Latest News & Announcements

SHSMO Executive Director Gary Kremer Announces Retirement

The State Historical Society of Missouri (SHSMO) Executive Director Gary Kremer will retire from his position in October 2025 after more than 21 years with the Society and more than 50 years as a highly regarded leader, educator, and advocate for preserving, publishing and sharing the state’s history. Kremer announced his retirement plans at the recent annual meeting of the State Historical Society of Missouri. During his tenure, Kremer led the organization through tremendous growth in services and facilities to benefit Missourians across the state.

Art Exhibition Highlights Conservation Movement in Missouri

The State Historical Society of Missouri invites the public to view a new exhibit, Wild Missouri – the ART of Conservation, open now through March 29, 2025, at the SHSMO Art Gallery located in the Center for Missouri Studies, 605 Elm St., Columbia. A public reception featuring the exhibit’s curator Joan Stack and photographer Noppadol Paothong will be held Saturday, October 26 from 1:30-3 p.m.

Orphan Train Mystery in Missouri

Jefferson City native Dr. Greg Markway is a descendant of a child who rode on the orphan train from New York to Missouri. He has done extensive research tracing his grandfather's journey to Missouri and will be sharing some of his finding at the next History on Elm program, Oct. 8, noon, at the State Historical Society of Missouri Center for Missouri Studies. 

Missouri Humanities Awards Major Grant to Missouri History Day

Missouri History Day, administered by the State Historical Society of Missouri as part of the National History Day contest, recently received a major grant of $15,000 from Missouri Humanities for the 2024-2025 contest year. Missouri Humanities is a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. The grant funding will be used for student and teacher workshops, contest venue costs, and to help offset the costs for program supplies and promotional giveaways at outreach events statewide. 

SHSMO Adds New Biographies to Historic “Mizzourians”

Explore the new Historic “Mizzourians” biographies, now available on SHSMO's website . These new biographies are made possible through a generous donation from Carolyn P. and Robin R. Wenneker, whose financial support allows the State Historical Society of Missouri to expand the “Historic Mizzourians” initiative, highlighting prominent Missourians whose lives have intersected with the University of Missouri in meaningful ways.

History on Elm Series Examines Missouri’s French Creole Culture

On September 10, the State Historical Society of Missouri’s History on Elm series kicks off its free public programs this fall with stories and folklore of Missouri’s French Creole. French roots in the region go back at least as far as 1723 with the establishment of Old Mines, a lead mining community nestled in the foothills of the Saint Francois mountains in southeast Missouri.