Calendar
Events
As part of its mission to generate interest and appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of the state and its people, the Society hosts a wide range of engaging and educational events for scholars and community members of all ages.
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August 6–8
| Columbia
Join us in Columbia to commemorate the Missouri Bicentennial with music, exhibitions, talks, film screenings, folk art demonstrations, and performances. Together for '21 Fest is organized by the State Historical Society of Missouri and the University of Missouri.
August 6, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
| Center for Missouri Studies, Columbia
Stop by the Hulston Lobby at the Center for Missouri Studies and leave a note to future Missourians in the Missouri Bicentennial Time Capsule. Once sealed, the time capsule will be housed at the State Historical Society of Missouri until August 10, 2046, when it will be re-opened and shared with the public.
August 6, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
| Center for Missouri Studies, Columbia
The Richard Bookstore at the Center for Missouri Studies features Missouri-sourced and themed gifts for all ages. Join us during Together for '21 Fest for a special Bicentennial Open House, showcasing bicentennial-themed merch and a wide selection of books on Missouri history.
August 6, 9:00 am – 9:50 am
| Center for Missouri Studies, Columbia
University of Missouri College of Engineering faculty and the associate curator of European and American art from the Museum of Art and Archaeology will discuss the process of developing the virtual reality exhibition Missouri: Heart of the Nation.
August 6, 9:00 am – 9:50 am
| University of Missouri–Columbia, Jesse Hall Rotunda
Located in the House of Representatives Lounge at the Missouri State Capitol, A Social History of Missouri by Thomas Hart Benton is an iconic set of murals depicting the history and culture of Missouri. Join us at Jesse Hall on Friday, August 6, for a formal tour of the 70% scale reproduction mural by The Art of the Missouri Capitol author Bob Priddy. Tours begin at 9:00 am, 10:00 am, and 1:00 pm (Friday only).
Exhibitions
Art and educational exhibitions illustrate transformative moments in Missouri and U.S. history. The State Historical Society of Missouri houses exhibition galleries at the Center for Missouri Studies in Columbia. SHSMO also provides materials for display in galleries and exhibition spaces across the state.
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August 10, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
| Missouri State Capitol, Jefferson City
Oriented around the four seasons, these selected photographs by professional and amateur photographers showcase the geographic and cultural landscape of the state. On the occasion of Missouri's bicentennial, they provide an opportunity to reflect upon and increase the understanding of the state's rich diversity.
August 10, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
| Missouri State Capitol, Jefferson City
In 1921, Vinnorma Shaw designed a poster to commemorate the Missouri Centennial and advertise the Missouri Centennial Exposition at the Missouri State Fair. One hundred years later, Missouri students help us commemorate the state’s 200th anniversary with these winning designs.
August 10, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
| Missouri State Capitol, Jefferson City
Since the pioneer days of the American Midwest, quilts have been a cornerstone of Missouri culture, fashion, and tradition. This exhibition features quilts made across the state in honor of the bicentennial year.
August 10, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
| Missouri State Capitol, Jefferson City
In commemoration of the Missouri Bicentennial, juried Best of Missouri Hands artists Aaron Horrell and Barb Bailey assisted thousands of Missourians across the state in painting a large composite aluminum panel mural featuring Missouri state symbols, including the state capitol building, state flag, and the St. Louis Gateway Arch among others.
August 9–10
| Missouri State Capitol, Jefferson City
Visitors can follow a river of time that flows through thousands of years of Missouri history. Illustrated by St. Louis-based artist Dan Zettwoch and stretching 80 feet, the timeline highlights the triumphs and tragedies of Missouri history. Missouri’s state symbols and fun references to Missouri’s culture and folklore are scattered along the timeline. Visit to see what you find hidden in the illustrations.
On Demand Programs
Many State Historical Society of Missouri programs are freely available on demand to worldwide audiences. The most recently published videos are available at the links below. See all on demand programs here.
In this final episode of Missouri 2021 Presents, we take a look at the festivals and events surrounding Missouri Statehood Day in August 2021
Records involving land transfers after the original title holder often require a deeper level of understanding to be used effectively. Watch as Bill Eddleman provides an overview on locating available information in land records and other sources.
In this inaugural Missouri Historical Review Author Series program, Larry Gragg, PhD, profiles George E. Ladd, the strong-willed director of the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy (MSM) at the turn of the twentieth century.
Explore bicentennial musical events that speak to and about Missouri!