Museum Hours
CLOSED NOW
Decorating for Olde World Christmas
Re-Open November 1
Guided Tours Only
Tour Times - 11:30am, 1pm, 2:30pm
*Purchase tickets online.
Walk-ins Welcome
NON-REFUNDABLE
Museum Location
720 N. 4th Street
Kansas City, Kansas 66101
Contact Us
913-371-3264
shecs@strawberryhillmuseum.org
History of the Cruise-Scroggs Mansion
The Strawberry Hill Ethnic Cultural Society was formed in 1988 to promote, sponsor and preserve the ethnic heritage prevalent in Kansas City, Kansas. The Strawberry Hill Museum and Cultural Center celebrates the many nationalities of Kansas City residents. Built in 1887, the core building is an outstanding example of Victorian Queen Anne Style architecture and was home to the Cruise-Scroggs family for 32 years. In 1919, the mansion was opened by the Sisters of St. Francis of Christ the King to care for children orphaned during the 1918 influenza pandemic. The orphanage, operated in connection with St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, and closed in 1988 for the conversion to the Strawberry Hill Ethnic Museum & Cultural Center.
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Museum Event Calendar
At the Strawberry Hill Museum, there’s always something happening! Throughout the year, we host a variety of events and hands-on experiences that bring our community together.
Our cooking classes are a favorite, giving you the chance to learn how to make traditional ethnic dishes like Sarma (cabbage rolls), Pierogi (Polish dumplings), Povitica (Croatian nut bread), Apple Strudel, and more. From soups to cookie decorating, every class is a delicious way to connect with heritage and friends.
We also celebrate with special events such as our Annual 5K, Breakfast with St. Nick, and other seasonal gatherings that make the Museum a lively place all year long.
Do you have a special recipe or tradition to share? We’re always looking for new class instructors and fresh ideas. It’s a wonderful way to bring people of all backgrounds together, support the Museum, and—most importantly—have fun!
Three-Part History
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1887
The Victorian home was built by John G. Braecklein for John and Margaret Scroggs. At age 21, this was Mr. Braecklein’s first commission. It was considered at the time one of the most outstanding examples of the Queen Anne Style architecture erected in Kansas City, Kansas. The Scroggs family lived there for 32 years.
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1919
In 1919 an influenza epidemic raged throughout the United States. Many children of the local St. John the Baptist Parish were left without one or both parents. Msgr. Martin D. Krmpotic, the Church’s Pastor, asked the Sisters of St. Francis of Christ the King to open a local orphanage for these children. On August 15, 1919, Msgr. Krmpotic with Sister M. Bonaventure visited the Cruise-Scroggs home and it was purchased for $15,400 to be used as a home for the children. The Sisters operated the orphanage from 1919 until the summer of 1988, when it was closed due to changing social needs.
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1988
Upon closing of the orphanage, the property was acquired by the Strawberry Hill Ethnic Cultural Society for conversion into a museum dedicated to the promotion and preservation of the Slavic heritage prevalent in the Kansas City, Kansas area.
Plan Your Visit
The Strawberry Hill Museum is dedicated to keeping our patrons and volunteers safe while ensuring your visit is both memorable and enjoyable. To give you the best possible experience, we ask that you purchase tickets online in advance during the holiday season. Tours are scheduled in smaller groups, allowing for a more personal guided experience with your docent as you explore the Museum and its exhibits.
During the holiday season, the Museum transforms into a wonderland for our Olde World Christmas celebration. With smaller groups, you’ll have the chance to truly soak in the magic of the decorations throughout the Victorian Home, orphanage, and Museum. To make your visit even more special, we offer nighttime tours, appetizer tours, and dinner tours, giving you a chance to enjoy the lights and atmosphere after dark.
Looking for a festive gathering space? The Museum also offers the opportunity to rent our Tomasic Hall, Tea Room, or Chapel for holiday parties and events, creating a warm and memorable setting for you and your guests.
Get Involved
As part of the Museum family supporters whether through, Memberships, Donations, or Volunteering you are helping us to achieve our mission to promote, sponsor and preserve the ethnic heritage which is housed in the cultural center of the Strawberry Hill Museum.
Our Partners & Sponsors
