How St. Louis Shaped the Soundtrack of America

Thursday Nights at the Museum is a weekly series where the museum exhibits are open late and you can enjoy pop-up activities, a cash bar, food and more.

Media Partner: St. Louis Magazine

Countless major moments in American history can be traced to St. Louis. As the United States marks its 250th anniversary in 2026, explore how St. Louis shaped America in this four-part series from the Missouri Historical Society. From westward growth to civil rights, music history, and America’s urban landscape, St. Louis has been at the center of it all for the last 250 years.

Celebrate St. Louis’s musical innovators and icons that built—and rebuilt—the soundtrack of American throughout the 20th century, from ragtime to jazz to rock ‘n’ roll. Explore this history with Public Historian Andrew Wanko in an evening accompanied by live music illustrating the many ways in which St. Louisans helped construct the sonic architecture of our country.

Please note: Join us for additional programs in this series:

Come back for more! Thursday Nights at the Museum are sometimes the most fun, sometimes the most thought-provoking, and always the most interesting night of your week. The museum exhibits are open late, and you’ll enjoy cash bar and food for purchase, pop-up activities, lectures, and more.

ASL interpretation is available for programs with two weeks' advance notice. Please email [email protected] to request ASL interpretation or with other accessibility questions.