Community Calendar

Celebrated Civil War scholar and Grant historian Brooks Simpson will deliver a lecture on the 140th anniversary of U.S. Grant's passing. The program will take place in the Visitor Center auditorium.

This program is free but reservations are required. Please call (314) 842-1867 ext. 230.

Did you know? Our local community is in desperate need of more African American foster parents.

In St. Louis alone, African American children represent nearly 70% of kids in foster care, but less than 1/3 of the general population. Furthermore, only 13% of local foster parents are African American. Twice the number of African American children are placed into foster care compared to Caucasian children. African American children remain in foster care nearly a year longer than their white counterparts, creating more trauma and instability in these children’s lives.

We know that children placed within culturally similar foster homes have a better chance to heal. RESPOND, a program of the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition, is part of the answer to this crisis. RESPOND’s ultimate goal is to increase the number of Black/African American foster families for African American children in foster care.

Join us for an informational Zoom session on the RESPOND program to learn how you can get involved.

Discover the green heart of our city with beloved author and historian NiNi Harris on Sunday, August 3, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the Field House Museum. In this engaging Author Talk, Harris will share highlights from her latest book, St. Louis Parks—a beautifully written exploration of the city’s most iconic green spaces.
Recently featured on Fox 2’s “Tim’s Travels,” St. Louis Parks offers more than just scenic views—it captures the rich history, culture, and stories behind the parks that have shaped generations of St. Louisans. Whether you're a history lover, nature enthusiast, or lifelong local, this program promises to inspire a deeper appreciation for the outdoor gems all around us.
Come explore the soul of St. Louis—one park at a time!

Join us every Sunday from June 29th to August 17th, 3–6 PM EST, for a transformative experience designed by veterans, for veterans. The Veteran Support Bootcamp is your chance to rebuild, refocus, and reconnect with a community that understands.

🔹 What’s Included:

✅ Mental Health & Wellness Tools
✅ Job & Business Resources
✅ Peer Bonding & Accountability
This bootcamp offers a safe and empowering space for veterans to navigate life after service. Whether you're seeking support, new opportunities, or a strong network, this is your next step forward.

"Because after the war, the real work begins… and no one should fight alone."

📍Spots are limited — sign up now at yourvet.org/events

Register today at https://franciscansisters-olph.org/events/sept9-ffe-film-starved/
to join the Sisters and other Franciscans For Earth on Tuesday, Sept 9, 2025, from 6:30 to 8 pm Central via Zoom, for a free screening and discussion of the film Starved: Our Food Insecurity Crises. Following the half-hour film, knowledgeable speakers representing St Louis area food pantries, will address the issues. Robert Telthorst (Rob), director, and Sister Marie Orf, CPPS, associate director of St Anthony Food Pantry in South St Louis, will be joined by Andrew Diemer, executive director of the Wellston Center.
This documentary is a collaboration between WQED and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, with a goal to examine food insecurity as a societal problem, identify the causes, and introduce the people and organizations working to bring nutritious meals to the tables of those who need it. WQED, based in Pittsburgh, PA, was the nation’s first community-supported television station and went on the air on April 1, 1954.
According to the WQED website, “More than a million people in Pennsylvania are hungry because they cannot afford or do not have access to healthy food. Many others are unsure of how, or where they might get their next proper meal. For some, food insecurity is a matter of financial need. But often, entire communities are cut off from proper nutrition because there are no grocery stores nearby. These so-called “food deserts” are not the only challenge. Some neighborhoods have turned into “food swamps” – with a proliferation of fast-food restaurants and no healthy options.”
Speakers Rob and Sister Marie have first-hand knowledge gained through their work at St. Anthony Food Pantry in the Dutchtown neighborhood. Rob, who spent most of his professional career as an attorney, is in his 6th year as director. Sister Marie began her ministry to the pantry in 2010 after serving on leadership for her Precious Blood community for six years. Prior to that, she coordinated a food pantry and soup kitchen at St Vincent de Paul Parish in Chicago. According to the pantry website, stanthonyfoodpantrystl.org, the organization strives to end hunger and poverty on the Southside of St. Louis by providing nutritional food, personal care items, diapers and household items. “We assess the underlying causes of hunger and work for systemic change in keeping with Catholic Social-Economic Teachings. All people who seek assistance at the pantry are treated with dignity, compassion and respect.”
Andrew earned his Ph.D. in Education Policy and Equity from Saint Louis University, where his studies included understanding the spread of food insecurity in Missouri children. In 2024, he became Executive Director of the Wellston Center—a food pantry, thrift store, and social service hub in northern St Louis city. Learn more at wellstoncenter.org.

Join us every Sunday from June 29th to August 17th, 3–6 PM EST, for a transformative experience designed by veterans, for veterans. The Veteran Support Bootcamp is your chance to rebuild, refocus, and reconnect with a community that understands.

🔹 What’s Included:

✅ Mental Health & Wellness Tools
✅ Job & Business Resources
✅ Peer Bonding & Accountability
This bootcamp offers a safe and empowering space for veterans to navigate life after service. Whether you're seeking support, new opportunities, or a strong network, this is your next step forward.

"Because after the war, the real work begins… and no one should fight alone."

📍Spots are limited — sign up now at yourvet.org/events

The 5th World Congress on Primary Healthcare and Medicare Summit, on November 17-18, 2025, in Paris, France, gathers global experts to discuss innovative strategies, multi-specialty approaches, and advancements in healthcare. Featuring keynote sessions, panel discussions, and workshops, this event fosters collaboration to revolutionize primary healthcare and improve patient outcomes worldwide

1904 World’s Fair and Bellefontaine Cemetery
Over 120 years ago, St. Louis welcomed 20 million visitors to the Grandest of World’s Fairs from April 30 through December 1, 1904. David R. Francis, President of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, was vital in securing this event for the City of St. Louis. All eyes turned to St. Louis as the new century was on display in the fair’s larger-than-life palaces, and new technology was front and center throughout the Fair Grounds. In our presentation, we will identify and explain some of the key figures in the creation and execution of the 1904 World’s Fair. Those who are featured in these presentations are forever at rest at Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum.

Make it a date night, a family night, or enjoy the presentation by yourself. Reservations are required, so please sign up today!

Join us every Sunday from June 29th to August 17th, 3–6 PM EST, for a transformative experience designed by veterans, for veterans. The Veteran Support Bootcamp is your chance to rebuild, refocus, and reconnect with a community that understands.

🔹 What’s Included:

✅ Mental Health & Wellness Tools
✅ Job & Business Resources
✅ Peer Bonding & Accountability
This bootcamp offers a safe and empowering space for veterans to navigate life after service. Whether you're seeking support, new opportunities, or a strong network, this is your next step forward.

"Because after the war, the real work begins… and no one should fight alone."

📍Spots are limited — sign up now at yourvet.org/events

Join us every Sunday from June 29th to August 17th, 3–6 PM EST, for a transformative experience designed by veterans, for veterans. The Veteran Support Bootcamp is your chance to rebuild, refocus, and reconnect with a community that understands.

🔹 What’s Included:

✅ Mental Health & Wellness Tools
✅ Job & Business Resources
✅ Peer Bonding & Accountability
This bootcamp offers a safe and empowering space for veterans to navigate life after service. Whether you're seeking support, new opportunities, or a strong network, this is your next step forward.

"Because after the war, the real work begins… and no one should fight alone."

📍Spots are limited — sign up now at yourvet.org/events