Missouri Humanities

Thursday Evening Speaker Series: Tom Connor, Joplin's Zinc King
2026-05-14 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Missouri State Archives, 600 W. Main St., Jefferson City, 65101
The Thursday Evening Speaker Series is free of charge and open to the public. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Unless otherwise noted, programs will be held at the Missouri State Archives, located at 600 W. Main Street in Jefferson City. The series is underwritten by the Friends of the Missouri State Archives.
Born in Ireland, Tom Connor lived the classic American rags-to-riches story. He witnessed several of the Civil War’s major battles as a newsboy with the 8th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, then spent a decade wandering around the U.S. working various odd jobs before ending up in southwest Missouri. Connor soon developed a knack for knowing which tracts of land had rich zinc deposits beneath. He bought thousands of acres of land containing the ore and was a millionaire by the time he turned 31. He also “grubstaked” countless other miners, furnishing picks, drills, and other supplies in exchange for a percentage of royalties if a strike resulted. Unlike Joplin’s other mining kings, Connor never built a mansion for himself, preferring to spend his money on others. He gave thousands of dollars to churches and charities in Joplin land his hometown of Tiffin, Ohio, but his greatest gift was “the finest hotel property in this part of the country.”
Presented by author Chad Stebbins

History talk: Mary Meachum and the St. Louis Underground Railroad
2026-05-16 10:00 - 11:00 | Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, 7400 Grant Rd, St. Louis, MO, 63123, United States
St. Louis was an active stop on the Underground Railroad with its close proximity to the free state of Illinois. One of St. Louis’s most prominent conductors on the Underground Railroad was Mary Meachum. The widow of a free, black minister John Berry Meachum spent years with her husband teaching both free and enslaved blacks how to read and write, defying Missouri law. In May 1855, Mary led a boat of freedom-seekers on a midnight crossing of the Mississippi River toward Alton, Illinois. Upon arriving at shore, the party was met by law enforcement and all arrested, including Meachum. While the fates of most of the enslaved are unknown, Mary was released from custody shortly after the event and never charged. Local Meachum historian Angela DaSilva will discuss the St. Louis and the Underground Railroad and the brave individuals who sought to help those seeking freedom in a free state.
This program is free, please call (314) 842-1867 ext. 230 to make reservations.

French Heritage Festival
2026-05-20
Music, programs, dancing, living history encampments are all part of the full day’s activities at the French Heritage Festival in Ste. Genevieve, MIssouri. Historic houses, food, and entertainment are all available for visitors, in addition to a visit from the Marquis de LaFayette.

Sports in Kansas City
2026-05-28 10:00 - 2026-06-12 17:00 | Black Archives of Mid-America, 1722 E. 17th Terr.,, Kansas City, MO, 64108
A new, short-term exhibition that presents the history of Black athletes and the impact Kansas City has had on professional sports in the United States

Movies Made in Missouri
2026-05-28 18:00 - 19:00 | Scenic Regional Library–Owensville, 503 S. Olive Street, Owensville, 65066
While it’s not Hollywood, there have been nearly one hundred movies made in Missouri from the earliest times in the industry to the present day. Jim Erwin tells the stories of the films and their stars—from Tom Mix’s and Walt Disney’s first movies to latter day films featuring George Clooney, Ben Affleck, and Kevin Costner. Using film clips, movie stills, publicity posters, behind-the-scenes shots, and present-day photos of filming locations, Jim tells the stories of the hits, the flops, the famous and the obscure productions made in the Show Me State.

George Washington & the Whiskey Rebellion
2026-05-28 18:00 - 19:30
Dr. Richard Faulkner will present a program on George Washington & the Whiskey Rebellion for Platte County Historical Society at 6 p.m. in Platte City at the First Christian Church at 708 3rd Street, across from the Ben Ferrel Platte Co. Museum which is owned and operated by the historical society. This event coincides with the historical society’s exhibit “Revolutionary War Era, RIGHT HERE!” at the museum.

Salon de Griot: Conversations in Art, Ancestry, and Community
2026-05-29 18:00 - 20:00 | The Griot Museum of Black History, 2505 Saint Louis Avenue, St. Louis, MO, 63106, United States
Join us for a two-hour gathering hosted in partnership with the Black Genome Project (BGP). This special event creates a unique space for conversation and reflection at the intersection of genetics, ancestry, culture, art, and health. The evening will include short artist talks, a moderated panel conversation, and audience Q&A. Panelists will include members of the BGP community, artists participating in the exhibit, researchers, and members of the Griot team, each sharing perspectives on their work and lived experience. Guests will also have time to enjoy refreshments and connect informally with one another. Light snacks and drinks will be provided.

Author Talk: “The Memoirs of General William Tecumseh Sherman—The Complete Annotated Edition”
2026-05-30 10:00 - 11:00 | Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, 7400 Grant Rd, St. Louis, MO, 63123, United States
John Marszalek and David Nolen will discuss their latest publication, “The Memoirs of General William Tecumseh Sherman—The Complete Annotated Edition”. This edition is a Harvard University Press publication edited by MSU’s John F. Marszalek with Louie P. Gallo and David S. Nolen.
The program is free. Call 314-842-1867 ext. 230 for reservations.

Missouri Master Gardener Conference
2026-06-04 | Oasis Hotel & Convention Center, 2546 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, MO, 65804, United States
Dig into four days of learning and inspiration at the 2026 Missouri Master Gardener Conference June 4–7 in Springfield. This statewide event features expert speakers, hands-on gardening knowledge, and plenty of ideas to take back to your own garden. Open to all experience levels. Registration closes May 1. Details: https://bit.ly/MGConferenceSignUp.

The Great Tornado of 1925
2026-06-04 11:00 - 12:00 | Daviess County Senior Center, 109 S Main St., Gallatin, 64640
A hundred years ago, the deadliest tornado in American history originated in southern Missouri. Now known as the “Tri-State Tornado,” the storm originated near Ellington and swept through southeast Missouri before crossing into Illinois and Indiana. The devastation of the Tri-State Tornado revealed flaws in the nation’s storm forecasting and reporting system that grew out of a lack of coordination and a misplaced desire to avoid public panic, flaws that took decades to correct. This presentation uses contemporary accounts and images to re-create Missouri’s portion of “the forgotten storm.”

Rolla's Route 66 Summerfest
2026-06-04 17:30 - 2026-06-06 23:30
Celebrate 100 Years of Route 66 at Summerfest!
Join us in Downtown Rolla for a once-in-a-century kickoff to summer — June 4–6, 2026 — as we celebrate the Centennial of Route 66 in style!
We’ll kick things off Thursday night with a ribbon cutting and parade, featuring classic cars, and motorcycles ending at the festival lots.
After the parade, stick around for some great music at the bandshell.
This is more than a festival — it’s a milestone. Food, music, photo ops, vendors, activities for all ages… There will be more music and more time to celebrate and kick of summer the best way.
📍 Mark your calendars: June 4–6, 2026
📸 Bring the family, bring your appetite, and be part of the next 100 years of memories on Route 66!

First Saturdays at Keystone: Arts, Culture & Creative Entrepreneurship
2026-06-06, 2026-07-04 | Keystone CoLAB, 800 E 18th St, Kansas City, 64108

Art On The Side - Liberty
2026-06-06 08:00 - 17:00
A Celebration of Creativity! Join us in historic downtown Liberty, Missouri, for the annual Art on the Side Liberty Art Festival, a vibrant showcase of art, craftsmanship, and entertainment! This year’s festival will feature over 80 talented artists and artisan makers displaying their stunning creations. From fine art to handcrafted goods, there will be something for everyone to admire, purchase, and enjoy. The event will take place in the parking lots and on Main Street, right next to The Artisan Market at 118 N Main Street, Liberty, MO, transforming the area into a lively hub of artistic expression. The festival runs from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, packed with activities for all ages! Here’s what you can look forward to: Fine Artists & Artisan Marketplace: Explore an array of artwork and handcrafted items created by local and regional artists and makers. Paintings, glass, jewelry, textiles, ceramics, and more await you. Food Trucks: Treat yourself to delicious eats from a variety of food vendors offering local favorites. Children’s Activities: Bring the kids for chalk art, face painting, and other fun activities designed to spark their creativity.

National Trails Day
2026-06-06 10:00 - 15:00 | Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, 7400 Grant Rd, St. Louis, MO, 63123, United States
National Trails Day provides the perfect opportunity to set off on a local trail with others in your community. If you are out enjoying Gravois Greenway on National Trails Day, stop in and enjoy our new path that takes you down by the stream where First Lady Julia Dent Grant played as a child. If your canine companion is along, it is a great opportunity to make them a BARK Ranger. At 1:00 PM, a ranger will lead a two-mile walk along Grant’s Trail. The program is free.

Dr. Luke Ritter shares research on German Immigrants in Nineteenth-Century Missouri
2026-06-11 12:00 - 13:00 | St. Charles Rotary Club, 520 N Benton Avenue, St. Charles, 63301

Night at the Museum
2026-06-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Christian County Museum, 100 E Elm St, Ozark, 65721
The evening will include a museum artifact scavenger hunt through newly renovated exhibits, hors d’oeuvres and drinks, silent auction, a presentation by historian Wayne Glenn, and a gift for all attendees.

Author Talk: Presidential Road Trips
2026-06-13 10:00 - 11:00 | Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, 7400 Grant Rd, St. Louis, MO, 63123, United States
From the birthplace of George Washington to the train depot where Jimmy Carter launched
his presidential campaign, Presidential Road Trips – 100 Places To Explore and Experience
The History of American Presidents will help you plan an unforgettable American history
lesson! Follow travel author Bill Clevlen as he explores the places where future presidents
spent their formative years, and the retreats where they relaxed, entertained, and made
consequential decisions. The program is free. Call 314-842-1867 ext. 230 for reservations.

Landscapes of Summertime Past
2026-06-13 10:00 - 16:00 | Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, 7400 Grant Rd, St. Louis, MO, 63123, United States
Twenty historic sites are joining together for this event. See how our ancestors connected
with the land, in both ornamental and practical ways. Take the opportunity to enjoy the
new path through our native grasses to Little Prairie Creek. White Haven will be open from
9:30 AM to 4:30 PM with ranger presentations at the top of the hour.

Turkic Food and Art Festival
2026-06-13 11:00 - 17:00 | Dialogue Institute Kansas City, 4215 Shawnee Drive, Kansas City, 64106
Join us for a vibrant Turkish Food and Art Festival celebrating culture, community, and connection!
Enjoy a delicious variety of authentic Turkish cuisine, including freshly prepared dishes, desserts, and traditional drinks. Experience the richness of Turkish culture through live art, music, and interactive activities for all ages.
✨ What to expect:
• Authentic Turkish food and desserts
• Cultural art displays and handmade crafts
• Live music and performances
• Family-friendly activities
• A welcoming community atmosphere
Bring your friends and family and come explore the beauty of Turkish culture with us. We look forward to sharing this special day with you!

Friends of the Missouri State Archives Annual Meeting
2026-06-13 11:30 - 14:00 | Missouri State Archives, 600 W. Main St., Jefferson City, 65101
The Friends Annual Meeting event begins with a brief business meeting, followed by a catered lunch, then a program from our guest speaker. Stephen L. Kling, Jr. will present on his book, The American Revolutionary War in the West. His presentation will include a detailed look at the Battle of St. Louis in 1780 and Missouri’s invovlement in the American Revolutionary War. His book will be available for sale at the event.
This is a ticketed event but open to the public. A Friends of the Missouri State Archives membership guarantees one ticket to the event. Laura Ingalls Wilder members and higher levels guarantee two tickets to the event. Additional tickets or tickets for non-members are $25 each. Cash or check payment accepted at the door. RSVP required by all attendees by Tuesday, June 9th. Reservations can be sent to MSAOutreach@sos.mo.gov.

2026 French Heritage Festival
2026-06-13 11:30 - 21:00 | Lion’s Club Park, 155 Market Street, Ste. Genevieve, 63670
The Ste. Genevieve French Heritage Festival is a cultural celebration of treasured traditions, skills, cuisines, stories and musical talents of the French Creole Corridor in and around Ste. Genevieve. Held annually on the second Saturday in June, the French Heritage Festival features musical performances, storytelling, living history skill demonstrations, games and frontier folk dancing in a family friendly event set among the amazing and rare 18th century architecture of the Ste. Genevieve historic district.

Flag Day Commemorative Program: The Thirteen Colonies and Their Flags
2026-06-13 13:00 - 14:00 | George Washington Carver National Monument, 5646 Carver Road, Diamond, Missouri, 64840
Join us this Flag Day to commemorate the adoption of the American flag as the national flag of the United States on June 14, 1777, with guest storyteller and reenactor Kavan Stull.

War Pigeon! Missouri’s role in the training of pigeons and pigeoneers in WWII
2026-06-13 14:00 - 15:00 | Polk County Library, 1690 W Broadway, Bolivar, 65613
Neosho, Missouri found itself the home to Camp Crowder, a US Army Signal Corps replacement training center, built in 1942. In 1943, the Army Signal Pigeon Corps moved from New Jersey to Missouri and began operations. Camp Crowder became the training and breeding home to the pigeon corps. Several of the ten Signal Pigeon Companies the Army created in WWII were built and training at Camp Crowder. In 1946 the pigeons moved back to New Jersey, leaving an unusual history in the Missouri base that has long been forgotten.
The presentation covers the Pigeon Corps from 1917-1957, with an emphasis on the training program at Camp Crowder. It also covers the unusual field formation of the Signal Pigeon Company, the only Army formation capable of self-sustaining it’s own staffing due to breeding of birds. Stories of hero birds are also told. The program survived through the Korean War and was disbanded in 1957, 40 years after it’s creation.

Second Sunday- Free Days at the Museum
2026-06-14 10:00 - 16:00 | The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, 5235 Oak Street, Kansas City, MO 64112, Kansas City, M, 64112, United States
Bring the whole family to Free Days at the Museum. Occurring on every second Sunday of the month, Free Days provide greater access to The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures’ vast and awe-inspiring collections for visitors near and far.
All attendees can explore the Museum at no charge.

Author Talk with Tom Drennen
2026-06-15 18:30 - 20:00 | Cass County Library Harrisonville Branch Meeting Room, 400 E Mechanic, Harrisonville, MO, 64701, United States
Tom Drennen offer a presentation on his new book Guardian Guerillas, a historical fiction about life during the Civil War and after as told from Frank James’ perspective. This free event is open to the public.

Dedication of Honoring the Mule Statue
2026-06-24 09:30 - 10:30 | Cole County Courthouse, 301 E. High St, Jefferson City, 65101
Cole County250th Anniversary Committee, with Cole County, will be dedicating the In Honor of the Mule Statue along with a WWI Doughboy and a Marine bulldog, in honor of America’s 250th Anniversary. Governor Mike Kehoe will be the guest speaker, with the program Emceed by Bob Priddy. The Event will be at the Cole County Courthouse.

Ranger Talk: The Grants' World Tour
2026-06-28 13:00 - 14:00 | Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, 7400 Grant Rd, St. Louis, MO, 63123, United States
Following eight years in the White House, Ulysses and Julia needed a break. What began
as a trip to London to visit their daughter, Nellie, ultimately turned into an unprecedented
2-1/2 year tour around the world. As a war hero and former president, Grant was greeted
as a celebrity and unofficial ambassador. Park Guide Jared Clark follows the Grant’s
adventure as they traveled around the world. The program is free. Call 314-842-1867 ext.
230 for reservations.

Keynote Event: Denise Kiernan
2026-06-30 18:00 - 21:00 | The Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Square, St. Louis, 63103
Join Missouri Humanities in St. Louis this summer for a fireside chat with bestselling author Denise Kiernan!
Kiernan is the author of The Girls of Atomic City and The Last Castle. She will be discussing her upcoming book, Obstinate Daughters, about the writers, renegades, enslaved women, soldiers, and community leaders who ignited the fight for America’s independence.
This program is supported by the Kinder Institute on Constitutional Democracy, The State Historical Society of Missouri, and Anders CPA.
June 30th, 2026 │ The Grandel Theatre, St. Louis, MO
Purchase tickets at https://www.metrotix.com/events/detail/denise-kiernan

Independence Day Concert
2026-07-04 10:00 - 11:00 | Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, 7400 Grant Rd, St. Louis, MO, 63123, United States
Celebrate Independence Day with music at White Haven! Join White Haven Brass—a quintet of talented staff and volunteers from Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site— for a spirited performance honoring America 250. Enjoy classic patriotic favorites along with marching songs once sung by Union soldiers and supporters during the Civil War.
The concert is free and will take place on the front lawn of White Haven. Bring a chair or blanket. In case of inclement weather, the performance will be moved indoors to the auditorium. No reservations required.
