The traveling exhibition interprets the history of five Black business districts throughout the state of Missouri. The five communities featured include: The Foot in Jefferson City, The Wedge in Hannibal, Sharp End in Columbia, Vine Street in Kansas City, and The Ville in St. Louis. Due to segregation and racism, these business centers flourished, serving as the cornerstone of Black life, culture and survival from the late 19th to the mid-20th centuries. However, integration, civil rights legislation and urban renewal caused these communities to disappear.

 “Boom! The Rise and Fall of Missouri’s Black Business District” aims to educate Missourians about historically Black business districts throughout the state and to demonstrate the integral role Black Missourians have played in state and national history. It also strives to make relevant present day trends and demographic spreads as they relate to the economy and politics.

For more information or to arrange group visits, contact Margot Mirabal at (660) 831-4180 or mirabalm@moval.edu.

The Missouri State Museum, located in the state capital of Jefferson City, develops and supports diverse programs, including collections of exhibits portraying the state’s natural and cultural history. For more information, please visit the Missouri State Parks online Missouri State Museum or call (573) 751-2854.

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