Introduction
Dedicated in September 1963, the University of Missouri -- St. Louis became the fourth campus in the state system. The idea for UMSL originated in late 1957 by a group of North County residents who sought to transform the recently relinquished Bellerive Country Club into a public university. Leadership from the Normandy School District also expressed a desire for a junior college, and the group bought the clubhouse for $600,000. Boosters sought to develop the area and provide accessible education to the region’s residents. The Bellerive site offered an expanse of available land and an opportunity to anchor a major regional institution at the boundaries of Normandy, Bellerive, Cool Valley, Pasadena Park, Glen Echo Park, and Bel-Nor.
During the past sixty years, UMSL and surrounding communities have seen significant changes. The neighborhoods adjacent to UMSL’s campus have experienced demographic changes, shifting often from White ethnic to Black working class family neighborhoods, while many community institutions have remained. Throughout campus history, community input and engagement has played a significant role in campus planning and the scholarship of faculty and students. While this is true of many urban research universities, UMSL has distinguished itself for its especially porous boundaries and collaborative relationships. Students have also played a critical role in the shaping of life and culture on campus as well, and, although the campus has always had a strong commuter orientation, students have distinct opportunities to leave their mark on their campus.
This collection was created by the HIST 6001: Intro to Public History class at UMSL during the Fall 2024 semester. We hope you enjoy our exhibit on the past 60 years of UMSL history, on campus and within it's community.