History Exploration Days: With Liberty and Justice for All: MLK in STL at the Missouri History Museum
Date: Friday, January 16, 2026
Time: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
As part of the Missouri History Museum’s weekend-long MLK Community Celebration, explore the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and how civil rights movements in St. Louis and across the nation worked to ensure all people realize the promise of American ideals.
As part of this History Exploration Days series, this month students will:
Explore Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s philosophy of the Beloved Community through interactive workshops and guided tours of our newest exhibit Mill Creek: Black Metropolis.
Create a plan for ways to improve their communities and add to a community-led mural of MLK’s “Dream” of an America filled with diversity, mutual respect and equity.
Go on a self-guided scavenger hunt through the galleries all about Black History in St. Louis.
Timed Events
Storytelling | 10:30–11:15 a.m. | MacDermott Grand Hall
Through music and stories, we’ll explore the meanings of activism and protest, ending with a poignant reading of the “I Have a Dream” speech. American Sign Language interpretation will be provided by DEAF Inc.
Workshop: The Beloved Community | 10:30–11:15 a.m. | Karen Goering Classroom
Through hands-on activities and thought-provoking group discussions, learn about Dr. King’s core philosophy of The Beloved Community and come up with a plan for improving the community around you.
Guided Tour: Mill Creek Valley | 11:30 a.m.–12 p.m.; 12:30–1:00 p.m. | Mill Creek: Black Metropolis
Explore our newest exhibit, Mill Creek: Black Metropolis, on this interactive family-friendly guided tour!
Drop-In Events
Making History: Craft Room | 10 a.m.–1 p.m. | AT&T Room (Friday); Loggia (Saturday)
Drop in anytime to our Making History Craft Room! Families can add to a community-led mural of MLK’s “Dream” of an America filled with diversity, mutual respect and equity. Add your artistic contribution to this large-scale community art project, make a peace sign or imagine who is in your ideal community.
Black History Scavenger Hunt | 10 a.m.–1 p.m. | All galleries
Go on a self-guided scavenger hunt through the galleries all about Black History in St. Louis.
Touch Table + Inquiry Station | 10 a.m.–1 p.m. | MacDermott Grand Hall