This page is for media sources who are interested in reporting on SHSMO. If you are a journalist with specific, topical research needs, please refer to this information about researching with SHSMO materials.
The State Historical Society of Missouri welcomes inquiries from members of the press about SHSMO events, collections and other news.
Contact Information
Media Contact
Beth Pike
Phone: (573) 884-7904
Email: pikebe@shsmo.org
General Contact Information
Email: contact@shsmo.org
Website: shsmo.org
Phone: (573) 882-7083
Address: 605 Elm Street, Columbia, MO 65201
Social Media
The State Historical Society regularly contributes newsworthy content on social media. Please view the social media contact page for links to the platforms where SHSMO is active. Follow the Society on these channels for the latest updates.
Press Releases
The State Historical Society distributes press releases to interested press members. If you would like to receive Society press releases, contact Beth Pike.
About the Society
The State Historical Society of Missouri is a membership organization founded in May 1898 by the Missouri Press Association and established as a trustee of the state in 1899. SHSMO collects, preserves, and publishes materials that enhance research and support learning opportunities in the study of Missouri and the Midwest.
Society operations support six research centers across Missouri, in Cape Girardeau, Columbia, Kansas City, Rolla, Saint Louis, and Springfield. The regional centers allow patrons to view collections and conduct research locally.
SHSMO Mission
The mission of the State Historical Society of Missouri is to collect, preserve, publish, exhibit, and make available material related to all aspects and periods of Missouri history. SHSMO also seeks to generate interest in and appreciation of the rich cultural heritage of the state and its people through education and outreach.
Collections
The Society actively collects materials related to Missouri history. The Society preserves paintings, political cartoons, fine art prints, photographs, newspapers, maps, and the written records of individuals, families, and organizations.
Since its founding by the Missouri Press Association, the State Historical Society continues to collect daily newspapers in the state. Its collection now includes more than 4,600 plus unique newspaper titles with 56 million news pages on microfilm. The rapidly growing Missouri Digital Newspaper Project provides free online public access to the state’s historic newspapers. Approximately 2.25 million pages between the years 1808 and 1995 are available online.
Our collections include:
- 7,000+ oral histories – the state’s largest collection
- 4,600+ newspaper titles – 1808 to the present
- 383,850+ photographs capturing Midwestern lives and places
- 2,000 rare books – oldest published in 1580
- 10,000+ manuscript collections
- 12,000 Civil War manuscript pages online
- 30,000+ pieces of art
- 8,000+ maps dating back to early 1700s
Publications, Public Programs, and Scholarship
In addition to caring for collections and working to provide easier access to records, SHSMO offers programs, lectures, and workshops as well as tours for school and community groups and in-depth orientation for secondary and university students conducting research.
Key Programs
- Missouri Historical Review – award-winning scholarly quarterly published since 1906.
- National History Day in Missouri – about 2,500 Missouri students in grades 6-12 participate in local, regional and national competitions each year.
- Historic Missourians – Biographies on notable Missourians for young readers.
- African American Experience in Missouri Lecture Series – connects top scholars, historians and genealogists with the public to foster understanding of Missouri’s past and present African American history.
- Missouri Encyclopedia – an ever-expanding online resource for exploring the history and culture of Missouri.
- Our Missouri – Podcast series exploring the state and its history, featuring notable experts and scholars.
- Missouri Conference on History – connects scholars and teachers to facilitate sharing the latest scholarship on Missouri history.
- Missouri Speakers Bureau – promotes public education for rural, urban, and suburban audiences throughout the state of Missouri.
- Awards, Grants, and Fellowships – recognize and promote outstanding scholarship on Missouri history.
- Missouri Bicentennial - Missouri commemorated the 200th anniversary of Missouri's entry as the 24th state to enter the U.S. SHSMO was designed by the Missouri State General Assembly as the state's planning agent for the multiple year commemoration of Missouri statehood. Many of these projects are available to view on our digital collections website.
About Our Name
Please keep in mind these helpful tips when writing or speaking about the State Historical Society of Missouri. The full name of our organization is State Historical Society of Missouri. It's acceptable to write State historical Society on second reference or use our acronym: SHSMO.
Please note that Missouri Historical Society is a different organization located in St. Louis. Often, our similar names are confused with each other.
Logo Guidelines
Please follow these guidelines when using the SHSMO logo.
- Do follow the guidelines listed on this page.
- Do keep enough space around SHSMO logos so they appear clean and uncluttered.
- Do maintain shape and proportion of each SHSMO logo and reproduce assets at a legible size.
- Do request permission to use logos in any capacity other than media purposes.
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- Don't use trademarks, names, domain names, logos, or other content that imitate or could be confused with the State Historical Society of Missouri.
- Don't use the trademarks, names, domain names, logos, or other content that imitate or could be confused with SHSMO to make promotional materials like stickers, buttons, or t-shirts.
- Don't use any combination of any part of The State Historical Society of Missouri brand with your name, marks, or generic terms.
- Don't modify SHSMO logos in any way, such as by changing the design color.