The mission of the State Historical Society of Missouri is to collect, preserve, publish, exhibit, and make available material related to all aspects and periods of Missouri history. SHSMO also seeks to generate interest in and appreciation of the rich cultural heritage of the state and its people through education and outreach. Founded in May 1898 by the Missouri Press Association and established as a trustee of the state a year later, the State Historical Society of Missouri is the premier research center for the study of Missouri state and local history. The State Historical Society of Missouri collects stories from the past and the present to ensure Missouri's history is preserved and shared. Holdings currently boast:
—unique manuscript collections
—an extensive newspaper collection dating from 1808 with newspapers from all 114 Missouri counties and the city of St. Louis
—thousands of editorial cartoons that are national in scope
—rare and specialized books
—thousands of maps, photographic images, and oral histories
—an extensive art collection housed in our Columbia headquarters that includes major works by George Caleb Bingham and Thomas Hart Benton
We host programs, lectures, and workshops as well as tours for school and community groups and in-depth orientation for secondary and university students conducting research. Visit one of our research centers in Cape Girardeau, Columbia, Kansas City, Rolla, Saint Louis, and Springfield. For our Community Guidelines policy, please click on the "Privacy and Legal Info" in our "About" Section.
