The Missouri Humanities Council (MHC) has awarded a grant of $15,000 to KSMU Ozarks Public Radio in support of its newest collaborative storytelling initiative “Ozarks Scrapbook.”

The MHC is the only statewide agency in Missouri devoted exclusively to humanities education for citizens of all ages. It has served as a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities since 1971.

Stories rooted in the Ozarks

“Ozarks Scrapbook” is an enhanced, multiplatform evolution of KSMU’s successful humanities storytelling series, “Notable MO-ments,” that is produced by Ozarks Alive’s founder Kaitlyn McConnell. In continued partnership with Ozarks Alive, McConnell will work with KSMU to expand the original series through a comprehensive production and distribution model that meets audiences where they are.

“There’s always more to learn about the Ozarks, a place that’s ever-changing and rich with tradition,” McConnell said. “I think it’s meaningful to share reflections of this region, particularly when they help us to better understand where we are. I look forward to sharing even more of these stories, and in new ways, through ‘Ozarks Scrapbook.’”

Each story will be shared across multiple formats, including: a broadcast radio feature aired on KSMU, an extended on-demand audio version available online and through podcast feeds, and digital written storytelling that adds historical background and interpretation.

Strong visual components, such as photography, archival materials and custom infographics, along with short promotional cutdowns and custom social media content, such as reels, short videos and shareable graphics will broaden access and engagement.

In addition, select stories will be adapted for a culminating Ozarks Public Television broadcast, extending the series reach through broadcast television and bringing Ozarks humanities storytelling to even broader audiences across the region.

“This grant from the Missouri Humanities Council allows us to deepen our commitment to meaningful, place-based storytelling,” said KSMU News Director Michele Skalicky.

“‘Ozarks Scrapbook’ builds on what made ‘Notable MO-ments’ so impactful while expanding how and where audiences can engage with these stories. By combining audio, digital and visual elements, we’re able to bring the rich history and lived experiences of the Ozarks to life in ways that are more accessible and compelling than ever before.”

KSMU General Manager Rachel Knight added, “We’re incredibly grateful to the Missouri Humanities Council for supporting this important initiative. ‘Ozarks Scrapbook’ reflects our mission as public media to connect communities through shared stories and trusted content.

This collaborative, multiplatform approach not only strengthens our reach but also ensures that the cultural heritage of the Ozarks is preserved and shared with broader and more diverse audiences across the region.”

For more information about the grants program of the MHC, call 314-781-9660 or 800-357-0909 or write to the MHC, 415 S. 18th St., Suite 100, St. Louis, MO 63103-2269.