We’re celebrating Joplin’s 150^th Birthday on March 23. 2023, and everyone is invited! 

2:30 p.m. Thursday, March 23, 2023:

The celebration will begin at 2:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers on the 5^th floor of City Hall, 602 S. Main Street. 

Missouri’s greatest 20th-century painter, Thomas Hart Benton, began his career as a professional artist in Joplin, Missouri. Nearly seven decades later and in his eighties the artist returned to present his mural Joplin at the Turn of Century – 1896-1906 to Joplin for its 100^th Birthday.

This year, for Joplin’s Sesquicentennial celebration, local historian Brad Belk will outline Benton’s teenage days as a sketch artist for the Joplin American newspaper. He’ll also reveal the fascinating story of his everlasting contribution to the City of Joplin as we recognize the 50^th anniversary of the mural’s dedication and gift to the community. 

4 p.m. Thursday, March 23, 2023:

“LIVING WELL”, a news and entertainment program on KSNF-TV, will broadcast live from City Hall’s Main Lobby, with several special guests to discuss Joplin’s 150^th Birthday, including:

• Brad Belk’s presentation on the Thomas Hart Benton mural will conclude in front of the mural as he highlights some of the key illustrations in the mural.
• Joplin Area Town and Country Quilters will present the Sesquicentennial Quilt to the City of Joplin.
• Birthday cookies and punch will be served in celebration of Joplin's 150^th.
• As a special treat, and in part of the upcoming Percy Wenrich Tribute, a local barbershop quartet will close the birthday program with a song of harmony. The Tribute is scheduled for April 14 and 15 at Missouri Southern State University’s Taylor Performing Arts Center.