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Teaching American History: Eugenics in the Progressive Era

10/13/2023 | Missouri State Museum | Jefferson City, MO

The Missouri State Museum is partnering with Teaching American History to host three seminars in 2023 and early 2024. These free daylong seminars connect scholars with local educators on a wide array of topics. Seminars are free, but registration is required.

The theme of the Oct. 13 seminar is “Eugenics in the Progressive Era.” From 1900 to the late 1920s, America had an active eugenics movement. States and supporters argued for the public good, requiring the removal from the population genes thought to cause low intelligence, or immoral, criminal or antisocial behavior, which in turn allowed compulsory sterilization laws. Some state and federal courts regularly found these unconstitutional. Using a selection of primary documents, we will explore why this movement was so popular and why it was challenged.

All attendees of this free professional development program will receive lunch, a letter of attendance, and paper and digital copies of the reader.

Click here to register.

Seminar time: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Seminar location: Elm Street Conference Center, 1730 E. Elm St., Jefferson City, MO 65101

The Missouri State Museum is located at:

First Floor, State Capitol, 201 W. Capitol Ave., Jefferson City, MO | 573-751-2854

Associated activities

  • Interpretive Programs