Unseen STL History Talks From Punk to Print — Archiving St. Louis

Name: Unseen STL History Talks From Punk to Print — Archiving St. Louis
Start: 2025-02-20T19:00:00-06:00
End: 2025-02-20T21:00:00-06:00
Location: Leviathan Bookstore, 3211 S. Grand Blvd. St. Louis

Schedule

Thu Feb 20 2025 at 07:00 pm to 09:00 pm

UTC-06:00

Location

Leviathan Bookstore, 3211 S. Grand Blvd. St. Louis | St. Louis, MO

For February, the Unseen STL History Talks will highlight the vital work of archivists and historians who uncover hidden stories about our city’s history and preserve them for future generations. From genealogical research to book conservation and music history, this month's speakers will explore the many ways historical records are safeguarded and studied. The discussion will span a diverse range of projects—from family Bibles to the history of St. Louis punk rock—offering a unique look at how the past is documented and remembered.
Join us on February 20th at our new venue, Leviathan Bookstore (3211 S. Grand Blvd., between Wyoming and Humphrey). Doors open at 6 p.m., with the talks beginning at 7 p.m. A $5 cover charge supports the event. Parking on Grand is metered until 7 p.m., and there's a small metered parking lot next door to the south. Parking is free on the residential streets to either side of Grand, and there's a large free parking lot behind the businesses on the east side of Grand at Hartford, across the street, and a couple of blocks north of the bookstore.
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The Talks
Emma Prince will highlight recent genealogical discoveries made through Backlog’s archival projects. Her presentation will showcase unique and unexpected stories uncovered in the St. Louis area, demonstrating how archival research can bring personal and family histories to life.
Noah Smutz, founder of NS Conservation, will share insights into the preservation of historical documents and books with strong St. Louis connections. His presentation will feature conservation projects ranging from early printed books and family Bibles to rare 1904 World's Fair materials and personal letters. By showcasing these projects, Smutz aims to showcase some of the notable St. Louis-related treatment projects he’s worked on, and discuss the emerging trends in conservation needs in the area.
Greg Kessler will delve into the history of punk rock in the St. Louis Metro and the challenges of preserving a scene that often fades as generations move on. His talk will focus on The Archive of St. Louis Punk, an effort to collect and document flyers, recordings, and oral histories that piece together the evolution of St. Louis’ punk community. Through these efforts, Kessler aims to ensure that the city’s punk history is not lost but studied and appreciated as an integral part of St. Louis’ cultural identity.
For more information on the event and the speakers, go to https://unseenstlouis.substack.com/p/unseen-stl-history-talks-february-2025