Missouri Humanities

Missouri in the Revolution
2026-02-17 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Missouri State Archives, 600 W. Main St., Jefferson City, 65101
National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, NSDAR, the American Battlefield Trust, the Jane Randolph Jefferson Chapter, NSDAR, The Missouri State Archives, the Christopher Casey Chapter, SAR, and the Cole County America 250th Committee have partnered to bring a free, nationwide traveling exhibition, “The American Revolution Experience,” to Jefferson City from February 17 – March 5. Members of the Cole County America 250th Committee and the Christopher Casey Chapter, SAR, will present a program on George Rogers Clark and the Missouri in the Revolution to kick things off.

The Courtship of Ulysses and Julia Grant
2026-02-14 10:00 - 23:00 | Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, 7400 Grant Rd, St. Louis, MO, 63123, United States
Come learn about the love story of Ulysses and Julia on February 14th. Park Guide Sky Castilleja will present and discuss their courtship and young relationship.
The program is free. Call 314-842-1867 ext. 230 for reservations.

Civil Rights Night: The Impact of Racial Laws from Jim Crow to the Holocaust
2026-02-12 18:00 - 19:00 | St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum, 36 Millstone Campus Drive, St. Louis, 63146
Join the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum for Civil Rights Night: The Impact of Racial Laws from Jim Crow and the Holocaust featuring historian Dr. Dan J. Puckett, Professor of History at Troy University and Chair of the Alabama Holocaust Commission. Dr. Puckett will explore racial laws in both American history and the Holocaust. He will be joined in conversation by Reverend Rodrick Burton, President at St. Louis Airport Interfaith Chaplaincy and member of the Museum’s Board of Directors.
This event offers a thought-provoking look at how the histories of racial oppression in the American history and Nazi genocide relate, inviting reflection on civil rights, justice, and historical memory.

Sweet Obsessions: Chocolate and candy history in Missouri
2026-02-12 12:00 - 13:00 | First Capital Lions Club Building, 520 N Benton, St. Charles, 63301
An overview of candy history and the celebrated confectioners who made created and sold candy in Missouri.

Unseen St. Louis
2026-02-11 18:00 - 19:00 | Ste Genevieve Museum Learning Center, 360 Market St, Ste. Genevieve, 63670
When historians visit the archive, they often find weird, surprising, and fun material that they rarely get to share with others…but that ends here! This event shares the stories of a selection of images and objects from various St. Louis archives that reveal an unknown side of St. Louis history. The presentation is fun, upbeat, and conversational spanning from the nineteenth century to today, from newspapers and magazines to photography and phonograph records.

Lecture,"Missouri in 1861: The Rise and Fall of John and Jessie Fremont
2026-02-10 18:30 - 19:30 | The Orris theater, 265 Merchant Street, Ste. Genevieve, 63670
Gregory Wolk, author of a new work of nonfiction published by the Missouri Historical Society Press, describes the eventful 100 days in 1861 that western explorer John C. Fremont commanded the Western Department of the US Army from headquarters in St. Louis. An in-depth discussion of important military campaigns of the period is coupled with political intrigue when Fremont’s wife – the daughter of Missouri Senator Thomas Hart Benton – joins her husband’s fight against the powerful Francis Blair family of Washington and St. Louis in order to advance the cause of emancipation. In 1861, President Abraham Lincoln resists the call for emancipation, fearing that Missouri and Kentucky may join the Confederacy.

Stories of Resilience – An Asian American Legacy
2026-02-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Browning Hall Auditorium, 8274 Big Bend Blvd., St. Louis
Stories of Resilience – An Asian American Legacy is a companion to the national traveling exhibit, Resilience—A Sansei Sense of Legacy, sponsored by the St. Louis Japanese American Citizens League at the STL Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum. As part of their year-long storytelling festival funded by the Missouri Humanities, Cambio Center is supporting this event on February 10th, 2026, 6 pm. Through Stories of Resilience and its accompanying workshops, the organizers aim to develop greater access and interactions between storytelling experts and Asian American residents, as well as between Asian American stories and others. Come hear stories of resilience at Webster University, Browning Hall auditorium, 8274 Big Bend Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63119.

Second Sunday- Free Days at the Museum
2026-02-08 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.

The Weatherbird Turns 125! Cake-Cutting at the Field House Museum
2026-02-07 14:00 - 16:00 | Field House Museum, 634 S Broadway, Saint Louis, MO, 63102, United States
Join us at the Field House Museum to celebrate a true St. Louis original—the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Weatherbird—as it turns 125!
Stop by for a free slice of birthday cake during this community cake-cutting celebration honoring the beloved cartoon character that has been commenting on the weather (and life in St. Louis) since 1900.
While you’re here, explore the special exhibition Behind the Feathers: A Century of Weatherbird History, and discover how the Weatherbird has evolved into one of the longest-running editorial cartoons in the world.
🎂 Free and open to the public
📅 Saturday, February 7 | 2–4 p.m.
📍 Field House Museum
Cake available while supplies last.

Missouri History Day Filmmakers Showcase
2026-02-07 13:30 - 15:30 | State Historical Society of Missouri, 605 Elm Street, Columbia, MO, 65201, United States
Join us as we celebrate Missouri History Day filmmakers and screen several short documentaries produced by one of our Missouri History Day alumni and professional artist Brian Hawkins of Kansas City, along with Rohan Deshpande, who is a current History Day student from St. Louis. Hawkins, who is an award-winning animator and filmmaker, will have some of his art pieces for sale to benefit the National History Day program in Missouri. NHD offers a contest to students in grades 6-12 annually. The State Historical Society of Missouri is the host and organizer of the statewide Missouri History Day contest held on the University of Missouri campus in April.
The Saturday event is free and open to the public. We will provide light food and beverage to all attendees to celebrate the National History Day in Missouri program! Not able to attend? You can still support the program by donating to https://shsmo.org/donate/nhdmo

Laumeier's Art & Nature Day + Exhibition Opening
2026-02-07 10:00 - 16:00 | Laumeier Sculpture Park, 12580 Rott Rd, St. Louis, MO, 63127, United States
Celebrate Laumeier Sculpture Park’s 50th anniversary year with a free, all-ages event on Saturday, February 7, featuring the opening of Begin Again: 50 Years and Counting and Art & Nature Day.
Highlighting hundreds of artists and rarely seen works from Laumeier’s collection, the exhibition revisits five decades of artist commissions and exhibitions. Guests are invited to explore the Park’s history and its ongoing relationship with artists, the landscape, and the community.
Art & Nature Day, presented in partnership with St. Louis County Parks and Recreation, welcomes all to explore the deep connections between art, nature, and community with free hands-on activities and creative play.
SCHEDULE:
10 a.m.–4 p.m. / Exhibition Opening / Aronson Fine Arts Center
Explore Begin Again: 50 Years and Counting.
11 a.m.–2 p.m. / Drop-In Puppet Making Workshop / Kranzberg Education Lab
Create a unique puppet alongside members of the Puppet Guild of Greater St. Louis while learning about Laumeier’s history with puppetry arts.
11 a.m.–2 p.m. / Family Play Space / Kranzberg Education Lab
Explore loose-parts play, hop across colorful steppingstones, and enjoy open-ended creative play for all ages.
12 p.m.–12:30 p.m. / Gallery Talk / Aronson Fine Arts Center
Join Curator Dana Turkovic for insight into Begin Again: 50 Years and Counting.
1–2 p.m. / Interactive Indoor Gallery Tour / Aronson Fine Arts Center
Investigate selected works from Begin Again through hands-on activities with Laumeier’s education team.
No registration needed.
Learn more: www.laumeiersculpturepark.org/art-nature-days

First Saturdays at Keystone: Arts, Culture & Creative Entrepreneurship
2026-02-07 | Keystone CoLAB, 800 E 18th St, Kansas City, 64108

America's 250th: Celebrating Black History Month
2026-02-05 18:00 - 20:00 | Lincoln University, 812 East Dunklin St., Martin Luther King, Jr. Hall, Room 106, Jefferson City, 65201
Celebrate Black History Month with the release of a local history book about Black soldiers in the Civil War from Cole County. The Cole County America 250th Committee hosts a program including author Michelle Brooks, portrayals of President Abraham Lincoln and Lincoln University’s first president Richard Baxter Foster, and Bob Priddy as emcee. Come early to view displays about local Black history.

History of Chocolate and Candy Making in Missouri
2026-02-05 17:30 - 18:30
An overview of the products and producers of the confections that have made Missouri a culinary destination.

Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit in Lebanon, MO
2026-02-05 - 2026-02-06 | Lebanon-LaClede County Library, 915 S. Jefferson Ave, Lebanon, 65536
Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit in Lebanon
2/5: 10 am – 6 PM
5 PM Panel Discussion with documentarian Katrina Parks, Missouri Route 66 Association CFO Larry Sernyk and educational curriculum developer Kari Kussmann
2/6: 10 am – 4 PM
School Groups Welcome. Please email esemsch@lebanon-laclede.lib.mo.us
Free and open to the public.
Celebrating the rich legacy of the Mother Road, America’s Main Street, the Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit will be on view in Lebanon, Missouri on February 5 and 6, 2026. The exhibit marks two major milestones: the 100th anniversary of Route 66 and the 250th anniversary of the United States.
The exhibit will be open to the public from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, and from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 6.
Drawing from the documentary film series Route 66: The Untold Story of Women on the Mother Road by project director Katrina Parks, the traveling exhibit combines large-format interpretive panels, audiovisual materials, and educational activities designed for youth and family audiences. Together, these elements invite visitors to explore how Route 66 shaped American history, culture, and identity through the stories of the people who lived, worked, and traveled along it. From the glow of neon signs to the steady hum of tires on open pavement, every mile of Route 66 tells a story of opportunity, invention, and freedom. For nearly a century, the road has drawn visitors from around the world and continues to hold countless stories waiting to be uncovered.
On Thursday, February 5 at 5:00 p.m., the public is invited to attend a panel discussion featuring project director Katrina Parks, educational curriculum developer Kari Kussmann, and Missouri Route 66 Association Chief Financial Officer Larry Sernyk. The discussion will explore the historical significance of Route 66, the origins of the Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit, and the importance of education and preservation as the nation approaches the Route 66 centennial.
The Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit is made possible with support from the Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission, Missouri Humanities, the Missouri Route 66 Association, the Lebanon-LaClede County Library and many other institutions. The exhibit will continue to travel to communities along the Mother Road, highlighting local histories while connecting them to the broader national story.
For more information about exhibit hours, programming, or upcoming tour locations, please visit www.route66exhibit.com.

Titanic: An Immersive Voyage
2025-11-08 10:00 - 2026-04-19 18:00 | Union Station Kansas City, 30 West Pershing Road, Kansas City, MO, 64108, United States
Step aboard the world’s most captivating maritime legend — Titanic: An Immersive Voyage — opening NOV 8 at Union Station Kansas City.
This breathtaking new exhibition brings the Titanic’s untold stories, unforgettable moments, and tragic final voyage vividly to life like never before. Produced by Exhibition Hub and presented locally by Hawthorn Bank, this all-new experience is making its U.S. debut right here in Kansas City.
Walk the ship’s opulent corridors, explore dramatic room recreations, and relive the fateful night through powerful storytelling and immersive environments.
Your journey includes:
Over 200 authentic artifacts from Titanic and her sister ships
The chance to sit in a lifeboat as the final moments unfold
An optional Virtual Reality dive to explore Titanic’s resting place 2.5 miles below the surface
Multilingual audio guides for a personalized experience
A thoughtfully curated gift shop with exclusive Titanic merchandise
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about this monumental event, this exhibition invites you to feel the story—its grandeur, its heartbreak, and the human stories within it.
