MoHistory

This post is part of a series about the materials that built St. Louis. The story of St. Louis becoming a brick metropolis is one of getting extremely geographically lucky. Just south of Forest Park, in the area commonly known as Dogtown, is the Cheltenham syncline. The geologic term refers to the bowl-shaped dips in the rock …

Continue reading "Built St. Louis: Clay, Part 1"

Hailed for her work within the civil rights movement, Margaret Bush Wilson blazed her own path as a Black attorney and activist. She rose to prominence as a giant for the cause of civil rights and tirelessly worked for equality. Her story began in St. Louis, where she was born to James T. and Margaret …

Continue reading "Margaret Bush Wilson: Civil Rights Activist and Attorney"

Thinking Historically is a series of short talks and conversations presented at the Missouri History Museum’s monthly family event History Exploration Days. The series is designed to help learners and visitors of all ages explore how historians think about and make sense of the past and the present. Maria Explains the Gap of Uncollected History …

Continue reading "Mind the Gap: Thinking Historically about Untold Stories"

This spring, Twilight Thursdays concerts will return to our newly reopened front plaza, new special exhibits will shed light on the 1904 World’s Fair and the Eads Bridge, and there will be countless opportunities to engage with history at our three locations and out on the streets of St. Louis. 1. The History Chicks Live! …

Continue reading "13 Ways to Make the Most of Springtime at MHS"

The Missouri Historical Society’s African American History Initiative (AAHI) supports the collection of unique artifacts and materials concerning historically underrepresented communities, the development of future museum professionals, and the preservation of African American resources and history in the greater St. Louis area. Here are a few items exploring the African American experience in St. Louis …

Continue reading "New to the Collections: African American History"

This post is part of a series about the materials that built St. Louis. Southwest of St. Louis the landscape rises into rolling hills and exposes a long, thin strip of sandstone that stretches from Eureka and Pacific down southeast toward Crystal City and Festus. Sandstone is extremely soft and crumbles apart very easily, so it wasn’t useful …

Continue reading "Built St. Louis: Sandstone"

Howard John Wilkinson, Jr. was born on March 20, 1921, the son of Alma and Howard J. Wilkinson, Sr. Shortly after his 19th birthday on April 3, 1940, Howard enlisted in the US Navy for a 6-year term. He was initially assigned to the USS Wasp as a seaman and was promoted to a 2nd …

Continue reading "A Love That Lasted a Lifetime"

When Yugoslavian George Mihaljević emigrated to America in 1957 at the age of 21, he brought his love of soccer with him. Soccer was perhaps the best part of his childhood in Belgrade, behind the Iron Curtain. George Mihaljević was born on February 28, 1936, in Vuka, Yugoslavia. While attending grammar school, he also played …

Continue reading "Remembering a St. Louis Soccer Legend"

EDITOR’S NOTE: In order to bring a plurality of voices to our storytelling, the Missouri Historical Society frequently asks guest writers to contribute to History Happens Here. The views and opinions expressed by guest contributors are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Missouri Historical Society, its affiliates, or …

Continue reading "Celebrating Lunar New Year in St. Louis"

Banking on a Name It’s almost certain that David Weber was proud of his play on words when he opened the First Federal Frank and Crust Company in 1977. The pizza company, which opened its first St. Louis location at 10th and Olive Streets, experienced great success, which can probably be attributed to their commitment …

Continue reading "David Weber’s First Federal Frank and Crust Co."

As a notable bandmaster, talented cornetist, composer, and teacher, William Joseph Blue spent his life sharing his passion for music with the world. He was born to George and Mary Blue on July 25, 1875, in Bloomfield, Missouri. After marrying Eva Mapp on September 8, 1898, the couple moved to St. Louis around 1900. Blue’s …

Continue reading "The Life of William Blue and the Power of a Diary"

Thinking Historically is a series of short talks and conversations presented at the Missouri History Museum’s monthly family event History Exploration Days. The series is designed to help learners and visitors of all ages explore how historians think about and make sense of the past and the present. In this blog post, readers can study …

Continue reading "Thinking Historically: Activism"

EDITOR’S NOTE: In order to bring a plurality of voices to our storytelling, the Missouri Historical Society frequently asks guest writers to contribute to History Happens Here. The views and opinions expressed by guest contributors are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Missouri Historical Society, its affiliates, or …

Continue reading "St. Louis’s Prankster Police Reporter"

One of the most iconic American landmarks is the Gateway Arch, which stands on the site of the original French town of St. Louis. It would be hard to imagine a St. Louis without the Gateway Arch. But the Arch we see today was just one of many designs entered into the 1947 architectural competition …

Continue reading "What Could Have Been: A Different Vision for the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial"

EDITOR’S NOTE: In order to bring a plurality of voices to our storytelling, the Missouri Historical Society frequently asks guest writers to contribute to History Happens Here. The views and opinions expressed by guest contributors are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Missouri Historical Society, its affiliates, or …

Continue reading "Notable Chinese Alumni of Missouri Institutions, Part 2"

EDITOR’S NOTE: In order to bring a plurality of voices to our storytelling, the Missouri Historical Society frequently asks guest writers to contribute to History Happens Here. The views and opinions expressed by guest contributors are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Missouri Historical Society, its affiliates, or …

Continue reading "Expanding the St. Louis Science Center"

This post is part of a series about the materials that built St. Louis. Lead is by far the most valuable material that has been mined in Missouri throughout the state’s history, and southeast Missouri is home to one of the largest lead deposits in the world. Lead has been mined there since at least the 1720s, …

Continue reading "Built St. Louis: Lead"

The Missouri Historical Society’s African American History Initiative (AAHI) strives to promote stories that explore various aspects of the African American experience throughout this region. In addition to the core values of MHS, this initiative supports the collection of unique artifacts and materials concerning historically underrepresented communities, the development of future museum professionals, and the preservation of African …

Continue reading "Dr. John H. Gladney Collection"

You made your resolutions, the clock struck midnight, and now it’s time to kick off the new year. These 11 moments—spanning everything from foosball tournaments to the history of underwear—are sure to tempt you out of winter hibernation. 1. MLK Community Celebration | January 12–15, 2024 Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther …

Continue reading "11 Can’t-Miss Moments at the Missouri Historical Society This Winter"

In 1909, the people of Warrensburg, Missouri, were promised 10 entertaining days in the form of a Chautauqua series featuring Maguire the Magician, Mascot the Educated Horse, Carrie Nation “of Hatchet Notoriety,” and the “great weatherman” Reverend Irl R. Hicks. St. Louis’s Hicks was a popular speaker at Chautauqua events that sought to provide education …

Continue reading "Reverend Irl Hicks, the St. Louis Weather Prophet"