50th Anniversary Celebration of Tom Sawyer Coming to Arrow Rock

On this Fourth of July, Arrow Rock, Missouri will host a spectacular three-day 50th anniversary celebration of an American literary and film musical classic, Tom Sawyer.

In the Summer of 1972, Arrow Rock was chosen as a “stand-in” for 1840s Hannibal for the musical production of Mark Twain’s Tom Sawyer. The village and its historic  buildings were used as “sets” (the feature was filmed entirely in Missouri, other locations included Blackwater, Lamine, Lupus and  at Meramec Caverns in Stanton)—and dozens of local and regional residents appeared as the Hannibal  townsfolk.

Two of the film’s featured actors will return to Arrow Rock to celebrate. John Whitaker (“Tom Sawyer”) and Joshua Hill Lewis (“Cousin Sidney”) will join in several panel discussions and appearances. Writer and Documentarian Jeffrey Sherman will screen his film about his father and uncle, who wrote both the song score and screenplay for Tom Sawyer.
The 50th Anniversary of the filming of this classic musical includes events, special visitors, film screenings, and a whole-town commemoration of Tom Sawyer and one of its greatest stars, the village of Arrow Rock. Admission for all events and activities is free.

WEEK OF JUNE 27

Starring Arrow Rock: The Making of Tom Sawyer

An all-new walk-through exhibit tells the story of the musical adaptation of Tom Sawyer, and how the award-winning film brought Hollywood to Mid-Missouri, with Arrow Rock and its historic sites as “movie sets”—and the participation of dozens of local and regional residents behind and in front of the camera!

Location: Arrow Rock State Historic Site Small Gallery

39521 Visitor Center Drive

Arrow Rock, MO 65320

(660) 837-3330

Hours: 10:00AM to 4:00PM every day through Labor Day Weekend

SATURDAY JULY 2

10:00 AM

First Saturdays: “Adapting Twain”—A Panel Discussion

Author and Film Historian Jeff Kurtti moderates a panel discussing the various adaptations of Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, including significant stage and screen adaptations, and focusing on the 1973 musical version by the Sherman brothers. Twain Authority Dr. Mary Barile, Producer-Director-Actor Darryl Reuben Hall, and Jeffrey Sherman, son of Robert B. Sherman, offer unique expertise and anecdote.

Location: Arrow Rock State Historic Site AV Room

39521 Visitor Center Drive

Arrow Rock, MO 65320

​(660) 837-3330

11:00AM-2:30PM

MRBO KnOWLedge Nest

The Missouri River Bird Observatory welcomes everyone to visit their new visitor center! On the lower level of "The Birdhouse" is a learning center called “The KnOWLedge Nest,”  a diorama of the natural terrestrial habitats of Missouri. From caves to cliffs, glades to wetlands and the transition from forest to prairie, these natural communities can be experienced with a short walk-through.

Location: 406 Main Street

Arrow Rock, MO 65320

Phone: (660) 837-3888

11:00 AM-2:30 PM

Entertainer Paul Fotsch

Arrow Rock favorite Paul Fotsch will sing and play fiddle, mandolin, and guitar on the Tavern Green.

12:00-2:00 PM

Games on the Tavern Lawn

Gunny sack races, barrel hoop rolling, cornhole games. Individual play and competitive contests—fun for the whole family!

2:00 PM

Guided Tour of Film Locations

Author, Film Historian, and Tom Sawyer expert Jeff Kurtti leads a guided tour of the Tom Sawyer film locations in Arrow Rock village, along with erudite information and commentary about the making of the film. Departs from the Friends of Arrow Rock offices at 310 Main Street. Approximately one hour, space is limited. Reservations available by calling 660-837-3231.

5:00 PM

“the boys: the sherman brothers story” Screening and Q&A

Part of our 50th Anniversary Celebration of Tom Sawyer, the boys: the sherman brothers story is an intimate story of the songwriting team behind classic film scores such as Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, and (of course) Tom Sawyer. Directed by cousins Gregg and Jeffrey Sherman, the film examines the often-difficult relationship behind the creative team, described succinctly as “Brothers. Partners. Strangers,” After the screening, co-producer and film historian Jeff Kurtti will moderate a panel discussion and Q&A session featuring filmmaker Jeff Sherman and Tom Sawyer stars John Whitaker and Joshua Hill Lewis.

Location: Arrow Rock State Historic Site AV Room

39521 Visitor Center Drive

Arrow Rock, MO 65320

​(660) 837-3330

SUNDAY  JULY 3

11:00AM-2:30PM

MRBO KnOWLedge Nest Open

11:00 AM

Guided Tour of Film Locations

Author, Film Historian, and Tom Sawyer expert Jeff Kurtti leads a guided tour of the Tom Sawyer film locations in Arrow Rock village, along with erudite information and commentary about the making of the film. Departs from the Friends of Arrow Rock offices at 310 Main Street. Approximately one hour, space is limited. Reservations available by calling 660-837-3231.

11:00 AM-2:30 PM

Entertainer Paul Fotsch
Arrow Rock favorite Paul Fotsch will sing and play fiddle, mandolin, and guitar on the Tavern Green.

12:00-2:00 PM

Games on the Tavern Lawn

Gunny sack races, barrel hoop rolling, cornhole games. Individual play and competitive contests—fun for the whole family!

2:00 PM

Tom Sawyer: An Arrow Rock Family Reunion

Enhancing the visual authenticity of Tom Sawyer was the filmmakers’ use of dozens of real people as the “Hannibal” townsfolk. Local resident Donna Huston recalls, “It was more like a summer picnic or a family reunion.” In this freestyle gathering and panel discussion, we’ll peek into the scrapbooks and hear the anecdotes of Arrow Rock’s own “movie stars.”

Location: Brown’s Chapel Free Will Baptist Church

710 High Street

Arrow Rock, MO 65320

7:00 PM

Made in Missouri: The Production of Tom Sawyer

Eyewitness and expert accounts enliven this panel presentation that tells the story of the creation of the musical adaptation of Tom Sawyer, from its roots in Disney filmmaking to casting, production, and its ongoing resonance with creators and audiences alike. Moderated by Jeff Kurtti and featuring filmmaker Jeff Sherman and Tom Sawyer stars John Whitaker and Joshua Hill Lewis, as well as a Q&A with the audience.

Location: Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre

114 High Street

Arrow Rock, MO 65320

Phone: (660) 837-3311

MONDAY JULY 4

11:00 AM

Guided Tour of Film Locations

Author, Film Historian, and Tom Sawyer expert Jeff Kurtti leads a guided tour of the Tom Sawyer film locations in Arrow Rock village, along with erudite information and commentary about the making of the film. Departs from the Friends of Arrow Rock offices at 310 Main Street. Approximately one hour, space is limited. Reservations available by calling 660-837-3231.

12:00-2:00 PM

Games on the Tavern Lawn

Gunny sack races, barrel hoop rolling, cornhole games. Individual play and competitive contests—fun for the whole family!

1:00-3:00 PM

Violinist Raoul Brcu, Live Music Performance in the Village

3:00PM

Impromptu Parade

Come parade with us! The annual Impromptu Parade is Americana at its finest. Bring your decorated vehicle, your pet, your musical instrument, or join our amazing Kazoo band (no experience required!). Paraders gather at the Old Schoolhouse at 2:45PM to line up. This year’s parade begins at 3:00PM. Spectators may view the parade from anywhere along Main Street, but those near the Arrow Rock Boardwalk will enjoy the Kazoo band’s rousing finale!

6:00PM

Potluck Picnic

“Load up the vittles, pickles and ham, melons and cherry pie!” as the Tom Sawyer song says. Experience Arrow Rock will supply the bratwurst, buns, and condiments—bring along a side dish, salad, or dessert, and gather at the Arrow Rock State Historic Site Picnic Shelter for some good eats, and find your spot on the meadow to watch the grand finale!

Location: Arrow Rock State Historic Site Picnic Shelter

39521 Visitor Center Drive

Arrow Rock, MO 65320

(660) 837-3330

9:00 PM

Tom Sawyer Outdoor Screening

A one-of-a-kind experience for fans of Tom Sawyer and those who love Arrow Rock—a Fourth of July outdoor screening of Tom Sawyer, on the very site where the Fourth of July picnic sequence for the production was filmed. Show starts at dusk.

Location: Arrow Rock State Historic Site

39521 Visitor Center Drive

Arrow Rock, MO 65320

(660) 837-3330

Watch the Friends of Arrow Rock Facebook page, and arrowrock.org for updates!

This special event is presented by the Friends of Arrow Rock, Arrow Rock State Historic Site, Village of Arrow Rock, Experience Arrow Rock, Missouri River Bird Observatory, and the Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre.

Generous support for this event has been provided by Wood & Huston Bank,

Hercon Construction, and Sumner Insurance of Sedalia.

The National Historic Landmark village of Arrow Rock, Missouri, is located 14 miles north of Interstate 70 at exits 89 or 98 on U.S. Highway 41, and features dining at Catalpa and the J. Huston Tavern, unique shopping, trails for walking and hiking, and many historic locations.

Event activities and attendees are subject to change.