MISSOURI COMMUNITY LEGACIES

Missouri Community Legacies is a documentation initiative of the State Historical Society of Missouri and part of its commemoration of the Missouri Bicentennial. The goal of the program is to create a “snapshot” of Missouri traditions, creative expressions, meaningful places, organizations, and institutions during its bicentennial of statehood and develop a resource – built by the people of Missouri – of long-term use to students and teachers, researchers, and others interested in the rich history, life, and culture of the state.

The program operates on the assumption that the citizens of Missouri know best what represents their particular communities, counties, and regions. Its success rests on the willingness of citizens to document and share the unique characteristics of their communities with others.

Local traditions might include festivals, such Juneteenth in Kansas City or Pershing Days in Laclede. Creative expressions might include quilt art, stories and legends, or food traditions. A meaningful place is a physical site of significance to a community. This might be a park, a building, a cemetery, or maybe even a main street. Organizations and institutions may include religious institutions such as churches, mosques, or synagogues; voluntary associations, such as Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, bowling leagues, or other social and volunteer organizations; or professional associations.

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Ready to submit? Fill in the forms below and email them to contact@missouri2021.org.

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MISSOURI COMMUNITY LEGACIES SUBMISSIONS

MAPLEWOOD BARN THEATRE

The Maplewood Barn Community Theatre is an outdoor theatre in Boone County. Their mission is to provide high quality, live community theatre to mid-Missouri audiences in an informal, family-friendly, outdoor setting. Each year the theatre has four shows, ranging from April through October. Learn more about the Theatre in the community legacy report below, submitted in 2020, by Morgan Dennehey, President of MBCT.

FULL REPORT HERE

NSDAR ISAAC GARRISON CHAPTER

The Isaac Garrison Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) is based in Christian County. They have 50 members who are descendants of an American Revolution veteran who work hard to help their community. Learn more about the Isaac Garrison Chapter in the community legacy report below which was submitted in 2020 by Dee Davidson Dosch, Chapter Regent.

FULL REPORT HERE

MARY WHITNEY PHELPS NO. 22 DAUGHTERS OF UNION VETERANS

The Mary Whitney Phillips Tent No. 22, Daughters of Union Veterans (DUV) is a volunteer group of women in Greene County. The women are all descendants of Union Veterans, who participate in organizational activities including genealogical, historical, patriotic, and service projects. Learn more about the DUV chapter in the community legacy report below, submitted in 2020, by Pat Haas, Chapter President.

FULL REPORT HERE

GREATER KANSAS CITY BLACK HISTORICAL STUDY GROUP

The Greater Kansas City Black Historical Study Group (GKCBHSG) exists to educate members and the community in order to help deepen their understanding of African American life and history both in Kansas City and the United States. Membership is drawn from the greater Kansas City area. Learn more about the GKCBHSG in the community legacy report below, submitted in 2018, by Dr. Michael Sweeney, former Secretary.

FULL REPORT HERE

JUNETEENTH KC

On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger read the Emancipation Proclamation to recently freed African Americans in Galveston, Texas. Juneteenth KC highlights African American arts, businesses, civic leaders, culture and history. The celebration is an expression of pride in being African American. Learn more about the Juneteenth KC celebration in the community legacy report below, submitted in 2018, by Dr. Michael Sweeney.

FULL REPORT HERE

OZARKS GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

The Ozark Genealogical Society in Springfield works to educate and encourage members and the public to take part in genealogical research. OGS was founded in 1969 and continues today by helping people take part in genealogical research as well as hosting a variety of guest speakers throughout the year. Learn more about OGS in the community legacy report below, submitted in 2019, by Barabara Brauch, Publicity Chair.

FULL REPORT HERE

MADONNA OF THE TRAIL CORNELIA GREENE DAR

On September 17, 1928, The Missouri Madonna of the Trail in Lexington, Missouri was unveiled and dedicated. Today, the Cornelia Greene Daughter of the American Revolution chapter is proud of the Madonna of the Trail and invites the public to visit for Missouri's bicentennial. Learn more about Madonna of the Trail in the community legacy report below, submitted in 2020, by Constance Hawley, Regent.

FULL REPORT HERE

THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE PHARISS MEMORIAL CEMETERY

The Elk Horn Prairie Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) has been working to reconstruct the Samuel and Catherine Phariss Memorial Cemetery in Lawrence County. The cemetery has existed since 1858 but has fallen into disrepair. In 2019, the land was purchased by two descendants of the Phariss family, and the work to reconstruct the cemetery began. Learn more about Phariss Memorial Cemetery in the community legacy report below, submitted in 2019, by Barbara Brauch.

FULL REPORT HERE

HEARD MEMORIAL CLUB HOUSE

The Heard House is a historical landmark in Pettis County. It was built by Senator John T. Heard and is a two-story, buff brick, revival house. The Heard House is an important part of Pettis County history and volunteers work tirelessly to maintain the historic property. Learn more about the Heard House in the community legacy report below, submitted in 2019, by Patrica Palmer and Susan Toman Rouchka, Osage Chapter NSDAR, and by Marty Graves, Member of Heard Memorial Club House Board.

FULL REPORT HERE

PHELPS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Phelps County Historical Society is located in Rolla. It was organized in 1939 and incorporated in 1940 with a mission to preserve and showcase the history of Phelps County. Throughout the year, the society exhibits artifacts, architecture, programming, and publications to highlight the county's history. The Historical Society also helps the community through various service opportunities. Learn more about the Phelps County Historical Society in the community legacy report below, submitted in 2019, by Kathleen Seale.

FULL REPORT HERE

HISTORIC HIGHWAYS IN STE. GENEVIEVE COUNTY

Before the Louisiana Purchase, travel in what is now Missouri was difficult and often time-consuming. The Mississippi River and local streams provided the major means of transportation for the initial settlements in Ste. Genevieve, St. Louis, Cape Girardeau, and New Madrid. Pirogues, Bateaux, and canoes paddled or poled by humans transported both people and goods. Learn more about the Historic Highways in Ste. Genevieve County, in the community legacy report below, submitted in 2020, by Robert J. Mueller, State Historical Society of Missouri Board of Trustee Member.

FULL REPORT HERE

DAVE BARTON TOMBSTONE RESTORATION BY HANNA COLE DAR

In 1821 Missouri finally was admitted to the Union as the 23rd state. One of the main men involved in this process was David Barton who chaired the Constitutional Convention and who wrote the Constitution which was submitted to Congress for the admission of Missouri. When he died, he was buried in Boonville, Missouri. The restoration of his tombstone, lot, and adjacent horse watering tough is an appropriate Missouri Bicentennial Project and was undertaken by the Walnut Grove Cemetery Board and the Hannah Cole Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. Learn more about the Dave Barton Tombstone Restoration, in the community legacy report below, submitted in 2020, by the Hanna Cole Daughters of American Revolution chapter in Boonville.

FULL REPORT HERE