The State Historical Society of Missouri (SHSMO) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Joel Rhodes as its new executive director. Rhodes, a distinguished historian and educator, succeeds Gary Kremer, who will retire in November after more than two decades of dedicated service in that position.
Rhodes brings considerable experience to SHSMO, having served as an associate dean and professor in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and History & Anthropology at Southeast Missouri State University. He also held the position of Assistant Director for the Center for Regional History and Cultural Heritage at the university. His academic credentials include an M.A. in History from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and a Ph.D. in History from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Rhodes to SHSMO,” said Sen. Roy Blunt, president of the State Historical Society Board of Trustees. “His extensive background in Missouri history and his commitment to preserving our state’s rich heritage make him an ideal leader for the Society as we continue to expand our programs and services.”
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.
After more than 22 years with the State Historical Society and more than 50 years as Missouri’s foremost historian, Kremer will be stepping down from the executive director position following the organization’s annual meeting on November 22, 2025. Under Kremer’s leadership, SHSMO experienced significant growth, including the construction of the Center for Missouri Studies, SHSMO’s headquarters building in Columbia, in 2019, and the establishment of research centers in Springfield and Cape Girardeau and the renovation of the Kansas City and Cape Girardeau Research Centers.
“I am genuinely honored, and humbled, to join the State Historical Society of Missouri, our state’s flagship for Missouri studies,” said Rhodes, “and build on the rock-solid foundation laid by Dr. Kremer. As a historian, I’m inspired by SHSMO’s mission to nurture a deeper understanding of the state’s rich heritage and look forward to working with the Board, staff, and statewide partners in helping all Missourians find an authentic sense of place.”
