Missouri’s Bicentennial Celebration Noted In Documentary

In celebration of Missouri’s 2021 bicentennial anniversary, KMOS-TV, in partnership with other Public Television Association of Missouri (PTAM) stations, announces the broadcast premiere of “Missouri! A Bicentennial Celebration” at 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12.

This two-hour presentation includes a sweeping snapshot of Missouri beginning with its settlement and early territory days and journey to admittance as America’s 24th state on Aug. 10, 1821. The story progresses with the pivotal role Missouri played during the Civil War and continues with representative highlights of the state’s remarkable and unique accomplishments and impact in more recent times.

With segments introduced by "Mark Twain," the documentary features several respected historians and abundant archival images. The result is a warm tribute to and understanding of the Show-Me State and its people.
Several Missouri historians were involved with this project including: Gary Kremer, executive director of the State Historical Society of Missouri; Jon Taylor, professor of history at the University of Central Missouri; Brooks Blevins, Noel Boyd Professor of Ozark’s Studies at Missouri State University (MSU) ;
Brad Belk, community historian at Missouri Southern State University; James Giglio, distinguished professor of history at MSU; Arthur Mallory, former Missouri Commissioner of Education; Jeremy Neely, assistant professor of history at MSU; and William Piston, history faculty member emeritus at MSU.
KMOS Manager Josh Tomlinson said "We are delighted to play a role in this celebration, and are hopeful that everyone finds it as fun as it is informative. In telling this story of Missouri, we leaned on the expertise of our historians – who almost literally jumped at the opportunity to share their knowledge about the state’s rich history."
Program producer Brent Slane said, “I believe everyone can find tidbits of history and knowledge in the documentary that will lead them to do more digging and research on topics of Missouri’s past that interest them.  Just like researching a family tree, the deeper you dive into our shared stories within the state you find many answers to questions you weren’t even looking for. And maybe even a few more questions.”
Program producer Tom Carter said, “The spirit of Missouri is her people. And her people are her enduring and note-worthy history. It's a special privilege for Ozarks Public Television, with support from public broadcasting colleagues at KMOS-TV, Warrensburg, to be able to help share a remarkable story and also preserve it for future generations."