Making Local Memories: Children’s Television in the Ozarks

The History Museum on the Square is excited to share a new temporary exhibit, “Making Local Memories: Children’s Television in the Ozarks.” This exhibit will be on display from Wednesday, July 21- to Sunday, October 17, 2021, in the Voices of History Gallery of the Museum located at 154 Park Central Square.

In the early years of local television, much of the programming was local, and whether it was a circus clown, a sea captain, or a kindly aunt having a birthday party, it became a part of everyday life for kids of all ages. Come to the museum and get to know early Springfield television pioneers like hosts “Aunt” Rene Handley, “Aunt” Alice Lowe and “Captain” Briney who were household names for Springfieldians with children in the 1950’s and 60’s. This engaging exhibit includes everything from photos and videos to actual props and puppets used to entertain during these live television shows. Make sure you join the museum to share memories growing up and watching local children’s television in Springfield.

Sponsored by: The Ozarks Studies Institute – Missouri State University Libraries.

Events to Support this Exhibit:

We are excited to kick off our temporary exhibit, Making Local Memories: Children’s Television in the Ozarks, with a live, in-person event: a conversation with the host of Children’s Hour from 1957 to 1986, Norma Champion. We will discuss not only her time as a writer, producer and host of the Children’s Hour on KY3 but also her service on the Springfield City Council, the Missouri House of Representatives, and the Missouri State Senate. Norma Champion was the first woman to be inducted into the Missouri Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame and we are excited to share her stories with you.

“Aunt” Norma’s Hour – A Chat with Norma Champion
Saturday, July 24th – 10:30 am
Historic Fox Theatre – 157 Park Central Square
History Museum Members are Free
Non-Members – Program Only $15.00
Non-Members Program plus Museum Admission $28.00

Stories and Crafts on the Square
Every Thursday Starting August 5 – August 26th
10:30 -11:30 am
Located at the Historic Fox Theatre – 157 Park Central Square.
Admission for Stories and Crafts on the Square Free. General Admission applies if visiting the History Museum on the Square. Adults must accompany children.
Historically themed Books we will read:
August 5th – Tallchief: America’s Prima Ballerina by Rosemary Wells & Maria Tallchief
August 12th – Locomotive by Brian Floca
August 19th – The Secret Garden of George Washington Carver by Gene Barretta
August 26th – Freedom Summer by Deborah Wiles