top of page

The Library Center’s Children’s Department play areas are limited while new carpet is being installed.


Jack Drussa: Musician and Racing Pioneer
Jack Drussa was a member of Springfield’s famous Boy Scout Band and a race car driver in the early days of the Fairgrounds Speedway.
Michael Price
Apr 3, 2025


Beyond Boundaries: The Women Redefining Solo Travel
Nell Milligan and other pioneering female solo travelers defied societal expectations to explore the world on their own terms.
Landyn Block
Mar 20, 2025


The Country’s Best Newspaper Correspondent
Mary Elizabeth Mahnkey’s writings documented life in Taney County and defined her career as a rural newspaper correspondent.
Ben Divin
Mar 7, 2025


From the White House to the Ozarks: Presidents Who Visited Southwest Missouri
Whether for campaign rallies, dedication ceremonies, or times of tragedy, twelve presidents have visited the Ozarks.
Michael Price
Feb 17, 2025


Love in the Hollers: Courtship, Marriage, and Divorce in the Early Ozarks
Ozarkers of the past approached courtship, marriage, and divorce in ways that are at once surprisingly archaic and unexpectedly modern.
Brandon Broughton
Feb 10, 2025


Missouri History Through the Birdwatcher’s Lens
Missouri is home to a range of natural environments. The presence (or lack) of birds in these habitats tells a centuries-old tale of our imp
Claire Porter
Feb 7, 2025


Preserving Ozarks History Through Artifacts
A collaboration between Missouri State University and the Springfield–Greene County Library District showcases restored historical artifacts
Claire Porter
Jan 15, 2025


Searching for Santa
Thanks to a bit of holiday magic, Santa shows up in the most unlikely places. See where we’ve spotted him in our archives.
Claire Porter
Dec 21, 2024


Ralph Manley and the Battle of the Bulge
On the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, we remember the service of Springfield native Ralph Manley.
Michael Price
Dec 12, 2024


Behind the Lens: Jim Mayfield
The Jim Mayfield Collection features images from photographer Jim Mayfield documenting the lives and stories within the Ozarks.
Claire Porter
Nov 27, 2024


What’s in a Name: Origins of the Queen City’s Nickname
As “a royal diadem on the brow of a queen,” Springfield and its Queen City nickname has a legacy dating back to more than a century ago.
Michael Price
Nov 14, 2024


From the Archives: Ghostly Mother Goose
According to legend, the spirit of Mother Goose once haunted Springfield's Happy Hollow, searching for her geese in this tragic ghost story.
Renee Glass
Oct 31, 2024


From the Archives: The End of the Wire Road
Discover the Old Wire Road's journey from Indigenous trail to Civil War route, to how this historic Missouri road faded with automobiles.
Renee Glass
Oct 18, 2024


From the Archives: Renumbering the Streets
Discover Springfield's 1941 street renumbering project. Learn how address changes affect property research.
Renee Glass
Oct 5, 2024


Wizard of Oto
STRANGE TALES SURROUND THE WIZARD OF OTO Some called him the Wizard of Oto. Some called him the Oto doctor. But whatever people chose to...
Springfield-Greene Library District
Sep 20, 2024
Local History Newsletter
We appreciate your interest in the Local History and Genealogy Department at the Springfield-Greene County Library. If you would like to...
lukew31
Sep 18, 2024


Lights in Buffalo, Mo.
Lights in Buffalo, Mo. “On Saturday of this week the voters of Buffalo are called upon to exercise their right of suffrage on the...
Springfield-Greene Library District
Sep 7, 2024


William Weaver
William Weaver, pioneer resident, called by death “Second White child born here and last Mexican Veteran "Major William Marion Weaver who...
Springfield-Greene Library District
Aug 23, 2024


Heavy rain falls downtown
"While sections of Springfield sweltered under a burning sun yesterday afternoon, pedestrians in the business district were scurrying for...
Springfield-Greene Library District
Aug 23, 2024


Toe and Bump Fishing
‘Toe’ and ‘Bump’ Fishing New Ones on State Solons "Missouri senators yesterday learned new methods of fishing used in Southern Missouri...
Springfield-Greene Library District
Aug 9, 2024
bottom of page