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Small Town Showcase

Small Town Showcase

We are not a flyover state…

We are the heart of America

We strive to highlight the uniqueness of rural Missouri, and to showcase the bigger picture of what Small Town America really is, and why it shouldn’t be overlooked, overshadowed, or underappreciated.

Each year, communities with populations under 10,000 will be nominated and voted on by Missourians to become our annual “Featured Five” communities. Each of our Featured Five will work with Missouri Humanities on the following:

A short video about their community

An hour-long podcast, roundtable-style

A feature in our bi-annual publication, MoHumanities

A highlight reel, featuring all five communities, to be shown during our annual gala

Check out our previous Episodes & Podcasts at the links below.
Don’t forget to subscribe!

Questions?

Please contact Caitlin Yager, our Program Director, at caitlin@mohumanities.org

2024 Featured Five

Pacific, Missouri

Just about 30 miles west of St. Louis sits the town of Pacific, Missouri. While many communities that surround bigger cities have been affected by urban sprawl, the same effect doesn’t seem to have reached Pacific. Though its proximity to a major highway, large cities, and attractions give it the amenities, as you learn about the community, you’ll soon realize that Pacific has fully retained its small town charm, energy, and atmosphere.

Carrollton, Missouri

Carrollton, Missouri, located in Carroll County, is a town of movers and shakers with one eye always looking to the future. Whether it's the revitalization of their main street district, sitting on the planning committees of community events, or leading the charge fundraising for new assets in the community, the people of Carrollton are dedicated to making sure that their town only gets better for future generations.

Albany, Missouri

Welcome to Albany! For a town of its size, it's remarkable to see so many thriving businesses, community groups, events, and most of all, restaurants. When asked why this is possible when towns even 10x their size can’t compete with their amenities, Albany residents say it all comes down to the support of the people here and the proximity to other smaller towns that come to Albany to take advantage of all they have to offer.

Aurora, Missouri

Aurora is home to about 7,400 people in Lawrence County, Missouri, near Springfield. The pride people have in this town and its strong sense of place are what make Aurora such a thriving, progressive community. There are many ways that this town is dedicated to success, such as beautification efforts, free programs for families, and preserving its story through murals, podcasts, exhibits, and more. The Houn' Dawg pride is strong in Aurora--listen to see for yourself!

Stay tuned as we highlight Carrollton, Aurora, Albany, and Marceline throughout this year!

Upcoming 2025 Featured Five Communities:

Tarkio

Ste. Genevieve

Potosi

Elsberry

Prairie Home