Missouri Humanities

Si Siman, the Ozark Jubilee, and Music Business at the Crossroads
2026-08-15 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Rolling Hills Library, St. Joseph, Missouri
Kitty Ledbetter will tell the story of Si Siman’s role in creating, developing, securing talent for, and co-producing the first continuous live network country music television show in history (and one of the first in color), the Ozark Jubilee. Almost all major country artists appeared on the Jubilee during its run from 1955 to 1960. At its peak, 25 to 30 million viewers watched the show every week, broadcast live from the Jewell Theater in Springfield, Missouri, making Springfield the third largest broadcast origination point behind New York City and Hollywood.

Second Sunday- Free Days at the Museum
2026-08-09 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-12 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-14 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-10 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: Guerillas in Civil War Missouri
2026-07-18 13:00 - 14:00 | Field House Museum, 634 S Broadway, Saint Louis, MO, 63102, United States
The Field House Museum is pleased to welcome author and historian James Erwin!
James Erwin will speak on his book Guerillas in Civil War Missouri at the Field House Museum, Saturday, July 18th at 1:00pm. As a border state, and one with deeply divided political sentiments, the Civil War was uniquely intimate in Missouri. Besides the 26 large battles fought in the state, Missouri was the setting for countless skirmishes. Citizens and soldiers alike took part in or fell victim to the guerrilla warfare that became a characteristic of Missouri’s Civil War struggle. James Erwin will walk listeners through the key people, places, and engagements of Missouri’s guerilla war.
This program is free with limited availability in person and on Zoom. Reservations must be made in advance on our website, by calling the Museum at 314-421-4689, or by emailing info@fieldhousemuseum.org.
About the Speaker:
Jim Erwin practiced law in St. Louis for 38 years. He is the author or co-author of eight books on various local history subjects, including the Civil War in Missouri, steamboat disasters, and 200 years of notorious crimes in Missouri. His latest book (with his wife Vicki) is Ulysses and Julia Grant’s Missouri Love Story, published by the History Press in 2025.

MO-TELL's Annual Liars Contest
2026-07-10 - 2026-07-11 | Joplin Avenue Coffee Company, 506 S. Joplin Ave., Joplin, 64801
MOTELL, Missouri Storytelling organization, will be holding their annual Liars Contest July 10&11. Friday night we will open with a free storytelling concert with nationally renowned storytellers and local live music. Saturday will begin at 9:30 with a free workshop on storytelling. The contest will begin at 2:00. Come hear the whoppers and see who wins bragging rights for Missouri’s biggest liar.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Art On The Side - Liberty
2026-06-06 08:00 - 17:00 | MO
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.

Rolla's Route 66 Summerfest
2026-06-04 17:30 - 2026-06-06 23:30 | MO
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!

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.”

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.

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.

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.

George Washington & the Whiskey Rebellion
2026-05-28 18:00 - 19:30 | MO
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.

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.

French Heritage Festival
2026-05-20 | MO
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.

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.

Thursday Evening Speaker Series: Tom Connor, Joplin's Zinc King
2026-05-14 19:00 - 20:00 | 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

W.O.V.E. Missouri: Building Tomorrow’s Leaders Today
2026-05-13 19:00 - 2026-07-01 20:00 | John F. Kennedy Community Center, 315 Howdershell RD, Florissant, 63031
W.O.V.E. Academy: Weaving a Legacy of Excellence
Join Women of Virtue Emerging (W.O.V.E.) for a transformative 8-week journey designed to strengthen the fabric of our community. Through the lens of the humanities, we explore the “Four Pillars of Excellence”—Self-Worth, Leadership, Academic Excellence, and Financial Literacy. This series invites participants to dive into their personal narratives, develop leadership skills rooted in character, and build the practical tools necessary for a stable, independent life. Together, we are not just learning; we are stitching together a stronger future for Missouri.

The Battles at Lucas Bend
2026-05-11 19:00 - 20:30 | Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1620 Boyd Street, DeSoto, MO, 63020
Author Greg Wolk describes the events of November 1861 and January 1862 in Southeast Missouri, and the rise of Ulysses S. Grant during his time in the state in this period of time. Featured events include Grant’s arrival and swift departure at a landing northeast of Belmont, Missouri, where he led troops into battle for the first time in his military career, and his presence when ironclad warships made their first appearance in the inland rivers of the United States.
