The Struggle for Statehood Realities Showcased in Exhibit, Series
Join us for a series of programs centered on the “Struggle for Statehood,” a traveling exhibit commemorating the bicentennial of Missouri statehood that is coming to the History Museum on the Square and the Library Center.
The exhibit was created by the Missouri Humanities Council in partnership with the Kinder Institute on Constitutional Democracy at the University of Missouri, partners in the Bicentennial Alliance. Support for programming is provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Panels and narratives chronicle the three years that the controversy over Missouri’s admission into the Union was fiercely debated. The exhibit also reexamines the lasting significance of the conflict on a local and national scale. The exhibit leads visitors through the story of Missouri’s admission to the Union through educational content, including historical accounts and stories of people touched by the controversy.
See the exhibit:
- History Museum on the Square June 6 - July 5. Regular museum hours and admission fees will apply, see historymuseumonthesquare.org/#visit for details.
- The Library Center July 6 - August 6 during library hours.
You can also view the virtual exhibit produced by the Missouri Humanities Council at
https://mohumanities.wixsite.com/struggleforstatehood
Project partners include the Missouri Humanities Council, History Museum on the Square, Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, Missouri State University
The related series begins June 11:
Pioneers and Founding of Springfield Presentation
Friday, June 11, 10 a.m. at The Historic Fox Theatre, 157 Park Central Square and virtual. Staff from the History Museum on the Square will examine Springfield's origins and incorporation in this journey through time, including the causes of westward expansion, the lives of Springfield's first settlers, the former city of North Springfield and the significance of the Frisco Railroad to our city's rise in stature. This free presentation will be offered in person and virtually; registration is required for either option. Space is limited for the seated event and other COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed. Registration is underway at thelibrary.org/programs; a link to the virtual event will be provided to registered participants.
African American Heritage Presentation
Saturday, June 19, 2 p.m. at The Historic Fox Theatre, 157 Park Central Square and virtual. Join staff from the History Museum on the Square to explore Springfield's African American heritage through a variety of topics including sports, music, education and the importance of community. This free presentation will be offered in person and virtually; registration is required for either option. Space is limited for the seated event, and other COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed. Registration is underway at thelibrary.org/programs; a link to the virtual event will be provided to registered participants.
Diplomatic Nationalism, Territorial Expansion and the Missouri Admission Crisis (1818-1821)
Tuesday, June 29, 7 p.m. As Missourians pursued entrance into the Union of states, the United States dramatically extended its western and southern borders. Dr. William S. Belko, executive director of the Missouri Humanities Council, will place Missouri's quest for statehood in the larger context of international diplomacy and the consequent and aggressive territorial expansion of the country in the wake of the War of 1812. It marked a rapid westward migration that produced a more severe sectional conflict over the expansion of slavery and the forced retreat of the American Indian. Register at thelibrary.org/programs starting June 15; a link to the virtual event will be shared with registered participants.
Finding Stories from First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site
Tuesday, July 13, 7 p.m. On Feb. 5, 2021, the First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site celebrated its 50th anniversary as a historic site. In those 50 years, site staff have spent countless hours researching and refining the site's history and interpretive tours. Historic Site Manager Jamie Henry and Site Interpreter Charles Callier will explain basic information about the site and showcase all the rooms that make up their interpretive tours. They'll also discuss how staff have collected a breadth of knowledge about the site and what they are researching today. Register at thelibrary.org/programs starting June 30; a link to the virtual event will be shared with registered participants.
Sketches from Springfield: A Cartoon History
Thursday, July 15, 7 p.m. Cartoons have been shaping the conversation around Ozarks culture and Springfield happenings for generations. From well-known newspaper cartoonist Bob Palmer and "hillbilly" cartoonist Art Omans, to photographer Betty Love's years-long stint as newspaper staff artist, Local History Associate Konrad Stump explores how these remarkable cartoonists captured history and shares how the Library's archives are preserving their work. Visit thelibrary.org/programs for a link to this event.
Route 66: Conceived, Born and Raised by Ozarkers
Thursday, July 22, 7 p.m. Although Route 66 was supported by a diverse population, four men with strong ties to the Ozarks made Route 66 happen: Cyrus Avery, Coin Harvey, B.H. Piepmeier and John T. Woodruff. Thomas A. Peters, dean of Library Services at Missouri State University, will explore the lives and contributions of this leadership team of four "Ozarkers" who shaped one of the most well-known roads in history. Register at thelibrary.org/programs starting July 8; a link to the virtual event will be shared with registered participants.
Contesting Slavery: Enslaved Missourians' Enduring Struggle for Freedom
Monday, July 26, 7 p.m. Diane Mutti Burke, author of "On Slavery's Border: Missouri's Small-Slaveholding Households," will examine the lives of the many Missourians who were enslaved on the farms and plantations of Missouri. She will discuss how the region's small-scale system of slavery created conditions that undermined the strength of enslaved communities and increased the possibilities for abuse, while also enhancing people's opportunities to effectively resist their enslavement. Register at thelibrary.org/programs starting July 12; a link to the virtual event will be shared with registered participants.
Milly's Story
Thursday, July 29, 7 p.m. In 1836, Milly Sawyers, a former slave who successfully sued for her freedom, and Calley Easter, another free woman of color, were attacked by a mob comprised of some of Springfield’s founders. Subsequent charges against the men included kidnapping and rioting. By April 1837, all charges had been dropped. Join Connie Yen, director of the Greene County Archives, as she discusses the stories of Milly and Calley, how they disappeared from history, and how their stories survive. Visit thelibrary.org/programs for a link to this event.
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