cassette in the Edwin J. Benton Oral History Memorial Library.  Bring a loved
one in and take home a copy of the recording.

This collection is brought to you through the vision and foresight of the Heithaus Family,
whose generosity established the St. Stanislaus Historical Museum Society, Inc.  Both
monetary and material donations are welcome and gratefully accepted, and are tax
deductible as allowed by law to not-for-profit corporations.

Thank you for you interest.  Museum hours are Sundays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and private
tours can be arranged by calling (314) 837-3525.
HISTORY
MISSION
HOW TO HELP
Music provided by local St. Louis
artist and musician Rick Mester.





To learn more about Rick and his work
click his picture above or to learn how to
purchase the Ishur Ninku CD with this
song then click the album cover below.
And also visit:
WWW.ISHURNINKU.COM







ASIAN RAIN
Artist: Ishur Ninku
CD: Ishur Ninku
Label: Zophim Records
Credits: (c)(p) 2002 Sombrant
Reality Productions/ASCAP

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