By MATT PIKE
Following a renovation that brings three new historic spaces never seen by the public since repurposed as a museum, the Wyeth-Tootle Mansion will reopen to the public next month.
On July 2nd, St. Joseph Museums will host a members-only night at the Wyeth-Tootle at 6 pm for its annual membership meeting. The event will be in celebration of Mansion’s America 250 Renovation Project, funded by a $25,000 grant from the Missouri Humanities Council in order to celebrate the history of the United States.
The public will be able to view the re-opening the next day on July 3rd. Three new dual-purpose rooms open to the public will feature exhibits called “His-story,” “Her-story” and “Our-story.” The exhibits will provide the history of the men, women and community of St. Joseph. Visitors of the mansion will see examples of Victorian, Italian and Gothic architectural styles.
Built in 1879 by William and Eliza Wyeth, the mansion was designed by famous St. Joseph architect Edmond J. Eckel, who also designed buildings like the Downtown Branch of St. Joseph Public Library System, the Corby Building, the St. Joseph News-Press building, Central High School, and St. Joseph City Hall. The 43-room manor emulates castles along the Rhine River in Germany.
The mansion is open seasonally April through October. It is also available to rent for private events such as weddings. Its hours of operation are 10 am to 4 pm Friday and Saturday. Groups of 10 or more may tour the house outside of regular hours by appointment.
Tickets for admission are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $8 for students, $4 for children ages 4-6 and kids ages 3 and younger may enter for free.
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