Shared History of German Immigrants and African Americans
German immigrants in Missouri played a critical role in ending slavery, many of whom dedicated their lives to the cause. Presenters Cecilia Nadal and Sydney Norton will examine the contributions of key figures and politicians, including local winemaker and State Senator Friedrich Muench. Join us for this fascinating presentation! Download a printable flyer here. THE PROGRAM IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
Cecilia Nadal and Sydney Norton
Civil War Riots in Missouri
On the brink of civil war, Missouri is torn between Northern and Southern alliances. Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis put their faith in two men, but only one will prevail and make his mark on history. Actor, guide, and storyteller Chris Sutton brings a brilliant and intriguing living history presentation through a first-person account. This is an unforgettable experience that you won’t want to miss!
THE PROGRAM IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED.
Conservation in Boone-Duden Country
Join us for a presentation by author Dan Burkhardt about conservation and preservation efforts in the area. A champion for the Missouri River Valley, Dan Burkhardt and the Magnificent Missouri are outspoken advocates for the last 100 miles of the scenic Missouri River. Burkhardt’s award-winning books Growing Up with the River and Missouri River Country are a testament to his love and dedication to the region. Download a printable flyer here. Note: The Interpretive Center closes at 5:00 pm weekdays and will not be open during the presentation. THE PROGRAM IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
Missouri River and State Highway 94
New Melle: The First 140 Years
Ruth Busdieker of the Boone-Duden Historical Society will present “New Melle: The First 140 Years” at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in New Melle. The program will be presented in the Grand Hall downstairs. The presentation includes many photos through the years with detailed information about when and where significant buildings were located. A fun way to share New Melle history!
Free to the Public - Doors Open at 1:30
The French Creole Founding of Missouri
Join us for an evening with foremost expert on French Creole culture and musician Dennis Stroughmatt as he takes us on a fascinating trip though French Creole history of Missouri from both historical and cultural perspectives through folktales, haunting ballads and foot-stomping fiddle tunes.
200 Years of Notorious Crimes in the Show-Me State
From the duel on Bloody Island to the first western gunfight on the town square between Wild Bill Hickok and Dave Tutt, to the murder of Colonel Thomas Swope, the founder of Kansas City's Swope Park. Vicki Berger Erwin and James W. Erwin explore Missouri crimes, criminals and victims from the violent history of our last two hundred years. This is a free program, brought to you by the Boone-Duden Historical Society and the Missouri Humanities Council.
New Melle History Presentation
Ruth Busdiecker of the Boone-Duden Historical Society will present “The History of New Melle” at the March meeting of the Wentzville Community Historical Society on March 15.
The meeting will begin at 6:30 with a catered meal for $15. Bring your friends and neighbors - everyone is welcome. For dinner reservations call Bill Vehige 636-272-5506 or email WentzvilleCHS@mail.com by Sunday, March 13th. The meeting will be held at the Wentzville Community Club 500 W. Main, Wentzville, Missouri.
Steamboat disasters of the lower Missouri River
During the nineteenth century, 300 boats met their end in the steamboat graveyard that was the Lower Missouri River, from Omaha, Nebraska, to its mouth a few miles north of St. Louis. Although derided as little more than an “orderly pile of kindling,” steamboats were in fact technological marvels superbly adapted to the river’s conditions. Their light superstructure and long, wide, flat hulls powered by high-pressure engines drew so little water that they could cruise on “a heavy dew” even when fully loaded. But these same characteristics made them susceptible to fires, explosions, and snags (tree trunks ripped from the banks, hiding under the water’s surface). And the river held other dangers–disease, crime, and (in time of war) guerrillas. Historian and author James Erwin tells the story of the peril’s steamboats, their passengers, and their crews faced on every voyage.
James Erwin is a retired attorney who practiced law in St. Louis for 38 years. Erwin is the author and co-author of books on the Civil War in Missouri, the history of St. Charles, steamboat disasters, and true crime in Missouri. He is a frequent speaker on the Civil War and local history. Currently, he is vice-chair of the Kirkwood (Missouri) Arts Commission, president of the St. Louis Civil War Roundtable, and treasurer of the Unbound Book Festival.
HISTORIC MISSOURI ROADSIDES: TRAVELING MISSOURI ON 2-LANE HIGHWAYS
This presentation is in the form of a travelogue, with guided tours of Missouri on two-lane highways. Richly illustrated with photographs from the Mr. Hart's collection. Featured as well are "destination" points, where one might spend a longer staycation. Like a travel book, places to eat, stay and visit are included, but only those owned by Missouri citizens, helping to establish and nurture historic tourism to benefit Missourians.
Bill Hart is a seventh-generation Missourian. His interest in small-town and roadside Missouri was fostered by his work for the fourteen years for the Missouri Alliance for Historic Preservation. He holds a B.S. in Historic Preservation from Southeast Missouri State University and did his graduate work in Architectural History at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia. Particularly interested in vanishing buildings along the roadside and countryside, he was one of the founders of the Missouri Barn Alliance and Rural Network (MoBARN), advocating for barn and homestead preservation.