Presentation by author Michelle Brooks on her new book (to be published January 13, 2026)
Watch live on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/live/jw872xJNKCU
"While the Capital City grew from a frontier wilderness, hotels were an anchor, such as the 80-year City Hotel. When hundreds of legislators and followers arrived every two years, hotels were a necessity, as were boarding houses like the Lansdown sisters. As arguments continued whether the Capitol should move elsewhere, hotels were always at the forefront of amenities and progress. The Hotel Madison and the Monroe House thrived with expansions, renovations and innovations. These substantial structures also housed community social events, from ladies’ teas at the Central Hotel to dances behind the Farmers Home, and civic meetings, from organizing to build a bridge across the Missouri River to political debates. Some of the city’s most scintillating moments occurred at these gathering places, including the Pulitzer shooting, the surrender of Frank James and the visit of a Russian grand duke."
The Thursday Evening Speaker Series is free of charge and open to the public. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Unless otherwise noted, programs will be held at the Missouri State Archives, located at 600 W. Main Street in Jefferson City. The series is underwritten by the Friends of the Missouri State Archives.
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