Missouri Life June 2023

NEW MADRID HISTORICAL MUSEUM New Madrid Over 200 years ago, three earthquakes registering 6.5 or greater in magnitude on the Richter Scale shook Missouri and impacted all of North America as the force caused the Mississippi River infamously to flow in reverse. “The Great Quakes” were the fiercest of 1,874 earthquakes along the New Madrid fault between December 1811 and March 1812. This seismic event is chronicled at the New Madrid Historical Museum at 1 Main Street. Founded in 1975 and located 30 yards from the Mississippi River, the museum uses movies, audio presentations, and exhibits to tell the big story of this small southeast Missouri town. Come hear the story of one of the largest natural disasters in American history and learn about the geology and science that underlies one of the most seismically active areas in the United States. NewMadridMuseum.com

WORLD CHESS HALL OF FAME St. Louis Showcasing the Guinness World Records’ world’s largest chess piece (a 20-foot, mahogany king that weighs five tons), the World Chess Hall of Fame (WCHOF) at 4652 Maryland Avenue in St. Louis celebrates the game through engaging exhibitions and creative programming. A destination for chess, art, and history exploration, the Saint Louis landmark makes the Gateway to the West the Chess Capital of the United States. The World Chess Hall of Fame presents exhibitions that explore the fascinating, sometimes turbulent history of the game, as well as its remarkable impact on arts and culture. The WCHOF has featured work by legendary artists M. C. Escher and Yoko Ono, along with collections by photographers Harry Benson and Anne Deniau and fashion designs by Alexander McQueen, Gucci, and Viktor & Rolf. The museum also showcases the accomplishments of distinguished Saint Louis natives, such as artist Tom Friedman and fashion designer Michael Drummond. Unique shows and related programs are designed to appeal to both the chess novice and expert, defying expectations and enhancing knowledge of the game. WorldChessHOF.org

JEFF GRUNWALD, BRIAN FLOWERS

49 / JUNE 2023