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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Cape Girardeau in 1858
December 10, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm | Center for Missouri Studies, Columbia

Cape Girardeau and Southeast Missouri played a larger role in the Civil War than most Missourians and others appreciate. Responding to the threat of occupation of Cape Girardeau by secessionists, the 20th Illinois Infantry occupied the town on July 10, 1861, and began to plan for four forts to protect against attack from the west and south. This presentation by SHSMO’s Bill Eddleman will discuss why Cape Girardeau was important to the war effort.


Underground Caverns, Onandaga Cave
December 12, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm | Virtual Program

In 1961, the Missouri Civil Defense Agency prepared for nuclear war by planning to evacuate urban populations to caves and mines in rural areas. Robert C. Ellis, the Jefferson City engineer who led the federally financed project, estimated that mines and caves could protect almost three-quarters of Missourians from radioactive fallout. The plan lacked one crucial element: meeting the basic needs of urban refugees. State and federal policymakers assumed rural Americans would voluntarily operate reception centers, and provide food, sanitation facilities, and first aid.


Laugh A Grams Studio
January 14, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm | Columbia

Disney author and historian Dan Viets picks up on Walt Disney’s life after the family moved from Marceline to Kansas City where he spent ten years, learning art and pioneering the field of animation. At age 20, Walt started Laugh-O-Gram Studio on the second floor of the McConahay Building, 1127 East 31st in Kansas City, which operated until 1923. Walt hired talented artists at Laugh-O-Gram, and together, they created early animation films that influenced Disney's famed career in film and theme parks.


Recent On Demand Programs