State Historical Society of Missouri reopens local research center, now in SEMO's Kent Library

State Historical Society of Missouri is set to show off its new Cape Girardeau Research Center in Kent Library on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University.

The open house and reception will be from 4 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 27, in the library, 1 University Place.

Officials relocated the center from Pacific Hall on the university campus into temporary quarters in late 2022 because of water damage and mold caused by a malfunctioning HVAC system that flooded the ground floor of the building. None of the center's materials sustained damage in the incident.

The center opened to visitors earlier this summer.

Bill Eddleman, coordinator, said the new space is about 20% larger and in an ideal location.

“We’re steps away from a set of the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion for Civil War researchers. Also, Special Collections and Archives is close by, so researchers can easily find materials in a centralized part of the library," he said. “We are thrilled to be open and provide a nicer surrounding for patrons to do research.”

Eddleman noted visitor parking is available in the College Hill parking lot nearby and there are metered and handicapped-accessible spaces behind the library. All the collections are stored in the same area as the working space, making it easier to retrieve materials for patrons.

The center is open to the public 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Friday.