Historian highlights Missouri’s Black history at Weston museum dinner

Historian Gary R. Kremer shared how mentorship and decades of research shaped his work documenting Black history in Missouri during the Weston Historical Museum’s annual dinner Nov. 8 at Red Barn Farm.

Kremer spoke about his path into history and the influence of Lorenzo Greene, a historian who mentored him. He also reflected on the importance of recording community histories, including stories that can be overlooked. Kremer is executive director emeritus of the State Historical Society of Missouri, where he served as executive director from 2004 to 2025.

The annual meeting included approval of the 2025 meeting minutes and board nominations presented by nominating committee Chair Ann Raab. Members approved the board nominees and officer slate without opposition.

The committee recommended renewing the terms of Julie Hoffman, Raab, Kimberly Kirby, Christy Shafer, Helen Penrod, Francie Stoner, Cliff Wieser and Ted Wilson through 2029. It recommended Heidi Sullivan to fill the remainder of Nancy Honerkamp’s term, which ends in 2028, and Andreas Jantos and Janet Terpening for terms through 2029.

The officer nominees were Clay Bauske for president, John Galloway for vice president, Hoffman for secretary and Wilson for treasurer. The museum also recognized Peg Strickland and Susan Grinlinton, who are leaving the board, and remembered Honerkamp, who died. Raab thanked nominating committee members Lona Bozzay and Penrod.

The museum also showed a video outlining its “Vision 2037,” a plan to prepare for Weston’s bicentennial by preserving and digitizing collections, expanding public programs and improving space for storage, research and events. President Clay Bauske said the effort will require planning and fundraising.

Hayley’s Eatery catered a buffet dinner that included roast beef, green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, salad and apple cobbler. The event also included a silent auction.