Evening at the Museum

The society presents programs on local history one evening a month from March through December at the museum. It's a very successful program for area residents interested in local history. The museum director or knowledgeable volunteers about subjects of local interest present the programs.

The programs are held the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.  in the museum at Fourth and Market streets. No charge for attendance. Freewill offerings are gladly accepted. 

March 12–"Over There: Missouri and the Great War" exhibit, developed by the Missouri Humanities Council and the Springfield-Greene County Library District for the centennial of World War I. 

April 9–Bob Friedel will discuss his book, "Frank and Jesse in Plain Sight." Friedel will share stories of Jesse and Frank James, as well as address the story of J. Frank Dalton, who claimed to be the real Jesse James. 

May 14–May is Historic Preservation Month in the U.S. Members of Downtown Washington, Inc., and the Washington Historic Preservation Commission will discuss ongoing efforts to preserve local structures. 

June 11–Walt Larson, author of the book, "Price's Raid and Franklin County," will present a program on that subject. 

July 9–Suzanne C. Pautler will present "A Century of Clothing in Franklin County." This photo presentation explores clothing in Franklin County from the mid-1800s to mid-1900s including trends, how and where garments were obtained, their care, and local businesses advertisements. Photos of local men, women, and children are used to show farm work clothes, swimwear, feed sack clothing, Sunday-going-to-meeting attire and more.

August 13–Victoria Cosner and Lorelei Shannon, authors of "Missouri's Murderous Matrons," will present a program about Catawissa's Bertha Giffords, a notorious local area serial killer. 

September 10–To be determined.

October 8–Odd Fellowship in Franklin County by Marc Houseman. 

November 12–To be determined.

December 10–To be determined.