A new exhibition in the Wenneker Family Corridor Gallery, located at SHSMO's Center for Missouri Studies in Columbia, opened this week, offering insight into the working relationship and friendship of two influential senators from opposing parties, representing Missouri at the same time: Senators Tom Eagleton (Democrat) and John Danforth (Republican). Both served alongside each other in the US senate from 1977 to 1987. Through a grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission, SHSMO archivists continue to process the papers of multiple elected officials from Missouri, which included Senators Danforth and Eagleton.
Processing almost 1,000 cubic feet of political papers makes it possible to better understand the priorities, concerns, and needs of Missouri’s elected officials and their constituents, and how those officials dealt with innumerable challenges. This exhibition offers an inside look at Eagleton's and Danforth's correspondences, thoughts, and actions while they worked across the aisle with grace, determination and humor.
The Dynamic Duo: Danforth and Eagleton Work Across the Aisle exhibition runs through September 27, 2025, and is available to view during regular visitor hours at the Center for Missouri Studies, 605 Elm St., Columbia. The exhibit is located on the 2nd floor. A public reception for the exhibit opening will be announced at a later date this spring.