On Thursday, July 21, 2022 archivists from the MSU Libraries were at Timmons Hall for the History Keepers’ luncheon. This event and others bring together members of the African American community to remember, discover, and share local history.

Last week’s program focused on the Literary Calm Chat Club. Founded in 1928, this group of African American women, primarily teachers, worked to promote African American achievements and supported student scholarships.  Today’s History Keepers are older members of the community who shared their memories of the club, Lincoln School, and the women who had an impact on Springfield’s Black community.

Built in 1932, Timmons Hall was originally Timmons Temple Church of God in Christ. In danger of being torn down in 2015, a group of citizens raised funds to move the building to Silver Springs Park, the only city park available to the African American community until desegregation. After extensive renovation, the building was opened to the public in 2019. Today it serves as a community hall, managed by Christine Peoples, Coordinator of Timmons Temple.

Anne Baker and Tracie Gieselman-France represented Special Collections and Archives, a part of the MSU Libraries. They brought items from the archival collections to jog memories, get information from the History Keepers, and demonstrate the value of archives. Staff from the History Museum on the Square and the State Historical Society of Missouri also attended. For more information, contact Special Collections at 417.836.5428 or Archives@missouristate.edu.