“The Missouri Ozarks: Through a 250-Year Lens” is the theme of the 19th annual Ozarks Studies Symposium set for Sept. 17-19 at the West Plains Civic Center and Garnett Library on the Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) campus.

Hosted by MSU-WP, the event celebrates various aspects of culture and history of the Ozarks through a variety of presentations and performances.

Support is provided by the West Plains Council on the Arts (WPCA); the Department of Arts, Letters, and Education at MSU-WP; the Missouri Humanities Council; and the Ozarks Heritage Research Center at Garnett Library on the MSU-WP campus.

“The presenters at this year’s conference engage with a broad array of topics, some directly related to the theme and others with a more tangential connection,” says Dr. Jason McCollom, professor of history at MSU-WP and coordinator of the symposium. “These topics include Ozarks-based fiction, land, art, film screenings, African American history, entertainment, preservation, biographies of impactful Ozarkers, and storytelling,” McCollom explained.

 “Connecting with the presenters and the community has always been an important aspect of the symposium. Community members are always warmly welcomed at all the panel presentations,” McCollom added.

WPCA Exhibit

As in past years, WPCA will sponsor an event related to the symposium’s theme beginning at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 17.

The exhibit, “The Ozarks along Route 66 — Photographs by Chuck Davis,” commemorates the Route 66 Centennial and America 250, at The Gallery at the Center on the mezzanine level of the West Plains Civic Center. Chuck Davis presents a fine art perspective of the “Mother Road” as it traverses the Ozarks. By focusing on this specific regional segment, the photographs tell a regional tale that reflects the broader American experience along the historic route. Davis will discuss the photographs and take questions. Refreshments will be provided.

Keynote Address

The symposium’s keynote address begins at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, at Garnett Library on the campus of Missouri State University-West Plains. Joanna Dee Das, of Washington University in St. Louis, will discuss the themes of her new book, Faith, Family, and Flag: Branson Entertainment and the Idea of America(The University of Chicago Press, 2025), including how performances at Silver Dollar City theme park and on the stages of Branson have shaped ideas about American history. “Dr. Das’s book has garnered a lot of attention, and the Ozarks Symposium is thrilled to have her as a keynote to learn about connections between Branson entertainment and American ideals,” McCollom said.

For more information about the symposium and presenters, visit OzarkSymposium.WP.MissouriState.edu or visit the symposium’s Facebook page, Facebook.com/OzarksSymposium.