Several events planned at Missouri state parks and historic sites

If you’re looking for something fun to do, check out upcoming events at central Missouri state parks and historic sites

Oct. 1-16: Big Muddy Rug Hooking Guild Exhibit and Display at Arrow Rock State Historic Site

Time is winding down to see the hooked rug display at Arrow Rock State Historic Site. These hooked rugs are a true folk art that began as utilitarian items adapted to the needs of each rug maker and reflected the styles and interests of a community. The designs were rambunctious, soothing, lively, subdued and colorful. Unlike fine art, there were no rules other than those imposed by the rug maker’s spirit. Whichever style was used, all rugs displayed much affection for their subjects. Come see this exhibit featuring rugs made or designed by former members of the Big Muddy Rug Hooking Guild. This local organization actively promotes rug hooking throughout the mid-Missouri region, offering classes, meetings and workshops for all ages and skill levels. Visit the display during visitor center hours at 39521 Visitor Center Drive in Arrow Rock.

Friday, Oct. 13: Teaching American History: Eugenics in the Progressive Era at Missouri State Museum

The Missouri State Museum is partnering with Teaching American History to host this free day-long seminar that will connect scholars with local educators. Registration is required for the “Eugenics in the Progressive Era” program. 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, participants will explore why this movement was so popular and why it was challenged. All attendees will receive lunch, a letter of attendance and paper and digital copies of the reader. Register online at teachingamericanhistory.org/seminar/eugenics-in-the-progressive-era-2/. The seminar begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Elm Street Conference Center, located at 1730 E. Elm St. in Jefferson City.

Saturday, Oct. 14: Eclipsin’ the Rock Island at Rock Island Trail State Park

Join us at the park’s Pleasant Hill trailhead to view the first annular solar eclipse in the United States since 2012. While it won’t completely block the sun, the moon will be directly between the sun and the Earth, and will appear to have a ring of fire around it. The park team will provide eclipse information and hand out safety viewers, as it is never safe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection designed for solar viewing. Viewers will be provided while supplies last. Plan to arrive at the trailhead by 10:15 a.m. to prepare for the eclipse’s start time of 10:25:53 a.m.

Saturday, Oct. 14: Eclipsin’ the Rock Island at Rock Island Trail State Park

Join us at the Pleasant Hill trailhead to view the first annular solar eclipse in the United States since 2012. While the moon won’t completely block the sun, the moon will be directly between the sun and the Earth and will appear to have a ring of fire around it. The park team will be on-site to provide eclipse information and to hand out safety viewers, as it is never safe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection designed for solar viewing. Viewers will be provided while supplies last. Plan to arrive by 10:15 a.m. to prepare for the eclipse’s start time of 10:25:53 a.m. at the trailhead with the coordinates of 38.784120, -94.278102.

For detailed information on any of these activities, please visit mostateparks.com/events. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.