About
The first of our U.S. Semi-Quincentennial events, The American Dream holds a powerful place in our imagination. The Kellerman Foundation proudly welcomes Dr. Joel Rhodes to kickoff to our Speaker Series titled: “From Colonies to Cape Girardeau: 250 Years of Independence” aka Celebration 250 - MO! This showcase is offered as part of our grant award by the Missouri Humanities Council, in preparing for America’s 250th celebration of freedom! We are excited to share Missouri’s contribution towards the pursuit of life, liberty, & happiness for all over the next several months. We will post a schedule of events for you to enjoy, leading up to the finale celebration in June, 2026. Thank you for supporting our commitment to the history, preservation, & legacy of our communities!
Dr. Joel Rhodes' scholarly work encompasses a diverse range of topics within 20th-century American history. He has authored seven books, including A Missouri Railroad Pioneer: The Life of Louis Houck and The Vietnam War in American Childhood. His research delves into the social and political history of the Cold War era, with a particular focus on the experiences of children and youth during this transitional period. Rhodes has contributed articles and chapters to both popular and scholarly publications such as the Journal of the History of Childhood and Youth, Girlhood in America: An Encyclopedia, and the Missouri Historical Review. He has also presented his work at conferences hosted by the American Historical Association, Missouri Conference on History, and the Society for the History of Children and Youth.
In addition to his academic achievements, Rhodes has been actively involved in public history initiatives. He co-produced the Cape Girardeau Storytelling Festival, a series of events that brought thousands of visitors to the city to hear and tell tales. His passion for storytelling extends to his role as the host of Telling History on KRCU Public Radio. He also has served on multiple Boards of Directors, including the State Historical Records Advisory Board, Missouri Humanities, the Missouri Association for Museums and Archives, and Missouri Preservation.
