Missouri Historical Society facts for kids

The Jefferson Memorial Building in 1930. It was built to hold important historical items.

The Missouri Historical Society is a group that helps us learn about the past. It was started in St. Louis on August 11, 1866. The people who created it wanted to make sure the early history of St. Louis and Missouri was never forgotten. They wanted to save important stories and items from the past.

What the Missouri Historical Society Does

The Missouri Historical Society runs the Missouri History Museum. This museum is located in Forest Park in St. Louis. They also have a special Library and Research Center. It's free to visit the museum and library. Sometimes there are special exhibits that cost money, but they also have free times each week.

The Library and Research Center

The Library and Research Center is like a huge treasure chest of history. It holds many collections about St. Louis and the surrounding areas. This includes the Mississippi River and Missouri River valleys. It also covers the land from the Louisiana Purchase and the American West.

Types of Collections

The Library and Research Center has many different kinds of collections. These include:

• Library Collections: Books, newspapers, and other printed materials.
• Manuscript Collections: Old letters, diaries, and other handwritten papers.
• Photographs and Prints: Pictures that show what life was like long ago.
• Architecture Collections: Information about old buildings and how they were designed.
• Broadcast Media Archives: Old radio and TV recordings.
• Museum Collections: Historical objects and artifacts.

You usually don't need an appointment to look at the library books or handwritten papers. But you might need one for other special collections.

Unique Historical Records

One very special collection is the "freedom suits." These were court cases from the 1800s in St. Louis. Enslaved people went to court to ask for their freedom. The Missouri Historical Society has 301 of these cases. This is the largest group of such records in the entire country. They have put these records online so people can easily search them. These documents show how enslaved people tried to gain their freedom before the American Civil War.

The research library is in an old building. It was built in 1927 as a synagogue for the United Hebrew Congregation. It has a special Byzantine revival style of architecture.

Programs and Events

The Missouri Historical Society offers many fun and educational programs. They have traveling exhibits that visit different places. They also offer tours, plays, and music shows. School groups and youth groups can enjoy special programs. There are family festivals, workshops, and lectures too. These programs help people of all ages learn about history in exciting ways.

Society's History

In 1952, the Missouri Historical Society helped make something special happen. They worked to convince the U.S. government to create new coins. These coins celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase. This shows how the society helps remember important moments in history.