Come learn more about The Impact, a powerful giving circle created by the Community Foundation of West Plains. Learn how you can be a founding member of The Impact circle and join a community of changemakers who learn together, give together, and decide together how to create meaningful and lasting change in West Plains.

Donovan Brown, Hall of Famer & former Grizzly basketball player, from the inaugural 1993-95 seasons, is bringing his Dreux’s Louisiana Kitchen to host a free food tasting at Lincoln School 2:00 pm, Saturday, September 13, 2025, in partnership with Crockett Oaks and The Lincoln School. Red beans & rice, e’toufee, and a shrimp boil, will headline the menu.

Some words from Donovan:
For several years now, my dream has been to return to West Plains and open a food truck. I am a Baton Rouge, Louisiana native, so of course, I would love to introduce the South Louisiana flavor to the city.

Although, space and food may be limited, it will be awesome to see old friends and great to meet new ones!

Thank you in advance for your support!

Follow him on Facebook @ Dreuxs Louisiana Kitchen.

Come join us to remember the events of 9-11. The Honor Guard will present colors and have a bell ceremony. There will be a few speakers to help us remember those that lost their lives on that day. Anyone in Emergency Services, their families and community members are welcome. Address is 1400 E Pony Thomas, West Plains, MO 65775

Patty Goss joins us for a back-to-school sing along and book reading at Historic Lincoln School. Bring those kiddos and let's have a great time at a great place! Saturday, August 30 from 10-11 am.  A kid's snack will be served. 

Kathleen Seale, coordinator of the SHSMO’s Rolla and Springfield Research Centers, digs into a unique SHSMO collection that details a 1950s film technology developed by two Rolla theatre owners Rowe Carney and Tom Smith. Their invention of the rotoscope used a special single camera for filming and a cinema system to project movies in a 180-degree spectrum on a curved screen. The rotoscope was ahead of its time and well before the IMAX motion picture technology emerged. Seale's presentation includes historic film clips shot in Rolla, Mo. using the rotoscope. Experience the “thrills and chills” of archiving this collection and learn more about these lesser-known Missouri innovators.

Missouri 154th District Update with State Representative Lisa Durnell
Join us on Thursday, July 17 from 5:00–6:00 PM as State Representative Lisa Durnell presents "Missouri 154th District Update – A Look Back and Forward." This special address will highlight key legislative developments, reflect on recent accomplishments, and provide insight into upcoming priorities for the 154th District and the state of Missouri. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with your representative and stay informed on the issues shaping our community.

Lincoln School Project, in collaboration with Ozark Kids Dentistry, will host the unveiling of "Just Kids," Lincoln School's newest mural, created by Paul Jones. This large 6 feet tall, 15 feet long, masterpiece is mesmerizing! Also, there is a book reading and signing by former West Plains residents, authors and sisters, Triston Towns and Lacy Howard (DeSisso). Their two acclaimed books will be for sale and available during the event. Bring your children and come support these Zizzer alums.

The co-directors of the Milly Sawers Project will be at historic Lincoln School from 10:30 – 12:30 pm to show a film about Milly Sawyer and facilitate a discussion directly after the film. 

Join us for the official dedication of the Reflection Plaza, a space honoring the history and legacy of Lincoln School and its significance to the community. The event will include a ceremony with speakers, a blessing of the plaza, and community participation to celebrate this milestone in our ongoing preservation efforts.

The Lincoln School Project is honored to host Chris

Carr, former National Basketball Association (NBA) player and current Associate Director of

Admissions, Athletic Recruitment and Diversity, Access & Outreach at Drury University, for an

engaging community discussion on perseverance and leadership. The event will take place on

Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:15 PM at the Lincoln School Project venue.

At Edward Jones, we believe financial education is an important part of

achieving your goals. We also realize there is more to life than just financial

goals. That’s why we’re excited to invite you to this special presentation. 

• The Justice for Celia Coalition, part of the Celia Newsom Legacy Foundation, will present on the legacy of Celia Newsom and the impact of her story on local history. The presentation team includes:

  1. Pamela Westbrooks-Hodge - Coalition Leader and 2nd Great Granddaughter of Celia and Robert Newsom

  2. Nancy Fogle-Compos - 4th Great Granddaughter of Robert Newsom and Elizabeth Gwinn Newsom

  3. Dr. Nichol Allen - Museum Studies and History Professor at Westminster College

  4. Solomon Thurman, Jr. - Celia Portrait Artist and Historian

Join us for an evening as the Lincoln University Ensemble Choir showcases their talents in preparation for their spring touring season. This event promises an inspiring musical experience.

Join us for a special presentation on the life and contributions of George Washington Carver in celebration of Black History Month. Dr. Edward Williamson will lead the discussion, highlighting Carver's legacy and impact on agriculture and education.

Dr. Geoff Ward will discuss his book The Black Child Savers: Racial Democracy and Juvenile Justice, which examines the rise, fall, and lasting remnants of Jim Crow juvenile justice. The presentation will highlight the efforts of Black women in the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs (NACW) to protect and provide opportunities for African American youth, linking these historical efforts to the story of Lincoln School and current challenges. Dr. Ward will bring copies of his book for attendees, with the option to purchase or receive a donation of proceeds

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, join us for a community book reading featuring selections from Dr. King's works and other influential African American authors. This event will encourage reflection on Dr. King’s legacy and the ongoing struggle for equality.

A festive event where Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus will visit Lincoln School to spread holiday cheer. Children will have the opportunity to meet Santa, take photos, and enjoy holiday treats.

An engaging town hall-style discussion led by Frank Martin III, focusing on historical themes of West Plains. This event will tie into the mission of the Lincoln School Project and encourage community dialogue.

In honor of Jeanette Forbes, former Lincoln School alumni, we will partner with the Ozark Healthcare Mobile Mammogram Coach on site to screen for breast cancer. Pre registration is required. To register call 417-257-5912 or have your physician fax 417-257-5952 ATTN: mobile Mammo to get you scheduled, please include pt. name, phone number and any other pertinent info such as DOB, address, insurance information etc. all personal information for registration goes directly to Ozarks Healthcare!

Join us for a special evening of art and inspiration as renowned artist Cbabi Bayoc visits West Plains! On October 29, 2024, Bayoc will be at the Historic Lincoln School for a presentation titled "Artistic Inspirations."

Bayoc, known for his vibrant and socially conscious art, will share his journey, creative process, and the powerful messages behind his work. His celebrated series "365 Days with Dad" and public murals challenge stereotypes, celebrate Black identity, and inspire unity and social change. This is a rare opportunity to hear from a true artist and storyteller.

Don’t miss this chance to connect with art that matters. Mark your calendar for October 29 from 5:30 pm at the Historic Lincoln School, and be a part of this memorable event!

Selling Soul Food Dinners - Smothered Chicken or. Smothered Pork Chops, Mac-n-Cheese, Green Beans, Sweet Potatoes, Cornbread, assorted desserts.

Donations accepted using the link below!

MasterClass ~ It’s Food For The Soul!

Judith “Judy” K. Forbes, a West Plains Native and 1976 Graduate of WPHS - Zizzers, now residing in the KCMO area, will lead us through a historical discussion about cultural cuisine, affectionately known as “Soul Food.”

Judy’s career has span over forty (40) years in the food service industry. In addition to her formal training and work, Judy comes from a long line of seasoned chefs who poured lots of love into the lessons she was thought about cultural culinary cooking! We are so pleased that she is willing to share some of the history and practices of soul food cooking with us!

We would be honored for you to join us on Saturday, September 14 from 10am - 12pm at historic Lincoln School! Don’t delay RSVP, via Messenger, right away!

Lincoln School Project, in collaboration with Edward Jones’ Regina Gleghorn, are proud to offer our community an opportunity to be informed!!

On Sept. 5th, at 5 pm, Dr. Grenita Lathan, the Superintendent of Schools for the Springfield Public School System, will provide an informed perspective on “The State of Public Education” at historic Lincoln School, in West Plains. RSVPs are now being accepted, via Messenger.

Come be a part of the discussion and hear, first hand, how this seasoned Administrator is managing the ever-increasing complexities of educating our youth.

This should be an informative, exciting evening!

Please join us as Beverly Short discusses and signs her Best-Selling Book, “Newlywed Widow.” Books will be available for purchase onsite. We look forward to seeing you there!