October 26, 2024

Museum volunteers inventory donated items each week. Sometimes they uncover unexpected treasures. That was the case last week when one of the museum volunteers uncovered three Series E U.S. Savings Bonds. The bonds were identified as War Savings Bonds and issued in 1943 and 1944. A local bank confirmed the bonds were still negotiable and worth a total of approximately $500.

The bonds were issued to the maiden name of one of the History Museum members who lives out of state. Her mother, listed as owner, purchased the bonds for her young daughter about 80 years ago. Somehow they accidentally were included in a box of family items donated to the museum. Fortunately after a couple emails and a phone call, the bonds were safely returned to the owner.

The History museum accepts donated items that are related to Lee’s Summit history. To learn more about items that are accepted by the museum you may contact the History Museum at 816-287-4477 during normal museum hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Many other treasured artifacts are on display at the History Museum located at 220 SW Main Street in downtown Lee’s Summit. Admission is $5. Members and children 12 and under are free.