History may be a study of past events, but Drury’s History Club is looking to the future with a slate of events and trips this spring. President Erin Benedict shared some of the History Club’s plans with The Mirror.

History at home

The first event will be held on Feb. 23 at the History Museum on the Square. Club members and other students are invited to visit the Museum to discover Springfield’s rich past. Located on Historic Route 66 at Park Central Square, the Museum is home to six permanent galleries that paint a picture of Springfield’s vibrant past.

Combining the richness of Springfield’s past, including the roots of Route 66, stories of Wild Bill Hickock, and a unique Native American perspective with new and innovative technology, this trip to the Museum promises to be an enriching experience. Tickets will be paid for by the club.

“History is super fun and fascinating,” exclaimed Benedict. “And we are a great group to hang with!”

The History Museum on the Square is located at 157 Park Central Square and is open 10:30-4:30. It is closed on Sundays and Wednesdays.

Black history movie night

The following Tuesday, Feb. 26, the History Club will host a viewing of the film “Hidden Figures” in Lay Auditorium in celebration of Black History Month. The movie, which stars Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe and Taraji P. Henson, tells the story of three black female mathematicians in NASA’s space race against Russia in the Cold War. Following the movie will be a short discussion.

“To understand the systems of the present,” Benedict said, “we need to examine how they were first formed in the past.”

History through art

The next event, slated for March 30, will be a free day trip to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Crystal Bridges is another wonderful Ozarks treasure, featuring five centuries worth of American artwork and an incredibly innovative building.

Students will be required to pay for their own meals, but the trip is free. There is also the option to pay a little extra to experience a special exhibit on superheroes titled “Men of Steel, Women of Wonder.” Tickets for the special exhibit are $12. The History Club will discuss the historical aspects of the art.

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is located at 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, Arkansas.

Benedict also revealed that there are other events in the works, including a Murder Mystery Party themed around who killed Julius Caesar. In March, the History Club will host a trivia night in collaboration with the Humanities Society and hopes to invite a speaker to Drury.

According to Benedict, “Students should attend these events because history is integral in everyone’s life.”

The History Club promises to bring the past to life and provide students with the opportunity to experience history as never before.

Article written by Forest Swisher.