Upcoming Events

In Broadcasting the Ozarks, authors Kitty Ledbetter and Scott Foster Siman explore the vibrant country music scene that emerged in Springfield, Missouri, in the 1930s and thrived for half a century. Central to this history is the Ozark Jubilee (1955–60), the first regularly broadcast live country music show on network television. Dubbed the “king of the televised barn dances,” the show introduced the Ozarks to viewers across America and put Springfield in the running with Nashville for dominance of the country music industry. And at the helm was producer Si Siman, a promotional genius with an ear for talent, a persuasive gift for gab and the energy and persistence to make things happen for many future Country Music Hall of Famers, including Chet Atkins and Porter Wagoner. Following the Jubilee’s five-year run, Siman had a hand in some of the greatest hits of the 20th century as a music publisher, collaborating with such songwriters as rockabilly legend Ronnie Self, who wrote Brenda Lee’s signature hit, “I’m Sorry.” Join us as Ledbetter discusses this country music legend who, despite numerous opportunities to find success in bigger cities, chose to do it all from his hometown in the Ozarks.

The remarkable story of the Kansas City Southern tells of a railroad that followed its own path from the very beginning, led by a succession of visionaries unafraid to take risks in pursuit of success. Without the resources of earlier land grant railroads, the Kansas City-based company forged a unique approach to growing its franchise. Though modest in size, it developed an outsized, personalized commitment to its customers, suppliers and rail partners. With their vast rail networks, larger railroads sometimes cajoled customers and smaller railroads into conforming to their service offerings, while the Kansas City Southern sought to develop mutually beneficial relationships. Vision Accomplished is the story of a succession of individuals who – through the strength of their personalities, vision, courage and character – led the railroad through a series of perilous situations and, in so doing, crafted a corporate culture truly unique in the railroad industry. Author William H. Galligan describes how a railroad that by rights should have failed dozens of times instead survived and grew to become a major participant in the North American supply chain.