All Arts and History in Missouri

49 DuBourg Place Ste. Geneviève, MO 63670 573-883-2731 Website The current, brick Ste. Geneviève Catholic Church is the third Catholic church erected on this block. As Ste. Geneviève was moved to higher ground due to flooding, the original log church was moved here in 1794. A stone structure replacing the log building was consecrated in 1837. As the congregation grew a larger church was required, and a brick building was constructed around the stone one. The stone church continued to be used until the new church was completed in 1880. Then the remaining old stones were removed out the doors. In 1911 this church was expanded again with the addition of the altar apse and the two side transepts. Come inside to admire the stain-glass windows and marble adornments! Read more…

History comes alive in Ste. Geneviève with the annual Encampment, an 18th-century re-enactment event. The Encampment is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Center for French Colonial Life. The living history camp will include children’s games, colonial skills demonstrations and colonial crafts and trades such as gun building, chair seat weaving, spinning, leatherwork, and more. The event is free and is children- and family-friendly. The Encampment is sponsored by the Ste. Geneviève Militia, Inc, a member of Seven Years’ War, Inc., with support provided by the Ste. Geneviève County Community Foundation and the Ste. Geneviève Welcome Center. For information, contact Doug Nickelson at dnickelson78@yahoo.com. Read more…

Muny Band Concerts – A Romantic Small-Town Tradition There’s something undeniably romantic about a municipal band concert on a warm summer evening—and we don’t just mean romantic in the dating sense, though that applies too. We mean romantic in the larger, more encompassing way: the kind of experience that makes you feel connected to something timeless, that slows down the frantic pace of modern life, and that reminds you why small-town America still holds such appeal for those lucky enough to experience it. Long-time Ste. Genevieve resident Bill Naeger captured this beautifully in the Missouri Humanities Small-Town Showcase podcast when he reflected on what the Muny Band concerts mean to the community. He spoke of the romance they add to the town—the simple, profound pleasure of being able to pull your car up to the schoolyard where the band performs and just sit and listen. It’s a treat, he explained, that you don’t find many other places anymore. And he’s absolutely right. A Tradition More Than 70 Years Strong The Ste. Genevieve Municipal Band has been performing for over 70 years, making it one of the few municipal bands still actively performing in America. What was once a common feature Read more…

The Patron Saint of Paris Did you know the “Ste” in Ste. Geneviève is the abbreviated form of Sainte because the town is named after a French female saint? Ste. Geneviève lived around 400 AD and was well-loved by the French. She is known as the patron saint of Paris since she is attributed to having saved Paris from Attila the Hun. The Church of Ste. Geneviève has a large statue of her above the front doors, a side altar dedicated to her, and a famous painting “The Vows of Ste. Geneviève” which is purported to have been given to the parish by King Louis XV. Read more…

The King’s Ball (or Queen’s Ball during leap year) is an annual French-inspired celebration of music and dancing that was held in Ste. Genevieve over 200 years ago, and it continues today! Revelers are encouraged to dress in period attire to add to the ambience, and the musical ensemble will provide instructions for the period dances. What is hidden in the King’s cake will determine the “King” or “Queen” for the year. Guests are welcome to bring snacks, plus there will be a cash bar. The Queen’s Ball will be held at the VFW Hall on February 3, 2024 from 6:00p until 11:00p. Proceeds will go to the Foundation for Restoration of Ste Genevieve. Read more…