Art and Anthropology in Columbia
A two-hour drive west of St. Louis, Columbia is Missouri’s unofficial capital of cool. Home to the University of Missouri, this city embraces a college-town energy. The presence of the university also gives visiting groups some interesting museums to explore.
The university’s Museum of Art and Archaeology introduces visitors to artwork created around the world and throughout history. Highlights include an antiquities collection, classical European and American art, traditional African works and a medieval collection. Two weeks before their visits, groups can arrange docent-led tours.
Also on the University of Missouri campus, the Museum of Anthropology features exhibits and artifacts that highlight human history from around the planet. The collection includes items from as long ago as 9000 B.C., and the museum features the country’s largest holdings of prehistoric Missouri artifacts. Group tours are available with notice.
While you’re there: Art lovers should take some time to browse among Columbia’s numerous downtown art galleries. Local and national artists have works on display in these galleries, ranging from traditional painting to contemporary crafts and folk art.
Remembering Harry in Independence
It takes another two hours to drive from Columbia to Independence, a town in the suburban area just east of Kansas City. Groups that make a stop in Independence can take some time to rediscover the story of one of America’s most endearing presidents: Harry Truman.
Truman lived most of his life in Independence, both before and after his presidency, and chose the town as the site of his presidential library. During a visit to the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, groups are introduced to Truman, the unassuming man and unlikely politician who became president after the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Exhibits detail the issues with which Truman dealt during his time in office, including the decision to use nuclear weapons to end World War II. The library also has Truman’s private office, unchanged from the days when he used it, as well as his gravesite.
Groups can also visit Truman’s home in Independence, which is preserved as a National Historic Site.
While you’re there: Many early settlers began their westward journeys in Independence, which served as the jumping-off point for the Oregon, California and Santa Fe trails. Visitors can relive their journeys at the National Frontier Trails Museum, which has trail artifacts and interactive exhibits.
