JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JULY 13, 2018 – The Friends of the First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site group has set the summer schedule for its ongoing historic lecture series, known as St. Charles History Talks. Each lecture in the series will be from 7 to 8 p.m. on the following dates at the state historic site.
Thursday, July 19: Sarah Cato – 56th United States Colored Infantry (Union)
Join historian Sarah Cato, J.D., as she discusses St. Charles’ role in the famous 56th United States Colored Infantry during the Civil War. Cato will also share about her experience of navigating the complex process of having the troop properly memorialized in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
Thursday, August 16: Justin Watkins, American Car and Foundry
Have you ever wondered why Main Street dead ends at Clark Street? Justin Watkins will present the history of the American Car and Foundry. Along the way, we will meet some of the most famous employees and learn about ACF's role in the St. Charles economy from its days as St. Charles Car Company up to World War II.
Thursday, September 20: Slave Dwelling Project
Join members of the Slave Dwelling Project and the African American Genealogical Society to learn about their work in restoring, preserving and studying slave dwellings still in existence in the United States. Learn how these properties are identified and what you can do in your community to save them.
Thursday, October 18: Victoria Cosner, St. Charles County’s Own Serial Killer
In 1940, Wentzville housewife Emma Hepperman, was arrested for killing her husband, Tony. Her husband of just over a month had ingested arsenic. The investigation ultimately showed that Emma had killed at least five of her seven husbands, along with some family members, most of whom had eaten her "famous" potato soup. Join Victoria Cosner to learn more about this fascinating and frightening piece of St. Charles history.
The First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site is located at 200 South Main Street St. Charles. For more information about the event, call the historic site at 636-940-3322.
For information on state parks and historic sites, visit https://mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.