Latest News & Announcements

Mother Nature is unpredictable and terrifying at times. Missouri has faced more than its share of extreme weather this year, with damaging tornadoes and raging floodwaters affecting many parts of the state. In May, tornadoes swept across southwest and central Missouri, with one killing three people in Barton County and another ravaging Jefferson City. The one that struck the capital city tore through a historic district of hundred-year-old homes and businesses, as well as other neighborhoods.

The Center for Missouri Studies opened in grand style on August 10 with ceremonies and celebrations attended by about 1,200 supporters of the State Historical Society of Missouri. On a day chosen to coincide with the 198th anniversary of Missouri statehood, crowds witnessed elegant speeches and a ribbon cutting before pouring through the Center’s south front doors for the public’s first look at SHSMO’s new headquarters.

There will come a time, I suppose—although I cannot yet envision it—when I will not approach the Center for Missouri Studies and think, “Oh, My Lord!”

The thought came to me one morning in mid-June as I stood on the sidewalk across from the south entrance. Workers high above were...

The State Historical Society of Missouri is making plans for the Annual Meeting, November 2, at the Center for Missouri Studies in Columbia. The event includes the annual business meeting and awards presentations, a luncheon, and the debut of the My Missouri Lecture Series.

The staff at the Center for Missouri Studies is so excited to open our headquarters to visitors and patrons, once again! Thank you to the 1,200-plus visitors and dignitaries who welcomed us to our new home on Saturday, August 10.

Our Columbia Research Center and Main Art Gallery are open to visitors Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The administrative offices are open from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

Columbia Missourian—Every year, Aug. 10 marks the anniversary of Missouri’s entrance into the Union. This year, as noted by the society’s executive director Gary Kremer, the date bore even more significance, as it marked a transformational moment for the State Historical Society of Missouri and for residents hoping to learn more about the state.

“This is the first time in our history that we will occupy a building specifically designed and built for the State Historical Society in Missouri,” Kremer said. “That is a really good feeling.”

The Joplin Globe—It’s time for quilters and photographers to get their creative juices flowing for Missouri’s bicentennial observance. It’s a chance to strut their talents in creative projects of the state celebration.

Radio Friends with Paul Pepper—At long last, the State Historical Society of Missouri's new Center for Missouri Studies building will open its doors to the public this Saturday. Joan Stack tells us why this is one grand opening you won't want to miss!

KBIA—The State Historical Society of Missouri houses the state’s largest collection of oral histories, newspapers dating back to the year 1808, 12,000 Civil War manuscript pages, and more than 30,000 pieces of art, all adding up to more than 74 football fields worth of material, according to SHSMO.

Southeast Missourian—Local lore suggests the cupola on the Common Pleas Courthouse came from the old St. Charles Hotel. The origin of this story is apparently the book, "Cape Girardeau: Biography of a City," by Felix E. Snider and Earl A. Collins. In a discussion...