Crowder College’s Social Sciences division is set to present its History Symposium series for the 2026-27 academic year, offering the community an opportunity to engage with historical research and regional connections. These events are free and open to the public, underscoring the college's commitment to educational outreach in Neosho and the wider Four States area.
The series will commence on September 3, with the first symposium scheduled for 6 p.m. All presentations in the series will be held in the Wright Conference Center, a facility located inside the Arnold Farber Hall at 601 Laclede Avenue in Neosho, Missouri. This location provides a consistent venue for the academic year's historical discussions, accessible to residents of Joplin, Webb City, Carthage, Carl Junction, and Neosho.
The inaugural event is titled “War Pigeon! Missouri’s role in the training of pigeons and pigeoneers in WWII.” This specific presentation will be led by Lieutenant Colonel Tim Scherrer, who will guide attendees through a unique aspect of military history. Lieutenant Colonel Scherrer’s talk will explore the history of the U.S. Army Pigeon Corps, focusing particularly on its training program that operated out of Camp Crowder, a significant historical site located directly in Neosho. This offers a local lens into a broader national and international conflict, detailing how a specific military program functioned within the region during wartime.
Lieutenant Colonel Scherrer brings a background in both academia and military service to his role as a presenter. He is a native of Quincy, Illinois, and pursued higher education at Truman State University. There, he earned both a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree and a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in History. His academic achievements at Truman State were complemented by his military training, as he was recognized as a Distinguished Military Graduate of the Army ROTC program. His dual expertise provides a comprehensive perspective on the historical topic.
The continuation of the History Symposium series for the 2026-27 academic year, and the ability to offer these valuable educational programs free of charge, is made possible through funding. The Missouri Humanities Council has provided the financial support that underpins these symposiums, allowing Crowder College to present these detailed historical accounts without cost barriers for attendees. The free and open format ensures that the public can access scholarly insights into topics with local and national relevance. Future topics and dates for the subsequent symposiums will be part of this ongoing series in Neosho throughout the academic year.
