MoHistory

With spooky season upon us and autumnal festivities under way, we’re exploring some kooky, creepy, and weird objects in the Missouri Historical Society Collections that are sure to spark your curiosity. Glass Lachrymatory Bottle What looks like an ornate perfume bottle is believed to be a lachrymatory bottle, or tear catcher. The practice of using …

Continue reading "Creepy Collections"

Since its founding in 1927 in St. Louis’s Mill Creek neighborhood, Vashon High School has stood tall as a powerful symbol of Black self-determination, intellectualism, and cultural pride. But for much of that time, the school and its community have been locked in a protracted struggle to keep Vashon’s doors open against systemic racism, institutional …

Continue reading "Sustaining Vashon: The Long Struggle to Preserve a Pillar of Black Education in St. Louis"

With so many books in the Missouri Historical Society Collections, it is easy for something to be cataloged and never thought about again until it resurfaces for an exhibit. One such item is the focus of this post: a book of flute instruction exercises. It is in poor condition, and its title page is missing, …

Continue reading "The Mysterious Flute Book"

The Tuskegee Airmen of World War II, known as the Red Tails, were the first Black aviators in the US military. Among them was Captain Hugh J. White of St. Louis. Born on August 24, 1922, White was the son of Hugh P. and Virginia White. His five siblings included one brother, Frank; and four …

Continue reading "Tuskegee Airman Captain Hugh J. White"

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 "Exploring Family History: A New MHS Resource"

With 63 artifacts across 6,000 square feet, Collected has many stories rich in St. Louis history. One case near the gallery’s entrance focuses on St. Louis’s fight against pollution, efforts to safeguard health and the environment, and the development of grassroots movements. Nuclear Testing An object as simple as a baby tooth was instrumental in …

Continue reading "Beyond Baby Teeth: Environmental Activism in St. Louis"

In the first half of the 20th century, Mill Creek was more than a Black neighborhood—it was a world of its own. Tucked into the heart of St. Louis, it felt like a small city within a big city, alive with energy and vigor. Everything urban life could offer was there: shops and restaurants, hotels …

Continue reading "What Was Mill Creek?"

Suspended high above the ticketing hall of Terminal 2 at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, a striking red aircraft catches the eye of travelers below. This is the Monocoupe 110 Special—an aviation gem with a storied past, lovingly preserved by the Missouri Historical Society. Built in March 1931 by the Mono Aircraft Corporation in Moline, …

Continue reading "The Glatz Monocoupe Soars Again at St. Louis Lambert International Airport"

Although much of the public attention to the Tuskegee Airmen of World War II has focused on the nation’s first 992 Black military pilots, more than 14,000 non-pilots share the title of Tuskegee Airmen. This group includes mechanics, nurses, drivers, armorers, cooks, riveters, meteorologists, clerks, machinists, parachute riggers, instructors, radio technicians, firefighters, and other support …

Continue reading "Tuskegee Airman Sgt. George H. Carper"

Through nostalgic nods, adorable motifs, and humorous moments, The Life of Kids’ Clothes invites visitors of all ages to explore the Missouri Historical Society’s collection of approximately 2,000 children’s garments from the 19th century to today. As an exhibit designer, I collaborated with Adam MacPhàrlain, former curator of clothing and textiles, to develop the exhibit’s …

Continue reading "Designing Our Kids’ Clothes Exhibit"

The exhibit Collected introduces visitors to the early work of American painter George Caleb Bingham. Although the artist is nationally renowned, the woman in the portrait on display is unfamiliar to most. Let’s meet Lavinia Sappington Marmaduke (1807–1885). Born in Tennessee, Lavinia attended a young ladies’ seminary in southern Kentucky before her family moved to …

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The Tuskegee Airmen of World War II, known as the Red Tail Angels, were the first Black aviators in the US military. Among them was Captain Charles L. White from St. Louis. Born on June 5, 1921, White was the oldest child of Stanley, a dentist, and Eleanor White. He had two brothers, Stanley and …

Continue reading "Soldiers Memorial Military Museum Honors Tuskegee Airman from St. Louis"

The Museum Column Museums are in the headlines quite a bit lately. While that would usually make me happy, most of the recent headlines have focused on the Trump administration’s efforts to get into the museum business by reviewing the historic content found in national parks and at the Smithsonian. Museum organizations have responded, including …

Continue reading "What Visitors Want"

A play about the legendary comedy acts that passed through Gaslight Square. A discussion of Tennessee Williams’s St. Louis chapter along with performances previewing both the Tennessee Williams Festival and Opera Theatre of St. Louis’s 2026 season. A documentary produced by the Missouri Humanities Council about how Missouri shaped the nation and a discussion with …

Continue reading "The St. Louis Story, One Chapter at a Time"

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 "Tennessee Williams in University City"

At a time when learning was a crime for Black Missourians, John Berry Meachum found a way to teach freedom. His story exemplifies Black resilience, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of liberation through education. Born into slavery in Virginia in 1789, Meachum spent much of his early life in Kentucky before using the earnings he …

Continue reading "John Berry Meachum and the Steamboat School That Defied the Law"

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 "Chasing Camille Dry"

The Tuskegee Airmen who fought in World War II were the first African American aviators in the United States military. Of these men, Lieutenant James L. McCullin Jr. was the first Tuskegee pilot from St. Louis. He was born on November 25, 1918, to James and Bessie McCullin. He had two brothers, Elbert and Ernest, …

Continue reading "Honoring the First Tuskegee Airman from St. Louis"

The Museum Column I recently had the pleasure of helping welcome 48 people from 28 countries to their new home. The naturalization ceremony that is held at the Missouri History Museum every year is one of my favorite events. The day is filled with so much joy and inspiration. I always stress to the new …

Continue reading "Welcoming New Americans and New St. Louisans"

In 1888 a stray dog roamed into a post office in Albany, New York. Perhaps initially attracted to the scent or texture of the canvas mailbags, the free-spirited Owney—a nickname for Owen—started accompanying them onto mail wagons and Railway Mail Service train cars. As Owney traveled throughout the country, Railway Mail Service clerks proudly placed …

Continue reading "Meeting Owney in St. Louis—and at the Fair"