Calendar

A nation of scrappy strivers, Americans have been bound since the colonial period by the American Dream, an abiding faith that hard work pays off because of the country’s distinctive equality of opportunity. Dr. Joel Rhodes, executive director of the State Historical Society of Missouri, explores this central feature of our shared identity, tracing how generations of restless and ambitious Americans have optimistically pursued economic and social mobility while navigating historical challenges and modern realities.
 

On Stony Dell’s opening day, the Rolla Herald newspaper reported that the pool in Arlington, Missouri, attracted over 1,000 visitors; it quickly became a popular entertainment spot for locals, travelers along Route 66, construction workers, and military personnel at nearby Fort Leonard Wood during the 1930s, ‘40s, and ‘50s. the amenities at the Stony Dell complex included a spring-fed swimming pool with a slide and diving board, stone bathhouse, restaurant, rustic cabins, souvenir shop, filling station, and a park with a picnic area and rock garden.

Americans got their kicks watching episodes of Route 66 television show airing nine seasons from 1960-1964. The series followed two young men as they travelled the country in a Chevrolet Corvette on Route 66 in search of adventure and themselves. Join Sean Rost, Assistant Director of Research at SHSMO as he explores the portrayal of Route 66 in film and television. Kathleen Seale, regional director of the SHSMO Rolla and Springfield Research Centers is the webinar host of Asphalt to Archives.

During the Depression, Rev. Vincent Bucher was sent to the impoverished Ozarks to build a church—but ended up rebuilding a community. Before FDR’s New Deal, he organized co-ops, taught farming, and built bridges to unite isolated families. This video shares his impact through the memories of those he changed. Directed and edited by Jason Brasier, Produced by Don and Kathy Love featuring interviews recorded by staff at the State Historical Society of Missouri. This film was made possible by a grant from Missouri Humanities.

A Forest Gospel” looks at the Ozarks after the timber boom, when yearly fire-setting threatened the land’s recovery. Rev. Vincent Bucher raised funds from 20,000 donors to buy 4,000 acres and restore the forest. In 2017, carbon credits saved it from being sold. Featuring interviews with a towerman, foresters, and Rev. Bucher’s children. Directed and edited by Jason Brasier and produced by Mike and Cathy Love with interviews recorded by staff at the State Historical Society of Missouri. This film was made possible by a grant from Missouri Humanities.