Lincoln University to Host History Symposium During Jefferson City’s 200th Anniversary Celebration

Lincoln University of Missouri will host a history symposium on October 18, as part of Jefferson City's 200th birthday bash.

As part of Jefferson City’s 200th anniversary celebration, Lincoln University will host the JC200 History Symposium on Saturday, October 18, from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. in Pawley Theater, MLK Hall, on the university’s campus.

The symposium is one of several events planned during the city’s four-day bicentennial celebration, taking place October 16–19. Organized by the Historic City of Jefferson, Inc., in partnership with the City of Jefferson, Cole County Historical Society, the Governor’s Mansion and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the celebration will include concerts, tours, a street festival and family-friendly activities. All events are free and open to the public.

 Among the celebration highlights is the History Street Fair on Friday, October 17, along the 100 block of Madison Street. This free outdoor event invites the community to celebrate Jefferson City’s 200th anniversary with live music, dance performances, historical reenactors, local authors, food trucks, and more.

The celebration continues Saturday with the JC200: History Symposium, where scholars, musicians, and historians will explore the stories and legacies that shaped Jefferson City. The program will open at noon with a welcome by emcee Michael Downey, followed by a series of presentations:

• 12:15–1:10 p.m. – Echoes of the Past: Fiddle and Dance Music in Early Missouri, with Howard Marshall and friends

• 1:20–2:15 p.m. – On Shakey Ground: Who Owns Jefferson City? presented by Bob Priddy (followed by a refreshment break and book signing in the lobby)

• 2:55–3:50 p.m. – Politics, Punishment and Profit: The Role of the Missouri State Penitentiary in Early Jefferson City History, with Gary Kremer

• 4:00–4:55 p.m. – Capitol Paradoxes: 200 Years of Balancing Race, Politics and Society in Jefferson City, with Dr. Darius Watson

• 4:55 p.m. – Closing remarks by Michael Downey

Hosting the symposium is a meaningful way for Lincoln University to honor its long-standing place in Jefferson City’s history and its continued commitment to community engagement and education.

The festivities will conclude on Sunday, October 19, with the JC200 Trolley Tour, a free hop-on-hop-off narrated tour of Jefferson City from 1:30–4:30 p.m. The tour includes four stops where visitors can explore local history through tours, exhibits and docents:

• Jefferson Landing State Historic Site, 100 Jefferson St. (first trolley departs at 1:45 p.m.)

• Central Church, 118 W. Ashley St.

• Jefferson City Community Center, 608 E. Dunklin (first trolley departs at 1:45 p.m.)

• Old Missouri State Penitentiary, Lafayette & E. State St.

From live entertainment and historical reenactments to in-depth discussions and guided tours, Jefferson City’s bicentennial weekend offers residents and visitors alike a chance to celebrate two centuries of community, culture and progress.