Events

July Quarterly Meeting. The Arcadia Valley Fall Festival stands as one of Missouri’s most long-running traditions, reaching its 100th anniversary in 2026. Before the meeting, Join retired AVHS educator and historical society member, Jim Finley as he presents his program on the history of this cherished event. Originally established in 1926, the festival was born as a multi-day homecoming event. Over the last century, it has evolved into an event that anchors the region’s cultural identity, famously hosting the longest-running parade in the state of Missouri. Deeply intertwined with the Arcadia Valley R-II School District, the event is defined by its "Tradition, Pride, and Character," featuring signature highlights such as the crowning of the Fall Festival Queen—a lineage that now spans generations of local families—as well as high school float competitions, bluegrass music, and a vibrant street fair surrounding the historic Iron County Courthouse.

Prior to the meeting, join John Abney as he presents an encore presentation of his 2014 program, Witnesses to History – Stories from Park View Cemetery.  Created as a paupers’ cemetery in the late 1850s, the cemetery later became the initial resting place of hundreds of Union soldiers who died while stationed in the Arcadia Valley during the Civil War.  After their bodies were disinterred and removed to Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, the cemetery became the final resting place for at least 300 people of African American descent.  The presentation tells the story of the cemetery and of the Lax family, one of the families with many family members buried there.

Prior to the start of our meeting, you’re Invited to our Annual Members’ Show & Tell Program, where history steps out of the books and into your hands. Have an old family keepsake? A curious antique? A quirky relic with a great story? Bring it along and share it with fellow history enthusiasts. Items do not need to be connected to Iron County—if it’s meaningful to you, we’d love to hear about it. Members, guests, and the general public are all warmly invited. Whether you bring an item or simply enjoy the stories, you’ll be part of an afternoon filled with discovery, laughter, and community connection.