Things That Matter: Fingerprints and Footprints: Ray Beck's Columbia (Official Book Launch!)
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Things That Matter: Fingerprints and Footprints: Ray Beck's Columbia (Official Book Launch!)
Sunday, August 16, 2026
Talk 1:00–2:00 p.m. | Book Signing 2:00–3:00 p.m.
Reichmann Pavilion, at Stephens Lake Park
2300 E. Walnut St., Columbia, MO 65201
**Note: this Things That Matter community event is NOT at the Boone County History & Culture Center**
Join us for the Things That Matter speaker series as former Columbia City Manager Ray Beck and co-author Jodie Jackson discuss Fingerprints and Footprints: Ray Beck's Columbia, Beck's newly released memoir chronicling more than four decades of leadership, growth, and change in Columbia. Through conversation and personal stories, Beck will reflect on the people, decisions, and defining moments that helped shape the city, offering a firsthand perspective on Columbia's remarkable transformation and the lasting impact of thoughtful civic leadership.
Ray Beck served the City of Columbia for 45 years, including 21 years as City Manager, helping guide the community through a period of unprecedented growth and modernization. His leadership influenced everything from parks, trails, transportation, and utilities to flood management, regional planning, and the creation of many of the public spaces Columbians enjoy today. Joining him is co-author Jodie Jackson, Editor-in-Chief of CoMo Magazine and CoMo Business Times and former Columbia Tribune journalist, who helped bring Beck's remarkable story to the page.
Following the presentation, guests will have the opportunity to meet Ray Beck, have books signed, and purchase copies of Fingerprints and Footprints: Ray Beck's Columbia. Hardcover copies will be available for $45 and softcover copies for $35. As a longtime supporter and former board president of the Boone County Historical Society, Beck has generously designated the Boone County History & Culture Center as the exclusive local retailer of the book during its first 90 days, with all net proceeds from book sales benefiting the Center.
Things That Matter is a free, conversational-style speaker series presented by the Boone County History & Culture Center. Designed to spark meaningful conversations, the series features real people sharing stories that connect us to our community's past and present.
Free admission and open to the public.
The Things That Matter series is presented by LaBrunerie Financial. Financial assistance for this program has been provided by the City of Columbia, Office of Cultural Affairs.
Sunday, August 16, 2026
Talk 1:00–2:00 p.m. | Book Signing 2:00–3:00 p.m.
Reichmann Pavilion, at Stephens Lake Park
2300 E. Walnut St., Columbia, MO 65201
**Note: this Things That Matter community event is NOT at the Boone County History & Culture Center**
Join us for the Things That Matter speaker series as former Columbia City Manager Ray Beck and co-author Jodie Jackson discuss Fingerprints and Footprints: Ray Beck's Columbia, Beck's newly released memoir chronicling more than four decades of leadership, growth, and change in Columbia. Through conversation and personal stories, Beck will reflect on the people, decisions, and defining moments that helped shape the city, offering a firsthand perspective on Columbia's remarkable transformation and the lasting impact of thoughtful civic leadership.
Ray Beck served the City of Columbia for 45 years, including 21 years as City Manager, helping guide the community through a period of unprecedented growth and modernization. His leadership influenced everything from parks, trails, transportation, and utilities to flood management, regional planning, and the creation of many of the public spaces Columbians enjoy today. Joining him is co-author Jodie Jackson, Editor-in-Chief of CoMo Magazine and CoMo Business Times and former Columbia Tribune journalist, who helped bring Beck's remarkable story to the page.
Following the presentation, guests will have the opportunity to meet Ray Beck, have books signed, and purchase copies of Fingerprints and Footprints: Ray Beck's Columbia. Hardcover copies will be available for $45 and softcover copies for $35. As a longtime supporter and former board president of the Boone County Historical Society, Beck has generously designated the Boone County History & Culture Center as the exclusive local retailer of the book during its first 90 days, with all net proceeds from book sales benefiting the Center.
Things That Matter is a free, conversational-style speaker series presented by the Boone County History & Culture Center. Designed to spark meaningful conversations, the series features real people sharing stories that connect us to our community's past and present.
Free admission and open to the public.
The Things That Matter series is presented by LaBrunerie Financial. Financial assistance for this program has been provided by the City of Columbia, Office of Cultural Affairs.
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Where is it happening?
Reichman Pavilon, 2300 E Walnut St, Columbia, MO 65201, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherBoone County History & Culture Center
