Lawrence County Missouri Historical Society

05/29/2026

Its time for our annual graveyard fund raiser.

The Williams Graveyard in Mount Vernon, Missouri has been cared for by a small, dedicated group of families for years. We mow. We maintain. We make sure the people buried here are not forgotten.
But we can’t keep doing it alone.

The cemetery costs about $3,000 a year to maintain — almost entirely mowing. That’s roughly 20 mows a year at $140 each. We’re asking families with roots in Williams Cemetery to help
sponsor one mow.

If your family tree includes a Gullett, Lebow, Plumlee, Ragain, Sutton, Williams, Etter, or Ellis from Lawrence County, there’s a good chance your people are buried here. The Moore's and
Baughs have been carrying this for years.

We’d love for more families to join us.
One mow. $140. Your family’s way of saying: we remember.

Here is a fun article on the history of Lawrence County with mentions including our graveyard residents.

Lawrence County Missouri Historical Society

05/21/2026

LCHS Museum opens for its 32nd season Sunday, May 24, 1-4 p.m. Free admission. Located at 11110 Lawrence 1137, Mt. Vernon (west of the golf course, just off Highway 174).

05/13/2026

Interested in local history and family research?

Lawrence County Historical Society invites you to an informal mixer at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 17, in the basement fellowship room of Jones Memorial Chapel, 11110 Lawrence 1137, Mt. Vernon (west of the golf course).

We’ll be visiting about our shared interests, getting acquainted and reacquainted and discussing some of the ways the historical society continues its 60-year mission of education and preservation. All are invited.

There will also be a brief business meeting.

The LCHS Museum will be opening for the season the following Sunday, May 24.

(The photo is of LCHS's Fred G. Mieswinkel Research Room in the Historic Courtouse.)

05/03/2026

Interested in local history and family research?

Lawrence County Historical Society invites you to an informal mixer at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 17, in the basement fellowship hall of Jones Memorial Chapel, 11110 Lawrence 1137, Mt. Vernon (west of the golf course).

We’ll be visiting about our shared interests, getting acquainted and reacquainted and discussing some of the ways the historical society continues its 60-year mission of education and preservation. All are invited.

There will also be a brief business meeting.

The LCHS Museum will be opening for the season the following Sunday, May 24.

Send a message to learn more

04/22/2026

Coming May 8: Life on the Farm at the Steam-O-Rama grounds by Halltown. We hope to see you there that morning at the Whinrey Homestead!

Learn about steam & gas engines and life on the farm 100 years ago at this Free Event. Library Story time and live demonstrations DOOR PRIZES & FUN FOR ALL AGES, Friday, May 8th, 9 - 11 AM. Learn more at the link:
https://www.blrlibrary.com/post/life-on-the-farm-steam-engine-event

04/22/2026

Thank you, Beta Sigma Phi, Marsha and Sam Jones for making this happen! We appreciate you!

04/10/2026

On Saturday, April 11, we honor the memory of Noralee Faulkner, who served as an inspiration to so many of us. The service will begin at 10 a.m. at Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home, Aurora.

View Noralee Faulkner's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

03/14/2026

Hope to see you Sunday, March 15, 2 p.m. at Jones Memorial, 11110 Lawrence 1137, Mt. Vernon, for “Reading, Writing and Community: The Legacy of Missouri’s One-Room Schools.” David Burton will be guest speaker. Lawrence County Historical Society is hosting. The program is made possible by the Missouri Humanities Council. Everyone is invited. Admission is free. (The photo is from Shanghai School, 1903, courtesy Randy Conaway)

02/14/2026

Noralee, we will miss you immensely.

View Noralee Faulkner's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.