Springfield, MO— Last year, Plotline, A Girl Like Me, Timmons Hall, and the UniteNews Publication collaborated on a project to highlight the historic ParkDay Reunion Celebration and Silver Springs Park.
The ParkDay Reunion Celebration is one of the longest-running African American events in Springfield. Traditionally celebrated on the first weekend in August, the event takes place in Silver Springs Park, Springfield’s only public park open to black residents during segregation.
Park Day festivities fill three days and are held at venues all over Springfield.
With help from the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, the four collaborating organizations were able to fund part of the project.
While the group has collected oral history interviews with several local families who have a long history in the area, the project lacks photographs and home movies that were taken in the park and at the annual celebration.
If you have any of the following items, we ask that you contact Samuel Knox, UniteNews publication (417) 864-7444, email: unitepublication@yahoo.com or Christine Peoples, Timmons Hall (417) 983-1171, email: researchrethinkreimagine@gmail.com
Looking for photos of:
• Silver Springs Park Pre 1965-1975
• Aerial photos of Silver Springs Park Pre 1965
• Photos of older buildings no longer
standing in the park
• Black families in the Silver Springs Park
• Sporting events in Silver Springs Park
• People celebrating at the Park Day Reunion Celebration
• Activities in Silver Springs Park Pre 1965-1975
If you have photos you would like to share, please contact us. We can do a quick digital scan within seconds while you wait. We will make sure all your photos are handled with care. You will also receive recognition and credit for the use of your photo in the final project.
