SHSMO Center for Missouri Studies
605 Elm St.
Columbia, Mo.
The State Historical Society of Missouri through its major sponsor Veterans United, is hosting a public reading of the Declaration of Independence at 5 p.m., July 8, which will be simultaneously read across the country to mark the 250th anniversary of the first public reading of the Declaration. Joining us to celebrate the anniversary is the Black Diamond Experience (music of Neil Diamond) and a portrayal of John and Abigail Adams by actors of the Lyceum Theatre in Arrow Rock. Tiger Stripe ice cream will be served, compliments of the Daughters of American Revolution Columbian Chapter.
Please join us for the reception at 4 p.m. inside Cook Hall. The program opens with a Color Guard at 4:50 p.m. The public reading with members of the mid-Missouri community begins at 5 p.m., followed by entertainment until 7 p.m.
In addition, the Barter Boat will be here on our parking lot from 3-7 p.m., welcoming anyone who would like to bring a small treasure/object and trade it for an item that catches your eye! The Barter Boat is about learning from people through object exchange.
Free and open to the public - all ages welcome!
More about the Entertainment:
Black Diamond Experience: Theron Denson, also known by his stage name 'Black Diamond,' is a unique and talented performer who has gained recognition for his work as a Neil Diamond tribute artist. Hailing from various places in Missouri, including Columbia (inducted into Rock Bridge High School Hall of Fame, his alma mater), Denson has been performing as the world's only Black Neil Diamond impersonator for over two decades. Known for his quick smile, natural showmanship, and soulful voice, Denson has been welcomed warmly by audiences across the country and has opened for artists, including The Pointer Sisters, the Village People, Sheena Easton, Boys II Men, Three Dog Night, and the Spinners, among others. He has been featured in a biography, appeared on a late-night national network talk show, and named one of Nashville's most interesting people by the Nashville Scene.
Barter Boat: This unique art installation, resembling a carnival stand, travels to community events, cultural and art institutions, and public parks to engage with people through the act of bartering. Everything traded at the Barter Boat goes into an inventory of treasures that the boat's artist team repackages into small collections, which are then available to trade with the community at its next stop. The Barter Boat will barter almost anything that doesn’t rot. They've traded for lucky rocks, original drawings, sentimental keepsakes, special one-offs, letters from lovers and mothers, and even historic artifacts. Participants are encouraged to trade objects that hold meaning beyond financial value because oral history is a big component of what makes a Barter Boat interaction special. It offers a platform to reflect on the significance of everyday lived experiences, and it connects individuals to one another through generosity and art. Barter Boat is a collaborative project by Desireé Moore, Anna Elliott, and Robin Schwartzman and sponsored by SHSMO in partnership with Missouri Humanities and the Missouri Humanities Trust Fund.