This story was originally published by Ozarks Alive. Sunlight streams through the wall of windows in the small white school, the beams – figuratively and
WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Officials with the Friends of the Garnett Library will host their second of three special events this year "Celebrating Moments in Time" at 4 p.m. Feb. 15 at the Garnett Library, 304 W. Trish Knight St., in West Plains. "The events are a series of speaking engagements to draw the community into the Garnett Library and see it as a space where everyone can be celebrated," said Rebekah McKinney, director of library services. "The theme, 'Celebrating Moments in Time,' is a means of sharing information and stories of historical interest to a broader audience," she added. This second event will feature a presentation by Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) Associate Professor of History Dr. Jason McCollom, who has researched the history of Howell County's Black community. Light refreshments will be served. Admission is free and all are welcome to attend, organizers said. Masks will be required and available at the do
WEST PLAINS, Mo. – The history of the Sadie Brown Cemetery north of West Plains will be the topic of the Dec. 10 meeting of the Friends of the Garnett Library. Dr. Jason McCollom, associate professor of history at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP), and Crockett W. Oaks III, director of business and support services, will discuss the history of the cemetery, which is near the intersection of U.S. 63 and Highway 14. They also will discuss the current project by researchers with the Missouri State University Bernice S. Warren Center for Archaeological Research in Springfield to identify unmarked graves at the site. Established in the late 19th century, the cemetery rests on the homestead of Saint Leger Brown, a Methodist minister who had been enslaved. It is one of the only burial grounds established for the Black community in Howell County. The meeting will take place from noon to 1 p.m. in rooms 104 and 105 of the Lybyer Technology Center. Parking is available in the lot