MCPL Spotlights Missouri’s 200-Year History

In six months, Missouri will reach its 200-year anniversary of becoming the 24th state. In recognition of this milestone, Mid-Continent Public Library will spend the next few months examining the state’s complex past and present and those who played a role. As part of this, the Library is offering a wide variety of virtual events for all ages as well as highlighting resources via its website and social media pages that feature both familiar and lesser known stories.

In celebration of Black History Month, the Library’s bicentennial offerings in February will focus on the stories of Black Missourians, including:

• Cathay Williams: Buffalo Soldier – February 11 at 7:00 p.m.
• Born a Slave: Rediscovering Arthur Jackson’s African American Heritage – February 16 at 7:00 p.m.
• Josephine Baker’s Last Dance by Sherry Jones, Book Group – February 18 at 7:00 p.m.
• Stories from Family and Community: Missouri’s African American Heritage – February 19 at 6:30 p.m.
• Crown Crafted Concert Series: NuBlvckCity – February 20 at 5:00 p.m.
• Tom Bass’ Commencement Address – February 24 at 7:00 p.m.

In March, the Library will feature Women’s History Month-themed events through a bicentennial lens, including: Laura Ingalls Wilder, Rag Dolls, and Missouri History on March 16 at 7:00 p.m.

Additional bicentennial-themed virtual events from the Library in March and April will include:

• The Beatles in Missouri – March 3 at 7:00 p.m.
• Secret Kansas City – March 9 at 7:00 p.m.
• Art, Race, and Thomas Hart Benton – April 15 at 7:00 p.m.

• Explorers, Mountain Men, and Pioneers: Pre-Missouri Statehood Stories – April 20 at 7:00 p.m.

• This Is Kansas City Storytime – April 22 at 10:00 a.m.

More information about these programs, including details on how to register, as well as additional bicentennial-focused Library resources can be found at mymcpl.org/Mo2021. Virtual events in May, June, July, and August will also be posted to this page as they are scheduled.

The Library’s annual Winter Reading Challenge for adults, which runs through March 15, is also taking a bicentennial focus with the theme “Celebrate Missouri,” and suggested titles include those penned by and about Missourians. Registration is available at mymcpl.org/WinterReading.

Those who enjoy the Library’s bicentennial resources and programming may also like the podcast A People’s History of Kansas City, produced by KCUR and made possible by the Library. More information and links to episodes can be found at mymcpl.org/PHKC.