Missouri Secretary of State, Jay Ashcroft, announces the launch of the Missouri Bicentennial Photo Drive, celebrating 200 years of statehood. This effort is sponsored by the Missouri State Archives, a division within his office.
Starting Oct. 4, 2021, and running through August 2022, the public is invited to submit up to seven images each in an effort to expand our state’s photographic history. The drive will focus on underrepresented target areas including cultural activities, events, people, and places from Missouri history.
“We’re encouraging Missourians to share culturally significant photos tucked away in their closets, old trunks and shoeboxes or even on their cellphones,” said Missouri State Archivist John Dougan. “This is a chance for these images to become part of our state’s diverse collective history!”
Online submissions can be uploaded at this link. Those unable to access the provided form or who are without access to scanning equipment can schedule an appointment to have their photograph(s) scanned at the Missouri State Archives in Jefferson City by contacting [email protected] or calling (573) 526-5296.
Bicentennial Photograph Drive submissions will be added to the Missouri State Archives’ permanent collections for preservation and public access, as well as posted on Missouri Digital Heritage at the digit heritage section of the Secretary of State’s website under the “Latest Updates” section.
The activities described here are funded, in part, through a National Historical Publications and Records Commission grant awarded to the Office of the Secretary of State and the Missouri Historical Records Advisory Board-the state’s central advisory board for historic records projects.
To learn more about the Missouri Bicentennial Photograph Drive, future scanning events and to submit images online, visit the Missouri Secretary of State website.
