Center for Missouri Studies

Founded in 1898, the State Historical Society of Missouri is the premier research center for the study of Missouri state and local history. The administrative headquarters of the Society is located at the Center for Missouri Studies in Columbia, Missouri. This state-of-the-art facility opened in 2019 and secures the ability of SHSMO to carry out its work for a second century.

View a Virtual Tour of the Center

At the Center for Missouri Studies, a second floor research center connects students, researchers, patrons, and genealogists with the collections that the State Historical Society of Missouri holds on their behalf. The Center's impressive first floor gallery is designed to properly showcase one-of-a-kind pieces, whether they are the iconic works of George Caleb Bingham and Thomas Hart Benton or original Hare and Hare architectural drawings from the Kansas City collections. Flexible public spaces are also available for hosting a wide range of events, including college and university classes.

Through its education program, the Center fosters ongoing study of Missouri's past, encouraging connections among scholars in fields such as history, geography, folklore, anthropology, journalism, and other disciplines. Center initiatives consolidate and extend the State Historical Society of Missouri's multifaceted efforts to support scholars, publish new works, provide educational programs, and promote greater understanding of Missouri's history.

The Center publishes the Missouri Historical Review. The cornerstone of SHSMO's publications program since 1906, this quarterly journal offers scholarly articles on diverse topics in Missouri history. An active book publisher, SHSMO's publications have covered everything from editorial cartoons to German settlement. Copies of SHSMO publications can be purchased at the Center's Ronald F. and Patty Richard Bookstore and online.

The Center for Missouri Studies competitive fellowship program extends SHSMO's mission to promote and disseminate the study of the state's history and culture. The fellowships specifically encourage scholarship in new or underexplored areas.

Contact

Phone Number
(573) 882-7083
Mailing Address
605 Elm Street, Columbia, MO 65201

Visit

Physical Address
605 Elm Street, Columbia, MO 65201
Parking

On-site Parking

The Center for Missouri Studies has limited visitor parking available in a parking lot located at the corner of Locust and 6th Streets. Visitors can receive a free daily parking pass at the Welcome Desk in the Center lobby.

More Parking Options

The University of Missouri Hitt Street Parking Structure has metered parking available on Level 4. Visitors may also purchase a temporary virtual permit through MU Parking.

The City of Columbia parking garage at 6th and Cherry Streets. More information, including rates, can be found on the City of Columbia Public Works site. You can view more parking tips on The District website.

Hours

Research Center

Appointments are strongly encouraged to ensure that requested materials are available at the time of your visit. Make an appointment using the research request form.

Sunday Closed
Monday Closed
Tuesday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Bookstore Hours
Sunday Closed
Monday Closed
Tuesday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. & 1:30-4 p.m.
Wednesday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. & 1:30-4 p.m.
Thursday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. & 1:30-4 p.m.
Friday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. & 1:30-4 p.m.
2nd & 4th Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Administrative Offices

Sunday Closed
Monday Closed
Tuesday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday Closed

Holiday Closures