Small Town Showcase

Tarkio

Missouri Humanities — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0600

We’re heading to the far northwest corner of Missouri to the town of Tarkio, in Atchison County. Once a bustling railroad and college community nestled along the Tarkio River, this little town of just about fifteen hundred people has a story that’s equal parts grit and revival. From the legacy of Tarkio College, which is experiencing a rebirth after decades of silence, to local landmarks and its historic downtown, Tarkio is a place where history and hometown pride run deep.

Elsberry

Missouri Humanities — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Elsberry is a Mississippi River community that has seen both trials and triumph. From its early days as a railroad community to its growing downtown businesses, Elsberry’s story is a testament to small town perseverance and preservation.

Prairie Home

Missouri Humanities — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Prairie Home, Missouri, stands as the smallest Small Town Showcase featured community thus far...but as we've learned, small towns do big things! Prairie Home is a town where residents truly depend on one another to ensure community success and resilience, and they strive to prove that population size is just a number. For example, check out their Prairie Home Free Fair, an annual summer tradition for over 100 years! It's the perfect example of community pride and support.

Potosi

Missouri Humanities — Tue, 13 May 2025 08:00:00 -0500

Potosi is a town in the Missouri Ozarks with a population of about 2,500 people. This community is surrounded by natural beauty, and some of Missouri's finest state parks are found in the vicinity. It's also an area with deep roots and rich history, with original settlers dating back to the early 1760s and much of its story tied to bountiful lead mining in the region. Potosi proudly celebrates its history through annual festivals, commemorative signage, and historic sites, and the town's story keeps its citizens actively engaged in propelling the community forward.

Ste. Genevieve

Missouri Humanities — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 08:00:00 -0500

Our featured community for this episode is a true piece of American History: Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. This small river community of about 5,000 people is hailed as the first permanent European settlement West of the Mississippi River, giving Ste. Gen major historical significance not just for Missouri, but nationally as well. Almost 300 years later, the town is brimming with historic charm, engaging and exciting events, and a yearn to share their story with more people, enticing them to experience Ste. Gen’s many offerings.

Marceline

Missouri Humanities — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0600

Marceline is your quintessential small town, where you’ll find a historic main street district with shops, restaurants, and other unique businesses. They also have a tie to one of the most famous people in entertainment and cinema history, as the boyhood home of none other than Walt Disney. Hear from two Marceline residents who are dedicated to telling Marceline's story.

Albany

Missouri Humanities — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0600

Albany is the county seat of Gentry County in Northwest Missouri. It’s beautiful scenery, with lots of rivers and streams, century farms with rolling hills and old barns, and a vibrant downtown. For a town of its size, it's remarkable to see so many thriving businesses, community groups, events, and most of all, restaurants. When asked why this is possible when towns even 5x their size can’t compete with their amenities, Albany residents say it all comes down to the support of the people here and the proximity to other smaller towns that come to Albany to take advantage of all they have to offer.

Carrollton

Missouri Humanities — Sat, 21 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Carrollton, Missouri, located in Carroll County, is a town of movers and shakers with one eye always looking to the future. Whether it's the revitalization of their main street district, sitting on the planning committees of community events, or leading the charge fundraising for new assets in the community, the people of Carrollton are dedicated to making sure that their town only gets better for future generations.

Aurora

Missouri Humanities — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 10:50:17 -0500

Aurora is home to about 7,400 people in Lawrence County, Missouri, near Springfield. The pride people have in this town and its strong sense of place are what make Aurora such a thriving, progressive community. There are many ways that this town is dedicated to success, such as beautification efforts, free programs for families, and preserving its story through murals, podcasts, exhibits, and more. The Houn' Dawg pride is strong in Aurora--listen to see for yourself!

Pacific

Missouri Humanities — Wed, 29 May 2024 11:00:00 -0500

Just about 30 miles west of St. Louis sits the town of Pacific, Missouri. While many communities that surround bigger cities have been affected by urban sprawl, the same effect doesn’t seem to have reached Pacific. Though its proximity to a major highway, large cities, and attractions give it the amenities, as you learn about the community, you’ll soon realize that Pacific has fully retained its small town charm, energy, and atmosphere.

Doniphan

Missouri Humanities — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 09:12:26 -0600

Welcome to where the past meets the Current..the Current River that is. In this episode, travel with us to Doniphan, deep in Southern Missouri. Here, the Current River is their life’s blood. The history of the community is rooted in it, it's an invaluable tourist attraction, and it's also a symbol for the importance of conserving natural history and resources. Jake and Randy join us for this conversation and reflect on this town that’s steeped in history, culture, and community pride.

Seymour

Missouri Humanities — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 08:53:57 -0500

Seymour is located in Webster County with a population just shy of 2,000 people. This town truly knows how to celebrate the important bond between community, local businesses, and tourism. Seymour showcases so many heartwarming examples of how important this place is to the people who live here, and to those who visit.

Carl Junction

Missouri Humanities — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 14:58:41 -0500

Carl Junction is a bedroom community outside of Joplin, Missouri. This town of just under 8,000 people boasts beautiful Ozark scenery and passionate residents whose dedication to community support is unmatched. When there is a need, residents, business owners, and leaders never hesitate to step up. It's no wonder CJ wanted to show off!

St. James

Missouri Humanities — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 12:47:28 -0500

St. James, Missouri, is known far and wide for its famed winery, and for good reason, but it's just the beginning of all this town has to offer both visitors and residents alike. The community is home to about 4,000 residents, who are passionate about their town and are always willing to lend a hand to better this special place. Tune in learn more.

Norborne

Missouri Humanities — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 10:48:24 -0500

With a population of just under 700 people, Norborne knows what it means to be small but mighty. The town is renowned for being the "Soybean Capital of the World," and is a big player in the agriculture community. Their annual Soybean Festival at the end of the summer celebrates the interconnectedness of community, agriculture, and local businesses, and draws large crowds each year to this rural town in Northwest Missouri.

Lamar

Missouri Humanities — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 10:31:08 -0600

Lamar is home to just over 4,200 Missourians. Many know this town for their famed high school football team, which has won multiple state titles. But this community, which calls itself “a place of legendary beginnings,” also showcases strength, dedication, and opportunity.

Sweet Springs

Missouri Humanities — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 14:25:28 -0500

Sweet Springs is more than meets the eye. This picturesque community in Saline County, just about an hour east of Kansas City, invites you to take a closer look; you’re sure to find a town dedicated to revitalization and progress, and full of potential.

Mountain Grove

Missouri Humanities — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 07:45:53 -0500

Deep in the Missouri Ozarks, on the border of Texas and Wright Counties, sits the town of Mountain Grove. Surrounded by deep green pines, clear rivers and streams, and rolling hills, Mountain Grove is full of small town hospitality and passion for this community.

Chillicothe

Missouri Humanities — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 20:51:53 -0600

“Small Town Showcase”, presented by Missouri Humanities highlights the uniqueness of Small Town Missouri. Situated along Highway 36 in Livingston County, Chillicothe is perhaps most notable for being the “Home of Sliced Bread.” But there is so much more to love about this Missouri community! From wonderful museums to breathtaking murals, Chillicothe is certainly worth a visit.

Marble Hill

Missouri Humanities — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 16:53:39 -0500

“Small Town Showcase”, presented by Missouri Humanities highlights the uniqueness of Small Town Missouri. Join us and explore our pilot community, Marble Hill, in Bollinger County. Situated in Southwest Missouri, this community of 1,500 people is nestled in the foothills of the Ozarks and is a destination for outdoor recreation, charming shops, and smiling locals.