1–3 DECEMBER
Washington University Dance Theatre: WUDT’s NEXT
Whether explicitly or implicitly, artists use their medium to express personal experience, tell stories and to contemplate where we have been, where we are now and where we are going. WUDT’s NEXT, this year’s installment of the Performing Arts Department’ s annual fall dance concert, poses the question to its artists, “what’s next?”— in dance, in art, in society and culture. This annual concert dance showcase features diverse and creative choreography by resident and guest artists, performed by select student dancers of the Performing Arts Department. Artistic direction is by David Marchant. Performing Arts Department.
Washington University, Mallinckrodt Center, Edison Theatre

2 DECEMBER  |  8:30 AM
Colloquium in Memory of Penelope Biggs
A daylong symposium honoring Penelope Biggs, including the following talks: “Ovid’s Contesting Muses” with John F. Miller, the Arthur F. and Marian W. Stocker Professor of Classics at University of Virginia; “Teaching Latin in the USA: Challenges and Opportunities” with Teresa Ramsby, professor of classics at University of Massachusetts at Amherst; and “The Cure at Athens: The Disease Theme in Sophocles’ Ajax and Oedipus at Colonus” with Sheila Murnaghan, the Alfred Reginald Allen Memorial Professor of Greek at University of Pennsylvania. RSVP required; see website. Sponsored by the Department of Classics and the Program in Comparative Literature.
Washington University, Umrath Hall

5 DECEMBER  |  3 PM
Faculty Book Talk: The Social Topography of a Rural Community
Steve Hindle (History) will discuss his latest book, The Social Topography of a Rural Community: Scenes of Labouring Life in Seventeenth Century England (Oxford University Press, 2023). Joining Hindle in conversation will be fellow Washington University professors Christine Johnson (History) and Mark Valeri (Religious Studies). Refreshments will be served. University Libraries.
Washington University, Olin Library, Room 142

6 DECEMBER  |  3 PM
Virtual Book Club: The Department of Rare Books and Special Collections
Liesl Weiss long ago learned to be content working behind the scenes in the distinguished rare books department of a large university, managing details to make the head of the department look good. But when her boss has a stroke and she’s left to run things, she discovers that the library’s most prized manuscript is missing. Book club will begin with a short presentation on real life special collections departments, followed by a discussion of the book. University Libraries.
VIRTUAL – RSVP 

6 DECEMBER  |  6 PM
Eurasianism: From a Bookish Philosophy to the Official Ideology of Putin’s Russia
Eurasianism, Russia’s superiority and exceptionalism are the cornerstones of Putin’s official ideology and, more generally, of Russian identity. Maria Kurbak is a fellow with the Institute of International Education Scholar Rescue Fund and visiting scholar in the Memory Lab of the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Washington University. She will show how, starting as the philosophical duel between “Slavophiles” and “Westernisers” in the mid 19th century, the ideas of Russian uniqueness, anti-Westernism and anti-modernity resulted in Eurasianism, the concept that defines Putin’s ideology and ultimately the present Russia’s policy. Kurbak will primarily focus not on the Eurasianist doctrines themselves, but on the way they have been twisted and manipulated in the works of today’s Russian ideologists. Eurasianism is not just a philosophical school of thought anymore — it is the core ideological background that defines Putin’s foreign policy and justifies Russian expansionism. She will also explain why Russia’s war against Ukraine could be just the beginning. Program in Global Studies.
Washington University, Danforth University Center, Room 248

7 DECEMBER  |  8 PM
Visiting Hurst Professors: Christian Wiman & Marilyn Nelson
CHRISTIAN WIMAN is the author of Every Riven Thing, which won the Commonwealth Prize from the English Speaking Union and was a finalist for the Kingsley-Tufts Poetry Award, and Once in the West, which was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle award. Survival Is a Style is Wiman’s most recent collection. Marilyn Nelson is a three-time finalist for the National Book Award and one of America’s most celebrated poets. Of her many collections, The Homeplace won the 1992 Annisfield-Wolf Award; The Fields of Praise: New and Selected Poems won the 1998 Poets’ Prize; and Carver: A Life in Poems won the 2001 Boston Globe/Hornbook Award and the Flora Stieglitz Straus Award. Department of English.
Washington University, Duncker Hall, Hurst Lounge (Room 201)

1–30 DECEMBER
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
Engage your imagination in the world of vintage radio broadcasting as you rediscover the magic of the holiday season with It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. Experience the Golden Age of Radio through this classic holiday film reimaged as a live radio performance. Bear witness to this timeliness holiday story that explores the life of George Bailey, a compassionate and selfless man, standing on the brink of despair, when an angel named Clarence is sent down to Earth to teach George the power of kindness, the importance of family and friends, and the realization that each life, no matter how ordinary it may seem, is truly wonderful. Post-performance talk backs Sat., Dec. 16, 4 pm, and Wed., Dec. 20, 2 pm. $30–$90. Repertory Theatre of St. Louis.
Loretto-Hilton Center, Mainstage, 130 Eager Rd., Webster Groves, 63119

1 DECEMBER  |  1 PM
Drop-in Collection Tour: Day and Night
Join a Saint Louis Art Museum docent for a lively and engaging tour of the museum’s collection. December’s theme is Day and Night, which includes diverse and varied interpretations of light from dawn to twilight. Tours begin at the Information Center in Sculpture Hall, on a first-come, first-served basis. Saint Louis Art Museum.
Saint Louis Art Museum, One Fine Arts Dr., St. Louis, 63110

1 DECEMBER  |  5:30 PM 
ASL Tour
ANGELA BOTZ, a Deaf educator, leads a tour of CAM’s fall/winter exhibitions in American Sign Language (ASL). This free program is offered in collaboration with DEAF Inc. to celebrate Deaf Culture and to increase communication accessibility to arts in the region. RSVP required; see website. Contemporary Art Museum.
Contemporary Art Museum, 3750 Washington Blvd., St. Louis, 63108

1 DECEMBER  |  6:30 PM 
Day With(out) Art
CAM St. Louis is proud to partner with Visual AIDS, Project ARK, and Vivent Health for Day With(out) Art 2023, presented on the 35th occasion of World AIDS Day. We share the same goal as millions around the world—to “Remember and Commit” to ending the HIV epidemic by 2030. This public event presents the opportunity to gather in dialogue, creative expression, and community building. Day With(out) Art features a community conversation, tabling from local organizations, free HIV testing provided by Vivent Health, a portion of the AIDS Memorial quilt, response wall*, raffle, and the creation of an interactive mural led by artist Tyler Harris. RSVP requested. Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis.
Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, 3750 Washington Blvd., St. Louis, 63108

2–23 DECEMBER
See STL Walking Tours
See STL’s fun and creative tours mix engaging storytelling and a deep well of historical knowledge with an infectious enthusiasm for the exciting changes the city is currently undergoing. Tours are 2 hours in length and are wheelchair accessible. $15–$20. Tour starting/ending points are included in your booking details. Missouri Historical Society. 
3pm, Dec. 2: Soulard North & LaSalle Park; 10am, Dec. 8: Cherokee Street; 11am, Dec. 9: Laclede’s Landing; 3pm, Dec. 9: Forest Park; 10am, Dec. 10: Urban Renewal; 10am, Dec. 15: Downtown Origins; 11am, Dec. 16: Gay Liberation in the Gateway City; 3pm, Dec. 16: Soulard North and LaSalle Park; 10am, Dec. 17: Downtown Evolutions; 1pm, Dec. 23: Central West End

2 DECEMBER  |  1 PM 
St. Louis in Service Exhibit Tours
Explore St. Louis’ military history from the American Revolution through the present day. Your group’s guide will introduce you to artifacts, places and stories of individuals featured in the galleries at Soldiers Memorial. Groups have the option to add on a 15-minute tour of the outdoor memorials honoring St. Louisans who made the ultimate sacrifice. Missouri Historical Society.
Soldiers Memorial, Court of Honor, 1315 Chestnut St., St. Louis, 63103

2 DECEMBER  |  1 PM 
St. Louis Teen Book Festival
St. Louis County Library is thrilled to host this book festival celebrating teen readers, featuring book talks, author panels, signings and lots of fun activities. This year’s line-up includes Neal Shusterman, Kendare Blake, Alexandra Bracken and Justin A. Reynolds. The festival is free and open to all readers. See website for schedule. St. Louis County Library.
Ladue Horton Watkins High School, 1201 S. Warson Rd., St. Louis, 63124

2 DECEMBER  |  2 PM
Krampus: A Christmas Tale of Myth and Mischief
We will explore the origins of the Krampus myth, tracing its eerie roots back through centuries of Yuletide folklore and tradition. Discover how this menacing figure from European folklore evolved into the horned, cloven-hooved creature. Registration required. Virtual attendance also available. St. Louis County Library.
St. Louis County Library – Rock Road Branch, Meeting Room 1, 10267 St. Charles Rock Rd., St. Ann, 63074

2 DECEMBER  |  2 PM
Vietnam: At War and At Home Exhibit Tours
Your guide will walk you through the exhibit, exploring the Vietnam War’s origins, evolution and legacy. The exhibit will present a diverse and holistic snapshot of the turbulent times in Vietnam, in America and in the St. Louis region. Groups have the option to add on a 15-minute tour of the outdoor memorials honoring St. Louisans who made the ultimate sacrifice, including those who served in Vietnam. Missouri Historical Society.
Soldiers Memorial, Court of Honor, 1315 Chestnut St., St. Louis, 63103

2 DECEMBER  |  3 PM 
Soldiers Memorial Architecture Tours
This 60-minute guided tour explores the exterior of Soldiers Memorial and the Court of Honor. From art deco window screens to sculptures by Walter Hancock, this tour will dive into Soldiers Memorial’s architecture, history, neighborhood, renovation and legacy. Missouri Historical Society.
Soldiers Memorial, Court of Honor, 1315 Chestnut St., St. Louis, 63103

3 DECEMBER  |  5 PM 
december Reading
Join literary journal december for an evening reading and issue release. The journal has a long and impressive history. It was a pioneer in the “little” magazine and small-press movement in the late 1950s and early ’60s and was renowned for publishing cutting-edge fiction, nonfiction and poetry before that phrase became part of the vernacular. The staff of december continue to carry on its mission. In this free event, CAM hosts a reading of a selection of the writers included along with a guided tour of current exhibitions. Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis.
Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, 3750 Washington Blvd., St. Louis, 63108

4 DECEMBER  |  6 PM
Cameron Collins and Dennis Dillon, Lost Treasures of St. Louis (Author Talk)
If you grew up in St. Louis, this program is for you! Join Cameron Collins and Dennis Dillon, authors of the new book Lost Treasures of St. Louis (2nd ed.), as they take you on a trip down memory lane. Relive the nostalgia of St. Louis establishments like the Admiral, Eat-Rite Diner, Grandpa Pigeons, Club Imperial, Bowling for Dollars and more. Registration required. St. Louis County Library.
St. Louis County Library – Oak Bend Branch, Meeting Room, 842 S. Holmes Ave., St. Louis, 63122

7 DECEMBER  |  1 PM
New to St. Louis: STL 101
New to St. Louis: STL 101 is a true insider opportunity for new residents to get out and explore St. Louis’ streets, get acquainted with its landmarks (both well known and under the radar), find the best toasted ravioli in town, get to know St. Louisans who are making a difference in their community, meet fellow transplants and hear from experts in St. Louis history. This half-day experience presented by the Missouri Historical Society (MHS) is designed to get you out and about, in the know and up to speed on where St. Louis has been, what’s happening now and where we’re going in the years ahead. The program features a wonderful talk to start the day, a guided bus tour and concludes with a happy hour back at the Missouri History Museum. $60. Missouri Historical Society.

7 DECEMBER  |  5 PM 
H.W. Brands, Founding Partisans: Hamilton, Madison, Jefferson, Adams, and the Brawling Birth of American Politics (Author Talk)
Best-selling historian and Pulitzer Prize finalist H.W. Brands presents the revelatory history of vicious political division at the birth of the U.S. To the framers of the Constitution, political parties were a fatal threat to republican virtues. They had suffered the consequences of partisan politics in Britain prior to the American Revolution, and they wanted nothing of the sort. Yet parties emerged even before the Constitution was ratified, and they took a firmer hold in the following decade. In Founding Partisans, Brands has crafted a lively narrative of the republic’s early years as the Founding Fathers wrestled with competing visions of what our nation would be. H.W. Brands holds the Jack S. Blanton Sr. Chair in History at the University of Texas at Austin. He has written more than a dozen biographies and histories, including The General vs. the President, a New York Times best-seller, and Our First Civil War, his most recent book. Two of his biographies, The First American and Traitor to His Class, were finalists for the Pulitzer Prize. St. Louis County Library. 
Missouri History Museum, Lee Auditorium and MacDermott Grand Hall, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112

8 & 9 DECEMBER  
Drop-in Collection Tour: Day and Night
Join a Saint Louis Art Museum docent for a lively and engaging tour of the museum’s collection.
December’s theme is Day and Night, which includes diverse and varied interpretations of light from dawn to twilight. Tours begin at the Information Center in Sculpture Hall, on a first-come, first-served basis. Saint Louis Art Museum.
1 pm, Fri., Dec. 8
1 pm, Sat., Dec. 9
Saint Louis Art Museum, One Fine Arts Dr., St. Louis, 63110

8 DECEMBER  |  6 PM
Beercember: A Celebration of St. Louis Brewing History
Commemorate the anniversary of Prohibition ending with an evening of brewing history, live music from the Gaslight Squares, a beer barons history talk presented by Bellefontaine Cemetery and beer samples from Narrow Gauge, 2nd Shift, Third Wheel, Freestyle and Old Bridgeview breweries. Adults 21+. Registration required. St. Louis County Library.
St. Louis County Library – Grant’s View Branch, Meeting Room 1, 9700 Musick Rd., St. Louis, 63123

8 DECEMBER  |  6 PM
Not Native American Art? Forgeries, Replicas, and Other Vexed Identities
In Native North American artistic traditions, what is a replica? What constitutes a copy? In contrast to the larger field of art history, there is almost no literature on forgeries and replicas in this subfield. Janet Catherine Berlo will consider notions of replicas, copies, tributes, forgeries, pastiches and even digital surrogates as they apply to archaeological, historical, and contemporary Native arts of North America. Berlo is professor emerita of art history and visual and cultural studies at the University of Rochester and her talk is adapted from the introduction to her recent book, Not Native American Art. Tickets free but required; see website. Saint Louis Art Museum.
Saint Louis Art Museum, One Fine Arts Dr., St. Louis, 63110

9 DECEMBER  |  1 PM
Shellburne Thurber and Jess Dugan, Analysis: Psychoanalytic Interiors (Author Talk)
SHELLBURNE THURBER and Jess Dugan will discuss the photographic investigation of the relationship between constructed space and human energy in Analysis: Psychoanalytic Interiors. For much of her life, American photographer Thurber has been engaged in an ongoing photographic investigation of the relationship between constructed space and human energy. Long intrigued by the idea of lived space as an extension of the body and a site for projection, she has photographed a wide variety of subjects, beginning with the homes of family and friends who have passed to generic back road motels, churches, abandoned and derelict homes and hospitals, as well as commissioned projects such as the renovation of the Boston Athenæum and the Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site. She is especially interested in spaces that are both public and private. This volume comprises a selection of images Thurber made in 1999 and 2000 of psychoanalysts’ offices in Buenos Aires, Argentina and the New England area of the United States. Left Bank Books.
High Low Listening Room, 3301 Washington Ave, Saint Louis 63103

9 DECEMBER  |  2 PM
International Folk Dancing
Presented by International Folk Dance Association. Put your dancing shoes on and learn steps to various folk dances from around the world. No dancing experience necessary. Come to all classes or just try one! Registration required. St. Louis County Library.
St. Louis County Library – Thornhill Branch, Meeting Room 1, 12863 Willowyck Dr., St. Louis, 63146

10 DECEMBER  |  2 PM
Saint Louis Story Stitchers’ DJ UP with a Winter Flare
Part of Family Sunday Series. Story Stitchers.
Saint Louis Art Museum, Gary Simmons Garage Lab, One Fine Arts Dr, St. Louis, 63110

11 DECEMBER  |  12 PM
Kranzberg High Noon Series: Jane Ellen Ibur
St. Louis Poet Laureate Jane Ellen Ibur invites you to get answers for all the questions about writing poetry you ever wanted to know. Of course, bring pen and paper as you never know when you’ll be asked to write. Ibur will also read some of her work. The Kranzberg High Noon Speakers Series takes place at the Florissant Valley Branch on the second Monday of each month. The series features guest speakers from across the arts, culture and thought leadership landscape. Light refreshments will be provided. Registration recommended. St. Louis County Library.
St. Louis County Library – Florissant Valley Branch, Meeting Room 1 & 2, 195 New Florissant Rd. S., Florissant, 63031

11 DECEMBER  |  7:30 PM
Cleopatra Jones Discussion
During the 1970s, U.S. Special Agent Cleopatra Jones proves to be an invaluable asset to the local police forces in the war on drugs. Presented as part of Golden Anniversaries, a series that honors films celebrating their 50th year of release. Presented by Novotny Lawrence, associate professor at Iowa State University. Find streaming options on JustWatch, then join the free discussion through Eventive. Cinema St. Louis.
VIRTUAL – RSVP 

14 DECEMBER  |  2 PM
History Past and Present: The Bellefontaine Cemetery
Join Dan Fuller from the Bellefontaine Cemetery on a journey through time to explore its past and present, while learning about the individuals who shaped its history, including the Founders and Almerin Hotchkiss, the designer. St. Louis County Library.
St. Louis County Library – Oak Bend Branch, Meeting Room, 842 S. Holmes Ave., St. Louis, 63122

14 DECEMBER  |  5:30 PM
Stained Glass STL
Colorful glass embellishments have long adorned the built environment in St. Louis, from churches to commercial buildings to private homes. Join us for this celebration of all things stained glass in St. louis, featuring historian tables, a "tools of the trade" touch table, contemporary stained-glass artists, and pop-up presentations. Learn about long-standing artisans and companies, including Emil Frei Art Glass, founded in 1898; how contemporary artist Cbabi Bayoc is putting a new spin on traditional stained glass; the processes for creating and manufacturing stained glass; the sometimes-surprising symbolism hidden in stained glass windows; and more. This program is generously sponsored by Ann E. and Greg R. Rhomberg in memory of Larry W. Giles, founder National Building Arts Center. The program is associated with Coloring STL. Missouri History Museum.
Missouri History Museum, Lee Auditorium and MacDermott Grand Hall, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112

15 & 16 DECEMBER  
Drop-in Collection Tour: Day and Night
Join a Saint Louis Art Museum docent for a lively and engaging tour of the museum’s collection. December’s theme is Day and Night, which includes diverse and varied interpretations of light from dawn to twilight. Tours begin at the Information Center in Sculpture Hall, on a first-come, first-served basis. Saint Louis Art Museum.
1 pm, Fri., Dec. 15
1 pm, Sat., Dec. 16
Saint Louis Art Museum, One Fine Arts Dr., St. Louis, 63110

17 DECEMBER  |  1 PM
The Way We Were Screening & Discussion
Two desperate people have a wonderful romance, but their political views and convictions drive them apart. Intro and discussion by Lynn Venhaus, a Rotten Tomatoes-approved film critic who reviews for the Webster-Kirkwood Times, KTRS Radio and PopLifeSTL.com. Cinema St. Louis.
Hi-Pointe Main Theatre, 1005 McCausland Ave., St. Louis, 63117

19 DECEMBER  |  11 AM
Holiday Windows and Traditions
Join Community Tours Manager Amanda Clark as she takes you through a winter-wonderland history of St. Louis holiday windows, celebrations and traditions. Did you know that colonial St. Louisans went around and pledged food to one another on New Year’s Day? Or that a cow from a live nativity once got loose in Famous-Barr? Ring in the season with these tales and others. Missouri Historical Society. 
Missouri History Museum, Lee Auditorium, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112

22 & 23 DECEMBER  
Drop-in Collection Tour: Day and Night
Join a Saint Louis Art Museum docent for a lively and engaging tour of the museum’s collection. December’s theme is Day and Night, which includes diverse and varied interpretations of light from dawn to twilight. Tours begin at the Information Center in Sculpture Hall, on a first-come, first-served basis. Saint Louis Art Museum.
1 pm, Fri., Dec. 22
1 pm, Sat., Dec. 23
Saint Louis Art Museum, One Fine Arts Dr., St. Louis, 63110

29 & 30 DECEMBER  
Drop-in Collection Tour: Day and Night
Join a Saint Louis Art Museum docent for a lively and engaging tour of the museum’s collection. December’s theme is Day and Night, which includes diverse and varied interpretations of light from dawn to twilight. Tours begin at the Information Center in Sculpture Hall, on a first-come, first-served basis. Saint Louis Art Museum.
1 pm, Fri., Dec. 29
1 pm, Sat., Dec. 30
Saint Louis Art Museum, One Fine Arts Dr., St. Louis, 63110

30 DECEMBER  |  10 AM 
American Sign Language Tour: Coloring STL
St. Louis’s history, industries, builders, designers and even geography have all given our city a built environment that looks unlike any other place in the world. St. Louis buildings of every era, shape and size have fascinating stories to tell, colored by the history of the people who lived here. In this interactive tour, we will get to know St. Louis through its architecture. Groups will participate in activities and dialogue as they learn about the defining events and characteristics of residential, commercial and monumental structures that have shaped St. Louis’s built environment. American Sign Language (ASL) tours at the Missouri History Museum are for visitors who are Deaf or hard of hearing. Individuals or groups will enjoy a 45-minute guided tour led by specially trained staff, volunteers and an ASL interpreter in select galleries at the Missouri History Museum. These quarterly tours can accommodate up to 10 visitors and are free of charge. RSVP required; see website. Missouri Historical Society. 
Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112

30 DECEMBER  |  10 AM 
2023 Kwanzaa Celebration: Ubuntu: I am Connected
Enjoy a day of culture, performance and tradition during one of the region’s biggest Kwanzaa celebrations. Celebrated at the Saint Louis Museum for more than 20 years, the free annual Kwanzaa Celebration is presented in partnership with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., St. Louis Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter. See website for program. Saint Louis Art Museum. 
Saint Louis Art Museum, One Fine Arts Dr., St. Louis, 63110

4 JANUARY  |  2 PM
An Introduction to the Exhibit Slavery in St. Louis
Presented by the National Park Service. Join Historian Nick Sacco for a short presentation about the banner exhibition Slavery in St. Louis, on view at Prairie Commons January 2–12. Patrons will learn about the research and surprises uncovered while researching the history of slavery in our community. St. Louis County Library.
St. Louis County Library – Prairie Commons Branch, 915 Utz Ln., Hazelwood, 63042

6–26 JANUARY 
Bourbon and Bootleggers in Missouri
From its early roots to the craft distilleries of today, uncover the unique heritage and flavors that have made Missouri a significant player in the world of bourbon. Registration required. St. Louis County Library.
2 pm, Sat., Jan. 6: Florissant Valley Branch, Meeting Room 1 & 2, 195 New Florissant Rd. S., Florissant, 63031
2 pm, Sat., Jan. 13: Daniel Boone Branch, Meeting Room 1, 300 Clarkson Rd., Ellisville, 63011
2 pm, Sat., Jan. 20: Meramec Valley Branch, Meeting Room, 1501 San Simeon Way, Fenton, 63026
2 pm, Fri., Jan. 26: Grant’s View Branch, Meeting Room 2, 9700 Musick Rd., St. Louis, 63123

6 JANUARY  |  2 PM
Vietnam: At War and At Home Exhibit Tours
Your guide will walk you through the exhibit, exploring the Vietnam War’s origins, evolution and legacy. The exhibit will present a diverse and holistic snapshot of the turbulent times in Vietnam, in America and in the St. Louis region. Groups have the option to add on a 15-minute tour of the outdoor memorials honoring St. Louisans who made the ultimate sacrifice, including those who served in Vietnam. Missouri Historical Society.
Soldiers Memorial, Court of Honor, 1315 Chestnut St., St. Louis, 63103

8 JANUARY  |  12 PM
Kranzberg High Noon Series: The Past, Present and Future of Art at St. Louis Lambert International Airport
Learn about the legacy of the arts at the airport and the current Lambert Art and Culture Program that has commissioned 16 works of art and presented over 150 exhibitions by local artists and arts organizations since 2012. Speakers are arts consultants Meridith McKinley of Via Partnership, LLP, and Dwyer Brown of Dynamic Arts, LLC. The Kranzberg High Noon Speakers Series takes place at the Florissant Valley Branch on the second Monday of each month. The series features guest speakers from across the arts, culture and thought leadership landscape. Guests are invited to bring their lunch. Registration recommended. St. Louis County Library.
St. Louis County Library – Florissant Valley Branch, Meeting Room 1 & 2, 195 New Florissant Rd. S., Florissant, 63031

11 JANUARY  |  5:30 PM 
Missouri Emancipation Day
On January 11, 1865, the delegates of the Missouri state convention, led by Radical Republican Charles Drake, passed the immediate emancipation of all enslaved persons. Join Greenwood Cemetery, Father Dickson Cemetery and St. Peter’s Cemetery as we share stories of the Black individuals living in our community in 1865. African American History Programs, Missouri Historical Society.
Missouri History Museum, Lee Auditorium, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112

11 JANUARY  |  7 PM 
Joshua C. Kezer and Stephen Snodgrass, The Murder of Angela Mischelle Lawless: An Honest Sheriff and the Exoneration of an Innocent Man (Author Talk)
In a small Missouri town in 1992, the body of 19-year-old Mischelle Lawless was found in her car, stalled on the side of a road. Eighteen-year-old Joshua Kezer was arrested and charged for her murder — even though he was in a different state at the time — and spent the next 16 years of his life in prison. How was Josh imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit? Author and attorney Stephen Snodgrass expertly unveils the web of corruption that led to Josh’s conviction. This book is a timely, compassionate work of true crime that calls for more equitable justice for all. St. Louis County Library.
VIRTUAL – RSVP 

16 JANUARY  |  11 AM
Lucas and Garrison, 1875: An Intersection of Forgotten St. Louis
Join historian Bill Wichman as he takes you on a journey to 1875 in the neighborhood of Lucas and Garrison. Discover the history of five men and their families who were living on Plate 71 of the famous Compton and Dry map, including Sam Kennard, Wayman Crow, Robert Barnes and John Perry. Missouri Historical Society.
Missouri History Museum, Lee Auditorium, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112

16 JANUARY  |  7 PM
Rachel Hawkins, The Heiress (Author Talk)
The victim of a famous kidnapping as a child and a widow four times over, Ruby McTavish ruled the tiny town of Tavistock from Ashby House, her family’s estate high in the Blue Ridge Mountains. But in the aftermath of her death, her adopted son, Camden, wants little to do with the surviving McTavishes. Ten years later, his uncle’s death pulls Cam back into the family fold. As Ashby House tightens its grip, questions about the infamous heiress come to light. An inheritance can entail more than what’s written in a will — and the bonds of family stretch far beyond the grave. St. Louis County Library.
St. Louis County Library – Grant’s View Branch, 9700 Musick Rd., St. Louis, 63123

17 JANUARY  |  7 PM
Adam Goodheart, The Last Island: Discovery, Defiance, and the Most Elusive Tribe on Earth (Author Talk)
A journey to the coast of North Sentinel Island, home to a tribe believed to be the most isolated human community on earth. The Sentinelese people want to be left alone and will shoot deadly arrows at anyone who tries to come ashore. As the web of modernity draws ever closer, the island represents the last chapter in the Age of Discovery — the final holdout in a completely connected world. St. Louis County Library.
VIRTUAL – RSVP

18 JANUARY  |  5:30 PM 
STL Women of Hip-Hop
View the documentary I Am Hip Hop and hear a conversation with St. Louis women who have made their mark on the industry for years. Missouri Historical Society.
Missouri History Museum, Lee Auditorium and MacDermott Grand Hall, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112

18 JANUARY  |  6 PM 
Artist Talk: Dominic Chambers
In celebration of his exhibition Birthplace, artist Dominic Chambers returns to St. Louis for a public artist talk. Chambers will join in conversation with Dr. Tiffany E. Barber. This event features a catalog release party and will include ASL interpretation. RSVP required; see website. Contemporary Art Museum.
Contemporary Art Museum, 3750 Washington Blvd., St. Louis, 63108

19 JANUARY  |  7 PM
Stacy Willingham, Only If You’re Lucky (Author Talk)
Bold and magnetic Lucy meets shy, careful Margot during their freshman year of college. Margot and Lucy become the closest of friends, but by the middle of their sophomore year, one of the fraternity boys from the house next door has been brutally murdered ... and Lucy is missing without a trace. Only if You’re Lucky is a tantalizing thriller about the nature of friendship, loyalty, envy and betrayal — another gripping novel from an author quickly becoming the gold standard in psychological suspense. St. Louis County Library.
St. Louis County Library – Grant’s View Branch, 9700 Musick Rd., St. Louis, 63123

23 JANUARY  |  11 AM 
The Naked Truth About Underwear
Ever wonder how and why underwear got under there? Join historian Bev Schuetz as we uncover the “brief” history of the loincloth, bra, corsets, girdles and more. We’ll expose the bare truth about Genghis Khan’s and King Tut’s unmentionables when we peek underneath it all to see the private and personal side of clothing throughout the centuries. Missouri Historical Society.
Missouri History Museum, Lee Auditorium, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112

23 JANUARY  |  6 PM
StitchCast Studio LIVE!
Watch and be a part of Story Stitchers live podcast discussions, presented on a state-of-the-art stage. Story Stitchers artists and guest artists will round out each presentation with live art interludes. Youth, ages 16-25 years old, discuss current topics in live podcast recordings on stage. Live art interludes are incorporated into the presentations. Learn about the community through the words of young leaders. Story Stitchers.
High Low, Listening Room, 3301 Washington Ave., St. Louis 63103