State Historical Society of Missouri

State Historical Society of Missouri. The State Historical Society of Missouri was founded in 1898 by University of Missouri professors Isidor Loeb, Richard Henry Jesse, and Carlton Britton Chapman, with the goal of preserving and promoting the History of Missouri. The society's early efforts were supported by notable figures such as Mark Twain, Theodore Roosevelt, and Harry S. Truman. The organization has since grown to become a leading repository of Missouri historical materials, with strong ties to institutions like the Missouri State Archives, Missouri State Museum, and Western Historical Manuscript Collection.

● History

The State Historical Society of Missouri was established during a period of significant growth and development in the state, with major events like the Louisiana Purchase Exposition and the Kansas City Stockyards expansion shaping the region's identity. The society's founding was influenced by the work of earlier historical organizations, such as the Missouri Historical Society and the American Historical Association. Key figures like William Clark, Meriwether Lewis, and George Washington Carver have been the subject of extensive research and documentation by the society, which has also explored the state's complex history, including the Missouri Compromise, Bleeding Kansas, and the American Civil War. The society has worked closely with other institutions, including the National Park Service, Library of Congress, and Smithsonian Institution, to advance the understanding of Missouri's rich cultural heritage.

● Mission and Activities

The State Historical Society of Missouri is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and making accessible the state's historical records and artifacts, with a focus on promoting Missouri history through education and outreach programs. The society's mission is supported by partnerships with organizations like the Missouri Humanities Council, National Endowment for the Humanities, and Missouri Arts Council. The society offers a range of activities, including lectures, workshops, and exhibitions, which have featured notable figures like Langston Hughes, Ernest Hemingway, and Thomas Hart Benton. These events often take place in collaboration with other institutions, such as the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City Museum, and Saint Louis Art Museum, and have explored topics like the Mississippi River, Route 66, and the Ozark Mountains.

● Collections and Exhibits

The State Historical Society of Missouri's collections encompass a wide range of materials, including documents, photographs, and artifacts related to Missouri history, with notable holdings on the California Gold Rush, American West, and Civil Rights Movement. The society's exhibits have featured items like the Lewis and Clark Journals, Mark Twain's manuscripts, and Harry S. Truman's papers, as well as artifacts from the Missouri State Capitol and Gateway Arch. The society has also developed exhibitions in collaboration with other institutions, such as the National World War I Museum and Memorial, Money Museum, and City Museum, which have explored topics like the World War I, Great Depression, and Jazz Age. These exhibits often draw on the society's extensive collections, which include materials from notable figures like Walt Disney, Chuck Berry, and Langston Hughes.

● Research and Publications

The State Historical Society of Missouri supports research and publication on Missouri history through its various programs and initiatives, including the Missouri Historical Review and Missouri Times. The society has published works on a range of topics, from the Pre-Columbian era to the Modern era, and has collaborated with other institutions, such as the University of Missouri Press, Missouri University of Science and Technology, and Washington University in St. Louis. The society's research initiatives have explored topics like the Fur trade, Westward expansion, and African American history in Missouri, and have drawn on the expertise of scholars from institutions like the Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture, Newberry Library, and Huntington Library. The society has also developed educational resources, including lesson plans and curriculum guides, in partnership with organizations like the National Council for the Social Studies and Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

● Locations and Facilities

The State Historical Society of Missouri is headquartered in Columbia, Missouri, with additional locations in Kansas City, Missouri, and Springfield, Missouri. The society's facilities include the Center for Missouri Studies, Missouri History Museum, and State Historical Society of Missouri Research Center, which offer research and educational resources to the public. The society has also partnered with other institutions to develop historic sites and museums, such as the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site, Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, and Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum. These locations provide a range of services and activities, from research assistance to guided tours, and have collaborated with organizations like the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Missouri Preservation, and Historic Preservation Society of Missouri to promote the preservation of Missouri's cultural heritage.