A new exhibition series on Ozarks history and culture is now open at the Park Central Branch Library in Springfield, Missouri.

The project is supported by Missouri State University’s Department of Art and Design, the Park Central Branch Library, Springfield-Greene County Library System, the Missouri Humanities Council and the Missouri Humanities Trust Fund.

The series runs from October 2024 through September 2025.

Six exhibitions feature Ozarks artifacts

Directed by Dr. Billie Follensbee, art and design professor and Museum Studies Program Coordinator, the project consists of six exhibition and presentation topics that explore the culture and history of the Ozarks. The Park Central Branch Library will host each exhibition.

“The artifacts in these exhibitions have been generously loaned to us by different museums and collections in the region,” Follensbee said. These regional entities include the History Museum on the Square, the Christian County Museum and the Rose O’Neill Museum and Bonniebrook Historical Society.

“[These are] smaller institutions that do not have the funding or personnel to research these collections,” Follensbee explained.

Student researched exhibitions

MSU art history and museum studies students researched the objects in every exhibit. In addition, each exhibition will be unveiled during Springfield’s First Friday Art Walk, accompanied by presentations from MSU students and alumni.

Opportunity to learn about the Ozarks

According to Follensbee, the grant-funded series offers a unique opportunity for the public to engage with the Ozarks’ rich history through both presentations and visual displays. By showcasing artifacts ranging from Native American basketry to vintage toys, the exhibitions highlight the diverse cultural influences that have shaped the region.

“The Springfield and larger Ozarks community will have the opportunity to view the interpretive exhibitions and presentations and learn more about their rich heritage and history,” Follensbee said.

In addition to the exhibitions, the project emphasizes the educational value of hands-on learning. Children’s activity sheets will be available throughout the year, encouraging younger visitors to explore and connect with the historic information.

Follensbee said the multi-organizational collaboration creates a dynamic educational experience and fosters a deeper appreciation for the region’s heritage.

The series is “a project that benefits all parties involved – Missouri State University, our students and alumni, the public and the Springfield-Greene County Library System, as well as the museums that have loaned objects for the project,” she added.

Exhibition Schedule

Celebrating Native American Cultures of the Ozarks

Oct. 4-Nov. 30, 2024

Opening: Oct. 4, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Presenters: Jessica Winslow and Kylei Giles

What’s on Your Wishlist? Toys of the Late 19th and Early 20th Centuries

Dec. 6, 2024-Jan. 31, 2025

Opening: Dec. 6, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Presenter: Emery Wilcoxon

Keeping Warm in the Ozarks: Cast Iron Stoves in the Late 19th and Early 20th Centuries

Feb. 7-Mar. 30, 2025

Opening: Feb. 7, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Presenter: Madelyn Pohl

Occupations of the Late 19th to Mid-20th Century in the Ozarks

April 4-May 31, 2025

Opening: April 4, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Presenters: Sarah Teel and Kevin Frey

Rose Cecil O’Neill, Author, Illustrator and Artist

June 6-July 31, 2025

Opening: June 6, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Presenter: Vinita Williams

Artifacts from the Bonniebrook Homestead

Aug. 1-Sept. 30, 2025

Opening: Aug. 1, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Presenter: Renee Walker

The Park Central Branch Library, located at 128 Park Central Square, Springfield, MO 65806, is open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Call 417-837-2330 for additional details.

The Missouri State University Museum Studies Program, Department of Art and Design and the Park Central Branch Library, Springfield-Greene County Library System, are sponsoring this program in partnership with the Missouri Humanities Council and with support from the Missouri Humanities Trust Fund.

Explore the Museum Studies program

Photo credits unless otherwise indicated: Mindy Welland/Missouri State University

News written by Sam Barnette and edited by the Reynolds College Communications Team.

Barnette is a writer for the Department of Art and Design. She earned an MFA in Dramatic Writing from Missouri State’s Department of Communication, Media, Journalism and Film. She is now working toward an MS in Data Science and Analytic Storytelling at Truman State University.

Updated 21 October, 2024.