For many years, The History Museum on the Square and MSU’s Special Collections have partnered on special projects. From supporting exhibits to working with researchers, the strengths of both institutions often come together to preserve and make available Springfield’s rich history. The Museum’s current exhibit, Creating Communities: Jews of Springfield, features Museum holdings, items on loan from community members, and photographs, documents, and other material in the Ozarks Jewish Archives (OJA), a part of the MSU Libraries.

The exhibit closes on June 1, so time is short. However, it is worth the visit, shedding light on the arrival of the first Jewish settlers in Springfield during the 1860s. Those early settlers, driven by commerce, trade, and community building opportunities, laid the groundwork for a vibrant, tight-knit community that has continued to be an integral part of Springfield’s fabric. To learn more, visit the The History Museum on the Square’s website.