‘Celebrate America’s Stories’ underway at C of O’s Ralph Foster Museum

In honor of America 250, Ralph Foster Museum at the College of the Ozarks is hosting a special exhibit showcasing American history, with the goal of reawakening the American spirit for generations to come. The exhibit will run through December 18, 2026. 

As visitors enter the special exhibit gallery, they are greeted by posters and video of “Ralphie,” based on a young Ralph Foster, who provides information to help direct guests. The exhibit opens with a Revolutionary War jacket worn by a Continental Army soldier. Although display dates may be limited due to the item’s fragility, it is an amazing reminder of those who stood ready to sacrifice for American independence. Visitors then move through artifact displays from the various eras of America’s history: The Civil War, the 1880s and early 1900s; the Great Depression; the World Wars. Highlights also include the early years of Branson tourism and the beginnings of The School of the Ozarks, before moving into the Vietnam era and then toward the 21st century. From each era, there are unique artifacts and memorable art, photography, or news highlights. There are even sports highlights, including the conflict of triumph and tragedy during the 1996 Olympics hosted in the U.S. 

The exhibit has come together largely through the efforts of Logan Stout, C of O senior history major from Ava, Missouri. The rotating featured exhibits in the art gallery area of the museum are usually a student project, and Stout said he was thrilled to be selected for the opportunity. Once the decision was made to do America 250 and he was designated as curator, Stout began what he described as a “long and difficult process, but worth it,” researching 250 years of history, searching for artifacts from the museum’s collection to display, and deciding on the right location and arrangement for maximum impact on the guest experience.  

Although the museum adopted a computerized filing system in the early 2000s, Stout said he supplemented that search by looking carefully at the hard files as well. The work was arduous, but it served to further increase his passion for history. When checking on possible paths after high school graduation, he was inspired by some high school teachers to pursue history and, like many of his peers, was grateful for the opportunity to study without debt at C of O. He initially considered a teaching career, but as he progressed in his studies and his campus work assignments led him to the museum, he found himself intrigued by the research and the display design opportunities of museum work. 

Stout also likes thinking of his work as a way to create legacy and help people involve themselves in historical timelines. “I hope this exhibit is meaningful to those who have experienced this history, but also that it provides understanding for others who did not live these events,” he shared. “My goal is for modern Americans to appreciate these stories but also find significance in their own place in the timeline.” 

Stout also shared his appreciation for the hard work done by another C of O student, junior history major Madison Suffal, who created an interactive timeline video of supplemental material to enhance the exhibit. 

When Stout graduates in May, he plans to work as a museum curator. He is extremely grateful for his outstanding instructors and supervisors and his time working at the Ralph Foster Museum, which he believes will be a huge plus as he moves forward with his career.  

The Ralph Foster Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays. Admission is $10 for adults, with discounts for senior citizens ($8) and veterans ($5); admission is free for children and students under age 18, and group discounts are available.