FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 20, 2025
Missouri State Archives announces upcoming Thursday Evening Speaker Series programs - Busch, Jefferson City Hotels, Grand Ole Opry and more!
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Missouri State Archives, a division of the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office, invites the public to attend its ongoing and upcoming Thursday Evening Speaker Series. These free programs highlight fascinating aspects of Missouri and American history, featuring distinguished historians and authors.
“The Archives opens its doors—both in person and online—to every Missourian,” said Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins. “These programs illuminate our heritage, spark conversation, and make history accessible to all.”
All presentations begin at 7 p.m. at the James C. Kirkpatrick State Information Center Interpretive Center, 600 West Main Street in Jefferson City. For those unable to attend in person, each event will also be live-streamed and available afterwards on the Archives’ YouTube channel. Additional details and streaming information can be found on the Missouri State Archives’ Facebook page.
“The Speaker Series brings our shared story to life,” Hoskins added. “I encourage Missourians to take part—whether on site or online—to learn, ask questions, and enjoy programs that preserve our past and strengthen our future.”
The Speaker’s Series is an ongoing program started in 1997.
For a full calendar of Archives’ events, visit: www.sos.mo.gov/archives/about/calendar.
For more information, please contact Rachael Dunn, Director of Communications, via email at [email protected].
About the Missouri State Archives
The Missouri State Archives, established in 1965, serves as the official repository for the state's permanent and historical records. Its extensive collections date back to 1770 and encompass executive, legislative, and judicial documents; state department and agency records; land and military records; state publications; photographs; maps; county and municipal records on microfilm; and various manuscripts and reference materials. With holdings exceeding 336 million pages of paper, 770,000 photographs, 9,000 maps, 66,000 reels of county government records on microfilm, 560 cubic feet of published state documents, and 1,000 audio/video items, the Archives plays a crucial role in preserving Missouri's rich history. These resources are accessible to government officials, historians, students, genealogists, and the general public through the Archives' research room.
About the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office
The Missouri Secretary of State’s Office serves as a central hub for key state functions that promote transparency, security, and opportunity for all Missourians. The Office oversees the administration of fair and secure elections, registers and supports businesses, maintains and preserves state records through the State Archives, and ensures public access to government rulemaking via the Administrative Rules Division.
Additionally, the Office protects investors through the Securities Division, supports libraries and literacy programs across the state, and administers the Safe at Home address confidentiality program for survivors of abuse and assault. With a commitment to service, accountability, and civic engagement, the Secretary of State’s Office works every day to strengthen Missouri’s government and communities.
About Secretary of State Denny Hoskins
Denny Hoskins, CPA, was elected Missouri’s 41st Secretary of State in November 2024. With a strong background in business and public service, he is committed to improving government efficiency, transparency, and supporting Missouri families. Hoskins previously served as a legislator in both the state Senate and House. He and his wife, Michelle, reside in Warrensburg and have five adult children.
Featured Presentations
The History of Anheuser-Busch
Thursday, August 28, 2025, 7 p.m.
Presented by Christian Naffziger, historian and author
From a small St. Louis brewery to one of the most iconic American brands, the story of Anheuser-Busch is one of entrepreneurship, immigration, and innovation. Naffziger will share untold stories and exclusive historic photographs from the Anheuser-Busch archives, tracing how Adolphus Busch and Eberhard Anheuser built a global brewing legacy.
Down the Memory Hole: Truman’s Hidden Role in the Soviet Invasion of Manchuria
Thursday, September 18, 2025, 7 p.m.
Presented by D. M. Giangreco, military historian and author
Giangreco explores the secret U.S. initiatives—Projects Milepost, Hula, and Keelblocks—that supported Soviet combat operations against Japan in World War II. This program uncovers how these largely forgotten efforts shaped the end of the Pacific War and why they have remained hidden from mainstream history.
The Ozarks Spook Light: History, Legend, and Speculation
Thursday, October 30, 2025, 7 p.m.
Presented by Larry Wood, author
For nearly a century, a mysterious light has fascinated travelers near the Missouri-Oklahoma border. Wood will examine the folklore, eyewitness accounts, and scientific investigations surrounding the famous “Ozarks Spook Light,” offering both legend and evidence behind this enduring phenomenon.
The Ozark Origins of the Grand Ole Opry
Thursday, November 13, 2025, 7 p.m.
Presented by Brooks Blevins, historian
Blevins traces how Ozark traditions and performers shaped the early days of the Grand Ole Opry, linking Missouri’s cultural heritage to one of America’s most celebrated stages.
No program in December - Happy Holidays!
Historic Hotels of Jefferson City
Thursday, January 15, 2026, 7 p.m.
Presented by Michelle Brooks, author
Coinciding with the release of her new book, Brooks will uncover the stories behind Jefferson City’s historic hotels—from the City Hotel to the Hotel Madison—and their role in the city’s social, political, and cultural life.
Hannibal’s Invisibles
Thursday, February 12, 2026, 7 p.m.
Presented by G. Faye Dant, executive director of Jim’s Journey: The Huck Finn Freedom Center
Dant shares the overlooked history of Hannibal’s Black community, whose resilience and contributions shaped the town’s past and future. Through first-hand accounts, vintage photographs, and historical documents, she tells a story too often left untold.