State museum honors Black History Month

February 21, 2018 at 4:58 a.m. | Updated February 21, 2018 at 3:53 p.m.

JULY 2017 FILE: Jeremy Amick points to a name on the plaque Friday while talking with Marilyn Gross in the Capitol. The Missouri State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution hosted a World War I plaque rededication ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda before moving to the history wing of the museum to unveil it.
JULY 2017 FILE: Jeremy Amick points to a name on the plaque Friday while talking with Marilyn Gross in the Capitol. The Missouri State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution hosted a World War I plaque rededication ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda before moving to the history wing of the museum to unveil it.

JEFFERSON CITY - In commemoration of Black History Month, the Missouri State Museum will offer a series of free public events that help tell the story of Missouri's black community.

Portrait Exhibit: Until Saturday

The public is invited to view a new pop-up exhibit featuring historical portraits of black Missourians. The exhibit introduces viewers to the use of photography as an effective medium for documenting and empowering the black community. The exhibit's photographs capture images of people struggling to overcome discrimination and to find a better life for themselves and their descendants.

Hosted by Jefferson City Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department, the exhibit can be viewed at the The Linc wellness center on Lincoln University's campus during normal operating hours. The Linc is located at 1299 Lafayette St., Jefferson City. For operating hours and other information about The Linc, visit jeffersoncitymo.gov/the_linc/index.php.

Project Preview: Thursday

The state museum's Black History Month commemoration continues with an exclusive public preview of two projects that highlight the history of Missouri's black business districts. The projects include a documentary by Rodney Thompson titled "18th STREET LIVES!" and an exhibit by the Missouri State Museum titled "Boom! The Rise and Fall of Missouri's Black Business Districts."

The Missouri State Museum and Lincoln University will preview the projects from 5:30-8 p.m. Thursday at Lincoln University's Inman E. Page Library, Room 100, located at 712 Lee Drive, Jefferson City. Participants will have the opportunity to talk with the creators about their developing projects and offer feedback. Refreshments will also be served.

Special Presentation: Saturday

The Missouri State Museum will conclude its commemoration Saturday with a special presentation. Museum Curator Sydney Johnson will present "Missourians who Made a Difference," a message about change-makers and activists throughout Missouri History.

Hosted by Second Baptist Church, this free community event will begin at 10 a.m. at 501 Monroe St., Jefferson City.

The Missouri State Museum, which is part of the Missouri State Parks system, is on the first floor of the state Capitol. For more information, contact the museum at 573-751-2854.

For information on Missouri's state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.