Free Summer Speaker Series at the Old Courthouse
Jefferson National Expansion Memorial announces a summertime speaker series at the Old Courthouse in downtown St. Louis, to be held on the first Mondays in June, July and August. The events are free. No reservations are required. Guests may bring a sack lunch. Speakers will present a variety of topics that highlight fascinating historical events and personalities.
“The summer speaker series adds a new element of natural and cultural education at the park,” said Rhonda Schier, Chief of Museum Services and Interpretation. “Please join us to learn about urban archeology, colonial St. Louis, the historic St. Louis Arsenal and the upcoming solar eclipse.”
Monday, June 5, noon: Colonial St. Louis Piece-by-Piece
Archaeologist Michael Meyer, Senior Historic Preservation Specialist for the Missouri Department of Transportation leads a discussion on how his team of MODOT archaeologists is in the midst of a multi-year excavation of perhaps the oldest part of St. Louis, located below the Poplar Street Bridge and south of the Gateway Arch. Through careful excavation, archaeologists have uncovered remains of six colonial French properties, including most recently a 1760’s house built by a fur trader and later used by a blacksmith. Information that is being gathered today through excavation is already changing our understanding of the history of St. Louis and of the region in general.
Monday, July 3, noon: Stories from the St. Louis Arsenal
National Park Service Ranger Paul Rosewitz leads a discussion on the St. Louis Arsenal. Established in 1827 and located near Broadway and Arsenal, the St. Louis Arsenal replaced the aging Fort Belle Fontaine, which had served the military since 1805. The arsenal began by supplying arms and ammunition to the Army and militia, but as the country expanded it became more intertwined in our country’s complicated history.
Monday, August 7, noon: Solar Eclipse Preview
National Park Service Ranger Richard Fefferman leads a discussion on the August 21, 2017, total solar eclipse, when people across the United States will see the sun disappear behind the moon. This is the first visible solar eclipse in the St. Louis area since 1442. Ranger Richard will presents tips on how and where to view this amazing event.
WHERE: Old Courthouse, 11 North Fourth Street, St. Louis, MO 63102
All events are free and open to all ages.
PARKING: A list of several downtown St. Louis parking locations within walking distance of the Old Courthouse and the Gateway Arch is available at http://getaroundstl.com. Metered street parking is also available in Downtown St. Louis. Visitors are encouraged to check www.gatewayarch.com/directions for up-to-date information on road detours and construction before their visit.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit www.gatewayarch.com, www.nps.gov/jeff, or www.facebook.com/gatewayarchNPS; or call 877-982-1410. Reservations for free National Park Service interpretive programs and events at the Old Courthouse are not required, but large groups should call 314-655-1614 to alert the Old Courthouse of their attendance.