Missouri State University’s Meyer Library is adding to its special collections.

Pete and Sara Morgan donated their world-class collection of military insignias to the university. A dedication event is set for 3-5 p.m. Sept. 13 in Meyer Library, room 306. The Morgans and university officials will speak at 3:30 p.m.

The Morgans built their insignia collection over several decades. It includes insignia, patches and medals from around the world. The library will display select pieces from the collection.

About the Morgans

Pete Morgan graduated from Missouri State in 1956 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. His interest in military insignia dates back to World War II. During the war, collecting it was a sign of patriotism.

In 1980, the Morgans started a company that manufactured and distributed military insignia. They operated the business from their home in Arizona and sold more than $1 million in volume per year within the first five years.

“Operating a very successful business was the culmination of everything I had learned at (Missouri State),” Morgan said. “I was able to put everything into play by starting with nothing.”

Sara, whose particular expertise is in military patches, shares Pete’s interest in military insignia. They picked up the hobby again in 1980, and have collected more than 11,000 pieces of military insignia from foreign countries, time periods and wars, and more than 12,000 pieces from the U.S. military.

The event is free and open to the public. Guests should print visitor parking permits for Sept. 13. For more information, contact Anne Baker, archivist, at 417-836-4298.