Poplar Bluff is rich. Perhaps not rich in the sense of material wealth but rich in history and stories which make us who we are. As a result of visiting our museums and participating in public events we learn where we have been and where we are going. The exhibits in our museums and their public events tell the story of our community. The exhibits talk to us, letting us visually experience the story, and these stories lead us through the doorways of each of our pasts and down the road of our futures. This knowledge of our pasts gives us the understanding we need by telling us why.
Did you ever wonder:
Why are there so many buildings in Poplar Bluff built after 1927?
Why is there an Old Mark Twain School and a New Mark Twain School?
How many buildings have housed the Poplar Bluff High School?
Why are there so many railroad tracks and historic train depots?
What did the flatland look like 100 years ago?
Why are towns located where they are?
Where and what was the first settlement in Butler County?
Why is there a highly recognized art museum in a small town?
Why is the Garfield District considered historic?
I could ask many more questions, but I encourage you to seek answers about your community. With your quest, you may learn about your family, gain insight into your local government, spark a conversation with your neighbor, and generally understand what a unique and interesting community we have.
While we are unique, we share a common past as natives, newcomers, and visitors. We natives understand that Great Grandmother shopped at this market, lived in this neighborhood, shopped (or traded) at this grocery store, bowled, bought fabric to make our clothes, or bought the First Communion suit downtown. Our newcomers share a similar history from their home towns. By visiting our local historical sights and exhibits, we share our similarities and know we are in familiar territory.
Visit:
• Margaret Harwell Art Museum (MHAM)
• Poplar Bluff History Museum
• Mo-Ark Regional Railroad Museum
• Garfield Historic District
• Poplar Bluff Historic Depot
• Tinnin Fine Arts Center
• Poplar Bluff Municipal Library
• The Bloodworth Home
• Rodgers Theatre
These places will lead you to houses, old bridges, along the rivers and creeks, cemeteries, streets and roads, and towns that you might not have explored. Get to know the richness of your community.
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Sue Crites Szostak has been the director of the Poplar Bluff Municipal Library since 2013. She got her first library card at the Poplar Bluff library and did her internship there as well. She has worked in libraries for 43 years. Contact her at: szostak@poplarbluff.org