Ghost Towns in Missouri and Beyond

Class & Event Types:

Evenings & Weekends, History & Culture, Virtual

Age Group:

Teens (Grades 7-12), Adults, Ages 18+, Ages 21+, Ages 55+
  • Registration is required for this event.
  • Registration will open on September 18, 2025 @ 7:00pm.
  • A library card is not required.

Event Details

Abandoned buildings, paranormal folklore, and historic relics cast an eerie and intriguing atmosphere over Missouri's ghost towns. 

Although the phrase "Ghost town" might call to mind the tumbleweed-strewn roads and abandoned wooden storefronts of the Old West, Missouri's ghost towns tell a different tale. A detour through these rural locales reveals stories of a changing world and devastating acts of nature. Depopulated or simply forgotten, many have fallen into disrepair. Others still have remnants and artifacts as proof of their former heydays. Some maintain a sparse population with a firm hold on their heritage. 

This talk will cover Missouri's ghost towns and will look at some of the most curious ghost towns in other states.

street view of abandoned homes

Recommended reading from the Library: Ghost Towns

The presenter is Doug Schneider, author, St. Louis walking tour guide, Scottish country dancer, fan of architecture, Route 66 enthusiast, who graduated from Brown University, one of the eight Ivy League universities, with a Bachelor's in History; and from the University of London with a Master's in Linguistics.