Friday Speaker Series
Jefferson College’s Friday Speaker Series is open to the public and invites community members to explore a new topic each month.
Registration Information
Registration is now open for the upcoming Friday Speaker Series event. Spots are limited, available on a first-come, first-served basis, and open one month prior to each session.
Fall 2026 Events
Unseen St. Louis
September 11, 2026
Dr. Elizabeth Eikmann, Washington University - Assistant Director of Curricular Innovation in the College of Arts and Sciences and Member of the Missouri Speakers Bureau
When historians visit the archive, they often find weird, surprising, and fun material that they rarely get to share with others… but that ends here! This event shares the stories of a selection of images and objects from various St. Louis archives that reveal an unknown side of St. Louis history. The presentation is fun, upbeat, and conversational spanning from the nineteenth century to today, from newspapers and magazines to photography and phonograph records.
A Visit to the 1904 World's Fair
October 16, 2026
Jason Stratman, Missouri Historical Society Library, Library Outreach Manager
Learn some of the fascinating stories of the 1904 World’s Fair through visitors’ eyes, courtesy of items from the Missouri Historical Society Collections.
Jefferson College Observatory: Advancing Astronomy and Inspiring Discovery
November 13, 2026
Don Ficken, St. Louis Astronomical Society
The Jefferson College Observatory is more than a building with telescopes – it is a place where students and the community can experience the universe firsthand. This presentation shares the story of how the observatory came to be, the partnerships that made it possible, and the opportunities it creates for students and the community. We’ll also explore what can be seen through a telescope and how a single night under the stars can spark a lifelong interest in science and astronomy.
Holiday Musical Performance
December 11, 2026
Paula Martin, Jefferson College Adjunct Music Instructor and Jefferson College Music Students
Spend a delightful afternoon celebrating the joy of the holiday season with an uplifting musical performance!
Enjoy festive favorites, timeless holiday classics, and heartwarming melodies performed by talented musicians and vocalists. This event is the perfect way to relax, celebrate, and embrace the spirit of the season. Join us for an afternoon filled with music and holiday cheer!
Sign up to receive notifications about upcoming sessions.
For questions or more information, please contact the College at speakerseries@jeffco.edu or call 636-481-3116 or 636-481-3105.
