About the Society

Founded in 1898 by the Missouri Press Association and a trustee of the state since 1899, The State Historical Society of Missouri is the preeminent research facility for the study of the Show Me State’s heritage and a leader in programming designed to share that heritage with the public. Whether through educational settings, such as the Missouri History Speakers’ Bureau, or National History Day in Missouri and genealogy workshops, or the performing arts, like MoHiP Theater, the Society not only brings Missouri history to the state’s citizens, but also gives Missourians the tools they need to uncover history in their own lives.

The Society also publishes the Missouri Historical Review, an award-winning scholarly quarterly, which has served as the cornerstone of the Society’s publication program since 1906.

Every year the Society holds its membership meeting in either late October or early November. Members and guests can attend a workshop or informational session in the morning, take part in the business meeting, and meet other members at the luncheon and program which follow.

Hours

The State Historical Society of Missouri and the Western Historical Manuscript Collection-Columbia are open the following hours:

  • Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
  • Saturday, 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Main Art Gallery is closed Mondays and opens at 9 a.m., Tuesday - Saturday and closes 15 minutes before the rest of the Society.

 

Contact the Society

  • US Mail: The State Historical Society of Missouri
  • 1020 Lowry Street
    Columbia, Missouri 65201
  • E-Mail: shsofmo@umsystem.edu
  • Phone: (800) SHS of Mo (747-6366); (573) 882-7083
  • Fax: (573) 884-4950

Closings (subject to change)

  • Staff Meeting: Second Wednesday of Every Month, 8:00-9:00am
  • Martin Luther King's Birthday: January 17 - 19, 2009
  • Memorial Day Weekend: May 23 - 25, 2009
  • Independence Day: July 3 - 4, 2009
  • Labor Day: September 5 - 7, 2009
  • Thanksgiving: Noon November 25 - 28, 2009
  • Christmas: Noon December 24 - 26, 2009
  • New Year Day: January 1, 2010