This year marks 50 years since historian Gary Kremer, executive director of the State Historical Society of Missouri, published his first essay on the African American experience in Missouri. Kremer will discuss some of his most important findings over the course of a half century of research and writing on the topic of race in Missouri. The public is invited to Kremer’s talk on Tuesday, November 12, 6:30 p.m., at the State Historical Society of Missouri Center for Missouri Studies, 605 Elm St., Columbia, Mo. A public reception will be held beginning at 6 p.m. at the Center.
Kremer has written dozens of articles and five books on the topic of race in Missouri, a publishing record unrivalled by any other scholar of the subject. This presentation will feature Kremer talking about what he regards as some of his most important findings over the course of a half century of research and writing, along with stories about the fascinating people he has met and interviewed while documenting Missouri’s rich African American heritage. Kremer will also talk about the many ways in which he benefitted from studying under and working with Black history pioneer Dr. Lorenzo J. Greene who taught history at Lincoln University in Jefferson City from 1933 to 1972.
Kremer is the author of several books on George Washinton Carver, including a biography of the world-famous chemist from Diamond, Mo., who made important agriculture discoveries and inventions. Kremer, a fifth-generation Missourian, earned his PhD from American University in Washington, DC. He has served as the executive director of the State Historical Society of Missouri since 2004. He plans to retire in the fall of 2025.
The African American Experience in Missouri series began in 2016 to offer the public a new understanding of present-day Missouri by learning about the history of African Americans within the state. This event is co-sponsored by the State Historical Society of Missouri and the University of Missouri Press.