To explore Missouri's historic treasures and black history we joined the National Black History Tour. What happens when you pack a group of strangers in a bus for a National Black History Tour? You soon have a group of friends enjoying a trip through time. Each journey is unique and gives us insight into the impact African Americans have had on the nation. And, through the hard work and dedication of our host, Angie, we learn how these brave souls have inspired others through their struggle for every American's right; which is freedom.

On this trip we visit the town of St. Genevieve, the oldest settlement west of the Mississippi. Here, we discovered where black America's settled and lived in cabins that are among two of only a handful of vertical log structures left in the country. Along with several historic structures to visit, St. Genevieve is a perfect destination for a day trip. Stroll the streets of this small town and you can imagine what it was like to live here long ago since not much has change. During your visit you'll find wonderful shops and hometown dining to enjoy, as well as friendly folks who call this historic town home.

A visit to the Great River Road Interpretive Center / Tourist Information Office is a great starting point. Constructed in the tradition of the pioneer French, the helpful guides at the Center can give you background on other historic structures as well as what to enjoy on your visit. On site you'll find the Roscoe Misselhorn Gallery that is a permanent exhibit which displays many of his original sketches of St. Genevieve. The main gallery updates  exhibits often so each visit is different. The Center also has a walking tour video, gift shop, public rest rooms and brochures on most of the surrounding area.

St. Genevieve also host numerous festivals and events throughout the year including Fourth Friday Open Studio & Gallery Walks, hit musicals at the ColeBeanBay Theatre, and exciting events like the July 4th Freedom Celebration, featuring a Pops Musical concert before FREE fireworks in the park, along with a Live Band and Beer Garden after the fireworks.

Located just an hour from St. Louis, Missouri, St. Genevieve offers historic treasures to explore and many great events to join. To view the full schedule of upcoming events visit: www.ste-genevieve.com/events.htm For details on group tours call the Great River Road Interpretive Center / Tourist Information Office at 573-883-7097.

We also visited the Katherine Dunham: Beyond the Dance exhibition tour at the Missouri History Museum. The exhibit showcases how Katherine Dunham revolutionized modern dance by blending classical movement with African and Caribbean rhythms to create a new form, the renowned Dunham Technique. Throughout the exhibit we enjoyed hands-on activities as well as viewing many costumes and film footage on her career. Also on exhibit is the Mary Lee Bendolph, Gee’s Bend Quilts that are a beautiful express of artistry and history.

One of our favorite parts of visiting the Missouri History Museum is the diverse collection of exhibitions and interactive galleries. With  on-going lectures, theater, special programs and concerts you can discover something extraordinary from past, present and future on each visit. The Missouri History Museum is located at 5700 Lindell Blvd in Forest Park, St. Louis, MO. Visit their website for current exhibits and events - www.MoHistory.org.

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Plan Your Trip

To discover more about Missouri's intriguing history you can take a tour as we did by visiting the National Black Tourism Network online at www.tourism-network.net .

 Contact the Missouri Tourism News Bureau at (800) 865-8285 for more information about Missouri attractions and special events year-round or visit www.visitmo.com. 

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