Meet the team striving to create a vibrant Missouri where the humanities are accessible to all.
Over 50 years dedicated to helping Missourians explore the people, places, and ideas that shape our society.
The study of how people connect to the human experience through history, culture, and traditions.
A legacy of grantmaking and leadership. Read the magazine!
In-person community or statewide events, festivals, and symposiums.
Major grants, mini grants, and grant guidelines.
Programs, workshops, and anthologies promoting veteran stories.
Small Town Showcase and workshops for communities.
Center for the Book and reading programs.
Check our videos, podcasts, and TV.
Missouri Marvels considers our state’s role in the intricate relationship between discovery, innovation, and the human experience.
Learn more about our upcoming Katy Trail Read & Ride Event.
Missouri Humanities strives to implement and support initiatives that highlight Native stories and voices.
Join us for a retrospective look marking the 30th anniversary of the Great Flood of 1993. The 1993 flood of the Missouri River and its tributaries was undoubtedly record-breaking. In its wake, the Great Flood left a landscape permanently changed. The disaster would go on record as the worst flood in United States history when […]
Neosho Arts Council is debuting their new Murals of Neosho Guide and Descriptive Audio Tour. Everyone can now visit the town’s murals in person or online while watching and listening to a descriptive audio tour of each piece. The audio descriptions will guide viewers through the work using descriptive language while weaving in historical and […]
Step into the Wild West with our Jesse James Bank Museum AR Experience! The Jesse James Bank Museum, located on the historic square in Liberty, Missouri, was the site of the nation's first successful daylight peacetime bank robbery. While the robbers were never caught, the crime was attributed to the infamous James Gang. Visitors will […]
Since 1949, professional photographers from around the country, including Missouri, have captured images of life in rural Missouri towns as part of the Missouri Photo Workshop, established at the Missouri School of Journalism. SHSMO is hosting an exhibition marking the 75th anniversary of the workshops. Visitors can study more than 100 images taken in 51 […]
Open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 10am-4pm, or groups of 10 or more with a reservation at other times. About the Exhibit: Missouri Humanities, in conjunction with the Smithsonian, are proud to present Crossroads: Change in Rural America. In 1900, about 40% of Americans lived in rural areas, By 2010, less than 18% of the U.S. […]
This video Installation by Valerie Wedel, an art professor at William Woods University in Fulton, Missouri, features enlarged, hand-painted copies of letters that are held in the archives of the State Historical Society of Missouri. The images have been artistically “aged” for effect, crumpled, torn, and scattered to represent controversies surrounding access to historical information. […]
Lights! Camera! Action! Missourians have contributed to the history of cinema since the earliest days of movie making. Dr. Sarah S. Jones, of the Missouri State Museum, celebrates the lives of Missouri women in the film industry from the Silent Era through mid-20th century. We will examine these heroines of entertainment and their connections to […]
Spend an evening with public historian Elizabeth Eikmann as she presents an interactive event about three women who changed the course of St. Louis history. Guests should bring a photo of a woman they admire and will be invited to share a story about them throughout the event. All ages.
Spend an evening with public historian Elizabeth Eikmann as she presents an interactive event about three women who changed the course of St. Louis history. Guests should bring a photo of a woman they admire and will be invited to share a story about them throughout the event. All ages.
President Ulysses S. Grant championed the 15th Amendment as the greatest civil act since the writing of the Declaration of Independence. Why did Grant feel this way? How did the 15th Amendment expand voting rights in the nineteenth century? In this program, Historian and Curator Nick Sacco will examine nineteenth century voting practices and discuss […]
If you can believe it, St. Louis was once a photography capital of the world. The city attracted all kinds of innovative photographers, manufacturers and dealers, and inventors in the nineteenth century. This presentation explores the early history of photography in St. Louis, introducing participants to the people, places, and technology behind the city’s bustling […]
George Washington Carver called himself a trailblazer, but he wasn't the only one. Talk with a park ranger and explore contributions made by African American Trailblazers and discover their pioneering achievements.
November 4, 2023 Saturday 4-6 pm SWIRL and SIP, A Wine Tasting Historic Sappington House, 1015 S. Sappington Road, St. Louis, MO 63126 is inviting First Families of Saint Louis and Wine and History Lovers to our first Swirl and Sip! Darlene Strupp, a Sappington descendant, will be serving wine crafted at their OLD FARM […]
George Washington Carver called himself a trailblazer, but he wasn't the only one. Talk with a park ranger and explore contributions made by African American Trailblazers and discover their pioneering achievements.
Hawaiian Bros, one of the country's fastest-growing, island-inspired new concepts, is opening a new store in Liberty on Monday, November 6, at 1191 Landmark Ave.
Join the Alliance for Native Programs and Initiatives for 2023's Hunt. Fish. Gather. event on November 9th, 2023, at the Saint Louis Zoo! Hunt. Fish. Gather. is ANPI’s annual event to illuminate Native foodways and traditions, educate the St. Louis community on topics such as Indigenous food sovereignty and food justice, and experience Native cuisine. […]
Join SHSMO staff and supporters for the opening reception of a new exhibit that looks back at 125 years of the State Historical Society of Missouri. This new exhibit in the Wenneker Family Corridor Gallery (2nd floor, Center for Missouri Studies) explores SHSMO’s history, present collections, and programs. Refreshments will be provided.
Dr. Brad Lookingbill, Distinguished Professor of History at Columbia College of Missouri, offers a program on the state’s earliest people. Long before Europeans arrived and claimed dominion over an imagined wilderness, the original inhabitants developed diverse cultures in relation to the rivers, prairies, plains, plateaus and woodlands. Missouri was native ground to multiple tribal groups; […]
Join us for a festive reception mingling with nationally-known rare book and fine print dealers and fellow collectors, featuring the James Yeatman Lecture on Collecting & Connoisseurship, PLUS a silent auction brimming with irresistible treasures and unique experiences! This year we are excited to welcome guest speaker Lilla Vekerdy, Head of Special Collections at the […]
In a special Veterans Day broadcast, the Library is proud to present a collection of interviews with local Veterans. Partnering with Kevin Bryce of Blindeye Productions, the Library recorded stories of service from the Gulf War era. These video presentations contain descriptions of violence and may not be suitable for all audiences. Viewer discretion is […]
This 54-minute PBS documentary chronicles the high cost of war on the brave heroes and heroines who fight for our freedom. Follow a group of disabled United States Veterans who are about to be given a service dog and see their transformation as the dog expands the veteran's world and heals their hearts.
Smithville Main Street District would like to invite you to our Annual Winter Wine Walk & Market. Come wearing your ugliest or wackiest Holiday sweater to kick off the holiday season! It will be a fun afternoon of shopping at all of our local brick-and-mortar stores while tasting different wines. We will also have an […]
This 54-minute PBS documentary chronicles the high cost of war on the brave heroes and heroines who fight for our freedom. Follow a group of disabled United States Veterans who are about to be given a service dog and see their transformation as the dog expands the veteran's world and heals their hearts.
A new series of free programs will be held at noon on the second Tuesday of each month at the State Historical Society of Missouri. The program series History on […]
Join Missouri Humanities in beautiful Weston, MO, for a Cultural Heritage Workshop! Our day will consist of group discussions, applied activities, and a two-part presentation from Dr. Arthur Mehrhoff on "Place and Placemaking." We invite you to join us and learn how heritage and culture can benefit your community, and brainstorm ways to increase engagement […]
In the early 1900s remote tenant farmers in southern Alabama had a hard time keeping up with farming techniques until the Agricultural School on Wheels came to town! Learn more […]
In the early 1900s remote tenant farmers in southern Alabama had a hard time keeping up with farming techniques until the Agricultural School on Wheels came to town! Learn more […]
Christmastime is magical in our German village, where holiday traditions date back centuries. Beginning with a traditional Lantern Parade just after Thanksgiving and ending with the annual ringing of the bell in the Clock Tower to usher in the New Year, Hermann has much to offer visitors of all ages.
November 24 and 26, 2023 Friday and Sunday 5-8 pm Scenes from “A Christmas Carol” at Historic Sappington House Walk through a cherished Dickens' Christmas 1843 with Dance Discovery at the Fezziwig party and the Cratchit family singers as Anne Williams presents a dramatic recitation. Reservations every hour (5, 6 and 7 pm) $20 adults. […]
In 1941, with the world at war, a select group of African Americans made their way to Tuskegee, Alabama, with dreams of becoming the first black fighter pilots in the country. This 106-minute documentary explores the story of the Tuskegee Airmen.
In 1941, with the world at war, a select group of African Americans made their way to Tuskegee, Alabama, with dreams of becoming the first black fighter pilots in the country. This 106-minute documentary explores the story of the Tuskegee Airmen.
12 Performances over Four Dates November 24 and 26, 2023 Friday and Sunday 5-8 pm December 15 and 17, 2023 Friday and Sunday 5-8 pm Scenes from “A Christmas Carol” at Historic Sappington House Walk through a cherished Dickens' Christmas 1843 with Dance Discovery at the Fezziwig party and the Cratchit family singers as Anne […]
Join Missouri Humanities for its final "Roots & Routes" Signature Series program of the year. Missouri Humanities is teaming up with the Missouri Folk Arts Program, University of Missouri-Columbia’s Budds Center for American Music Studies, and MU's Sankofa Chorale to present an evening of Black spirituals, freedom songs, gospels, and readings on November 28th at […]
Join us from 5-7 pm on Thursday, November 30 for festive refreshments, gallery talks, music, activities, and a silent auction to launch the holiday season and celebrate Winston Churchill’s 149th […]
For centuries, the violin has been both a “people’s instrument” as well as a “palace” instrument that spans the globe. Whether called “violin” or “fiddle” (they are the same, just with differing customs of learning and performance), it continues to be enjoyed across many different traditions and communities. Howard Marshall, professor emeritus and former director […]
For centuries, the violin has been both a “people’s instrument” as well as a “palace” instrument that spans the globe. Whether called “violin” or “fiddle” (they are the same, just […]
Dr. Amber Clifford from the University of Central Missouri will present the latest in industry standards for preserving a variety of textiles. She will do live demonstrations and explain how small organizations can still do quality preservation on a budget! It is a free workshop, but please RSVP to cchsmo@gmail.com.
Christmastime in Hermann is fun for the whole family, whether you want to shop the German Christmas Markets, grab traditional treats at the German Bake Sale, or be inspired by the elaborate Christmas Tablescapes and holiday scenes at the Holiday House Tours, seasonal cheer abounds.
Nineteen historic sites, museums and houses are joining together to present a splendid grand holiday house tour. For this one-day open house, each venue will be decorated in a festive flair representing 250 years of Saint Louis architecture and history. Whether austere or opulent, the settings will take you back in time to experience the […]
Join us for the 5th Annual Holiday Open House. Shop for gifts at the Richard Bookstore and visit the booths of many local vendors and artisans while strolling through the festively decorated Center for Missouri Studies. Enjoy holiday carols from members of Choral Arts Alliance of Missouri's Columbia Chorale from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. […]
Join Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site for A Spirited Holiday Past! President Grant’s home, White Haven will be decorated for the holiday season. Tour the home and create a holiday craft with your family. Confluence Chamber Orchestra will perform in the parlor and Suzanne Corbett will provide 19th century baking demonstrations in the historic […]
Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Historic Pharis Farm. Santa will be relaxing in the family room, while Mrs. Claus is busy making cookies to share.
We hope you'll plan to join us on Sunday, December 3rd, for the annual Christmas in Bethel celebration. Free admission. FOOD • Fest Hall Restaurant - Serving Christmas smorgasbord of turkey and dressing, smoked sausage, etc. from 11am to 2pm. Enjoy cookies and drinking custard with your meal, or purchase separately. Also serving soup and […]
Come hear how George Washington Carver learned to listen to "The Great Creator" when he communed with God in the stillness of his early morning walks.
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