Missouri Historic Schools Alliance

Formerly the Ozarks Country School Association, the Missouri Historic Schools Alliance has a mission to research, restore and maintain one-room schools in Missouri. Participants in this MU Exension program work with individuals interested in preserving the state's one-room schools as a means of community and economic development. The Missouri Historic Schools Alliance works with local groups and building owners to establish non-profit organizations to preserve these schools create active rural community hubs once again. New membership forms to be published soon but until then, use the OCSA form. Join the Missouri Historic Schools Alliance (PDF). Keep watching for updates, new information and new efforts statewide on behalf of the Missouri Historic School Alliance. If you are interested in partnering with MHSA please contact David Burton. There is a need for corporate and private sponsors as well as organizations that will partner and co-host events around the state. 

A History of Rural Schools
in Greene County, Mo.

One-room schools are the foundation
for public education and a reflection
of rural Missouri’s heritage.

“A History of Rural Schools in Greene
County, Mo.,” by David Burton,
captures that era with photos, facts
and interesting tidbits. In the 2010
edition of the book, Burton has
included a self-guided driving tour.

Books are $20 per copy and available
from the extension office. For mail
orders, call  (417) 881-8909.

Order fom (PDF)

Liberty School Project

MU Extension is working with the Gray Campbell Farmstead to move Liberty School to Nathanael Greene Park. Liberty School served the community from the mid-1800s until consolidation with Fair Grove in 1951. Informational brochure (PDF).

Researching Existing One-Room Schools as a Community Project

Learn how to do a one-room school research project (similar to the effort that resulted in the book, "A History of Rural Schools in Greene County, Mo."). Recieve suggestions from the authors, links to resources, and a copy of a statewide nomination that could reduce your time requirement. Cost is $10, payable to Greene County Extension.

Presentations

Organizations may request a presentation on the history of rural schools. Presentations range from a half-hour to a half-day. The cost is $55 per hour plus travel expenses. Contact David Burton, burtond@missouri.edu, for more information or to schedule.

Back Issues of Newsletter

The Historic School Quarterly is the newsletter of the Ozarks Country School Association. Back issues of the publication are available for purchase by the general public at a cost of $7 per issue plus shipping. Back Issue Order Form (PDF)

Creating an Oral History Project

The Greene County Extension class entitled "Creating an Oral History Project" was very popular. Materials used in that class are available for purchase.  Order form for materials used in the "Creating an Oral History Project" class (PDF).

A History of Me

Our popular booklet that asks the questions you need to answer to create a special heirloom gift focused on your life history or the life story of a loved one. Order form for "A History of Me" (PDF)

Renovate or Replace?

Have a one-room school and wondering what to do with it? This packet includes a publication, presentation and DVD designed to answer that and other questions. Renovate or Replace Order Form (PDF)

Find Ozark Rural Schools Association on Facebook