Potpourri of Genealogy Events for Summer's Dog Days

Summer is waning; didn't it seem to go by quickly? The days are still bright, but cooler weather is finally in the forecast for those of us in the St. Louis area, and there are several interesting and exciting genealogy meetings and tours coming up around town. We'll talk about St. Louis Genealogical Society meetings for September next week; this week, we'll feature some things you might be interested in sponsored by our friends in St. Clair County (Illinois), the Missouri Historical Society, and Bellefontaine Cemetery.

(The following descriptions are from the organizations' press releases. If you have questions, please contact the appropriate group.)

Bellefontaine Cemetery: Virtual Webinar

Firefighters of St. Louis; Wednesday, 3 September 2025, 7:00 p.m. (Central), Free

Heroes can come from many different public service roles, such as firefighters, police officers, and military service members, just to name some of the most obvious. This first of a three-part exploration goes into detail concerning St. Louis's rich firefighter heritage. Starting with early volunteer forces and carrying up to the modern era, take a look at the area's rich history. St. Louis has a right to be proud of its firefighter history, and those who helped form it should be remembered. Free; registration required for the Zoom meeting.

St. Clair County (Illinois) Genealogical Society: Virtual Webinar

Labor Union Movement in Illinois, presented by Mike Matejka, Illinois Labor History Society president; Thursday, 4 September 2025, 7:00 p.m. (Central) 

Illinois was critical to workers finding their voice through labor organization. From Chicago's Haymarket Square to southern Illinois coal mines, workers struggled to build unions, create safe work environments and find a community voice through their united efforts. They learned how to organize across ethnic, racial, and gender lines. Workers like the Ottawa, Illinois, Radium Girls stood up after their occupational exposure doomed them, helping create legislation to protect all workers. The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters faced discriminatory unions and built their own organization over a twelve-year struggle to ensure representation. 

The meeting is open to the public, but space is limited. Reservation information is at stclair-ilgs.org/events or Facebook.com/STCCGSIL.

Missouri Historical Society Tour

See Tower Grove: Sunday, 7 September 2025; 10 a.m.

 

Hidden history abounds throughout Tower Grove Park and the Tower Grove South neighborhood. On this tour, you will learn how French common fields and American plantations etched enduring patterns into the landscape. Trace the neighborhood's history from a coal-mining hub to a streetcar suburb and step back in time in Tower Grove Park. Learn about people, events, and social forces that have shaped one of the city's most dynamic neighborhoods. This is a paid event. Registration is required, and Missouri Historical Society members receive a $5 discount!

Bellefontaine Cemetery: Virtual Webinar

Steamboaters; Wednesday, 1 October 2025, 7:00 p.m. (Central), Free

Whether we are talking pilots, captains, or owners, the waterways and the ships that traversed them helped define St. Louis and the region. At first, it was every man—or boat—for himself, but soon, set timetables and routes were established. This led to competition among private owners and groups, leaving casualties in the wake of organization. Then there is the river: at once a superhighway and a vexed spirit. Accidents and mishaps on the Mississippi often meant a short life for most ships and many who guided them. Free; registration is required for the Zoom meeting.