THE KELLERMAN FOUNDATION’S MISSION:Heritage.
OUR MISSION IS TO INFORM THE PUBLIC ABOUT THE ARCHITECTURAL, HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL HERITAGE OF SOUTHEAST MISSOURI, WHILE ALSO SUPPORTING HISTORIC PRESERVATION THROUGHOUT THE REGION.
The Kellerman Foundation for Historic Preservation, founded by Drs. Bert and Mary Ann Kellerman, exists to encourage and support historic preservation in southeast Missouri and southern Illinois. We do this while connecting the community to its architectural, historical and cultural legacy.
THE KELLERMAN MUSEUM Our Exhibits
KELLERMAN FOUNDATION PRESENTSThe U.S. Grant Bicentennial Exhibit
THE KELLERMAN FOUNDATION WELCOMES YOU TO ITS EXHIBIT AT THE HERITAGE HALL ANNEX.
The U.S. Bicentennial Exhibit can be visited starting September 2nd, 2022.
The Kellerman Foundation Legacy
It’s important to preserve our local history. This includes the places that defined its culture and its experiences, all of which have influenced the present.
Drs. Bert and Mary Ann Kellerman have been pillars of historic preservation in southeast Missouri since the early 1970s. Their journey began in 1971 with the purchase and restoration of the “Fountain House” in Cape Girardeau—marking the start of a multi-decade commitment to saving the region’s architectural heritage.
Over the years, the Kellermans have revitalized at least five historic properties. Notably, they acquired the Klostermann Block (also known as the Alliance Building) in 1992 and meticulously restored it, despite it lacking basic utilities and its roof in disrepair. The building, which features an elaborate Mesker metal front, is now home to several businesses thanks to their eleven-year renovation effort.
In 2002, they purchased the Oliver-Leming House—where Missouri’s state flag was first designed—and launched a painstaking restoration. With access to original blueprints and specifications from 1895, the Kellermans replaced wiring, plumbing, roofing, windows, plaster, and more. Their work, which cost over $350,000, restored the “Flag House” to its original dignity and authenticity.
In 2012, they founded the Kellerman Foundation for Historic Preservation, providing a formal mechanism to preserve and share the region’s history. Under their leadership, the foundation acquired Heritage Hall and more recently purchased the historic Lorimier School/former City Hall in 2023 to develop it into a research and exhibit center.
Their contributions have been recognized by numerous awards: the 2014 Statewide Historic Preservation Honor, the McReynolds Award, and the Missouri Alliance’s Legacy Award in 2015. In 2018, the Cape Girardeau County Historical Society even nominated them for the “Spirit of America” award, highlighting their enduring impact.
Beyond buildings, the Kellermans have curated extensive historical archives and rotating exhibits at Heritage Hall, including collections on Marie Watkins Oliver (96 boxes), Charles Rhinehart, and Ulysses S. Grant. They’ve digitized archives and produced an award-winning video series, thus engaging both scholars and the public.
Their work exemplifies a profound dedication to preserving local culture. Through hands-on restoration, foundation-building, archival stewardship, and community engagement, Drs. Bert and Mary Ann Kellerman have left an indelible mark on Cape Girardeau—and set a model of historic preservation for future generations.
This is a legacy that will live on for generations to come.
The Kellerman Foundation’s Oliver Collection
Marie Elizabeth Watkins Oliver created the flag for the state of Missouri in Cape Girardeau. The Kellermans spent a decade furnishing and restoring the Oliver-Leming house, completed in 2013 in time for the flag’s centennial celebration.
The Kellerman Foundation has a collection of Marie Watkins Oliver’s personal belongings, along with ninety-seven boxes of Oliver family history.
HOW YOU CAN HELP Get Involved
Become A Member
Members will have opportunities to attend special, member-only events throughout the year.
Donation Of Your Time
Volunteers are used during special events to help improve the visitor experience, and help our guests.
Apply For Scholarships
A $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually to a student pursuing architecture / historic preservation.
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