SHSMO assists research patrons from all over the world. Whether you visit in person or take advantage of the Society's research services, research center staff will do their best to accommodate requests for collections access.
Collections
The State Historical Society of Missouri is home to more than 9,000 manuscript collections, more than 8,000 maps, over 56,000 rolls of newspapers on microfilm, over 4,800 oral history interviews, and original photographs, postcards, and other graphic materials. The reference collection of books, pamphlets, and official state publications total more than 165,000 items. SHSMO also boasts the nation's best collection of Missouri regional and westward expansion art.
You can begin to explore the material in these collections by clicking the links below.
- Art Collection
- Digital collections
- Manuscript Collection
- Map Collection
- Newspaper Collection
- Oral History Collection
- Photograph Collection
- Reference Collection
By Topic
To explore SHSMO resources by topic area, please view the research guides.
Need Help?
Providing access to collections is at the core of the Society's mission. If you've explored the resources above and still need help on your research journey, please make a selection from the menu below.
I plan to research at an SHSMO research center
Before arriving at one of the Society's six research centers, visitors should submit a research request to verify that the collection material they would like to view is available, as materials may be restricted, in storage, or located at another research center.
Collections stored at one research center can be viewed at any of the other research centers. Please note that transfers between research centers can take between one and three weeks. Please contact the Cape Girardeau and Springfield Research Centers directly for information regarding the next available bi-monthly collection material delivery.
Materials from the manuscript, photograph, audio\visual, and map collections may not be available on Saturdays unless previous arrangements have been made to place them on reserve. This is due to limited staffing and access to restricted areas on the weekends. Saturday hours apply to the Columbia research center only.
I need help researching remotely
The State Historical Society of Missouri has several ways patrons can complete research without visiting a research center in person. Click the links below for more information.