Preserving the history and culture of the Ozarks is the charge of the Springfield-Greene County Library’s Local History & Genealogy Department. Throughout May, stop by to experience stories of people, places and events that have shaped the region and discover how those stories are being preserved and shared. For the full schedule, visit thelibrary.org/preserve.
The Arthur Duncan Jazz Trio in Concert
Thursday, May 1, 7 p.m. in the Library Center auditorium. The jazz stylings of the Arthur Duncan Jazz Trio, which began decades ago in the Central High School cafeteria, continue a rich tradition of Black musicians shaping the Ozarks’ musical history. Bandmates Arthur Duncan, Ernie Bedell, and Richard Allen will perform and reflect on the Black Ozarks musicians who paved the way while sharing their efforts to leave a lasting musical legacy for future generations.
The Ozarks in Imagination: Creating a Region with Fiction
Thursday, May 8, 7 p.m. in the Library Center auditorium. The dominant images of the Ozarks, from backward hillbillies to charming countrysides, were shaped largely by literature like Harold Bell Wright’s “The Shepherd of the Hills.” Dr. Brooks Blevins, author and Noel Boyd Professor of Ozarks Studies at Missouri State University, will explore early works of fiction that defined the Ozarks’ image and offer insights into depictions of class, race and religion in the region. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Missouri Gothic & Ozarks Noir
Thursday, May 15, 7 p.m. in the Library Center auditorium. The secluded hollers and small towns of Missouri offer a rich literary landscape for exploring family secrets, unsolved crimes and shady dealings. Dr. Katherine Gilbert, director of Drury’s Humanities and Ethics Center, will examine works of fiction that layer a rugged Ozarks over a gothic or noir underbelly, offering cultural context for how these tales merge classic tropes with modern themes to create successful new genres.
Queer Life in the Ozarks: Preserving the LGBTQIA+ Community
Thursday, May 22, 7 p.m. in the Library Center auditorium. The Ozarks Lesbian and Gay Archives (OLGA) at Missouri State University preserves a rich history of queer life in the Ozarks, gathered from scrapbooks, letters, organizational records and more. Archivist Tracie Gieselman France, former GLO Center executive director Lou Hood, and USA TODAY national reporter Greta Cross will discuss the creation of OLGA, the role of written records in connecting the community, and ongoing efforts to capture and share queer history for future generations.
For more information on these and other great programs, visit thelibrary.org. Vickie Hicks is the community relations director of the Springfield-Greene County Library District. She can be reached at vickieh@thelibrary.org.
