Third Annual Missouri Preservation Symposium

5/13/2026 and 5/14/2026 | Joplin, Mo.

The third annual Missouri Preservation Symposium will take place in Joplin, Missouri, on Wednesday, May 13, and Thursday, May 14. This event is presented by the Missouri State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and cosponsored by the City of Joplin, Downtown Joplin Alliance, Missouri Southern State University, the Joplin Historical Neighborhoods Museum, Missouri Preservation and Crossland Construction.

The event will begin with an opening reception at the Schifferdecker and Zelleken homes on Wednesday evening. The following day's activities will take place on the campus of Missouri Southern State University. These will include a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the historic Buchanan Home, as well as the symposium itself. The symposium will have two different tracks: historic tax credits and community preservation. The keynote speakers will be Jeff and Carolina Neal of Neal Group Construction.

Registration is required and will be available online -- check back later for the registration link. The standard registration fee is $25. For students, it is $10. Breakfast will be provided courtesy of Crossland Construction, and lunch is included in the registration fee.

Event Schedule:

DateTimesActivityLocationAddress or Coordinates
May 136:30-8 p.m.Opening receptionSchifferdecker and Zelleken homes422 Sergeant Ave.
May 148 a.m.Continental breakfastRalph L. Gray Alumni Center, located inside the Buchanan Home at Missouri Southern State University37.09655, -94.4645
8:30-9 a.m.Buchanan Home centennial celebration
9-9:30 a.m.Symposium check-inConnor Ballroom, located on the third floor of the Billingsly Student Center at Missouri Southern State University37.09672, -94.46357
9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.Symposium

For More Information:

For more information, contact Bob Wheeler or Elizabeth Hornbeck  with the State Historic Preservation Office.

Related Links: