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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white-haired Mark Twain in front of clapboard house
June 8, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm | Center for Missouri Studies

Gary Scharnhorst, author of The Life of Mark Twain in 3 volumes, will discuss Twain as a social satirist throughout his career, from the short story “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County” to his indictment of imperialism at the turn into the twentieth century. Scharnhorst’s epic and authoritative biography of Samuel Clemens not only offers new insights but also corrects a number of myths about America’s greatest writer.


Ozark Music Festival logo with photo of crowd at event
June 9 | Center for Missouri Studies, Columbia

In 1974, concert goers flocked to Sedalia for the Ozark Music Festival held at the Missouri State Fairgrounds. Often called Missouri’s own Woodstock, the festival drew a crowd estimated as large as 350,000 people, comparing it to the crowd that gathered at Max Yasgur’s dairy farm in Bethel, New York in 1969. The Ozark Music Festival featured more than thirty musicians, including Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bob Seger, the Eagles, the Charlie Daniels Band, the Ozark Mountain Daredevils, and more. A Missouri State Senate report called the three-day festival a disaster.


1950s-era motel and cars with large motel sign reading "Maple Motel and Restaurant"
June 13, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm | Center for Missouri Studies

Plans are underway for the 100th anniversary of the “Mother Road” in 2026. Many organizations and individuals in multiple states, are involved in planning efforts for the 100th anniversary. Katie Seale, coordinator of the SHSMO Rolla and Springfield research centers, will talk about the collections initiative and how Missourians can be involved in this historic celebration.


Head and chest studio shot of Black man with mustache and gray hair in a suit
June 13, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm | Online

George Washington Carver had a genius for agriculture, a genius that allowed him to challenge prevailing norms and take a fresh look at topics that others considered settled. From peanut butter to soil rotation techniques, modern agriculture owes much to Carver's work.

What were George Washington Carver's contributions to modern agricultural science? What challenges did he face, and how did he overcome them?

Join the National Association of Scholars on June 13th for "American Innovation: George Washington Carver and Agricultural Innovation."


Roustabouts on St. Louis levee
June 15, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm | Virtual Program

Join us online, via Zoom, on Thursday, June 15, at 1 p.m. for a conversation with Gregg Andrews, author of the January 2022 Missouri Historical Review article “River Roustabouts of St. Louis.” Ken Winn, historian, author, and former Missouri State Archivist, will interview Andrews about his recent work. A native of Ralls County, Missouri, Andrews is Distinguished Professor Emeritus in History at Texas State University and the author of numerous articles and books, including Shantyboats and Roustabouts: The River Poor of St. Louis, 1875-1930.


crowd of people waits at doors to Jewell Theatre
June 16, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm | Meyer Library at Missouri State University

Join us for coffee and pastries and check out the NEW “Broadcasting the Ozarks” exhibit!


man pointing to elbow + blood drive information
June 30, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm | Center for Missouri Studies

Red Cross Blood Drive

Please join us for a blood drive at The State Historical Society of Missouri. Use the QR code to sign up or visit RedCrossBlood.org to schedule an appointment.


Recent On Demand Programs