Personal History Meets Public Housing

Free Public Screening of "The Pruitt-Igoe Myth" & Panel Discussion

Join Us

The Association of Personal Historians (APH) in partnership with the Missouri History Museum will host a free public screening of The Pruitt-Igoe Myth, an award-winning documentary. Following the screening, a panel discussion will feature former Pruitt-Igoe residents, the film's producer and the columnist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch who started a year-long series on the rise, fall and lingering social implications of the Pruitt-Igoe housing complex. Come discover the story of Pruitt-Igoe, a well-intentioned, but ultimately failed St. Louis public housing project.

The Story

In this era of instant soundbites and 24/7 news, the effects of an event on the community it leaves behind are often ignored and soon forgotten. Not so for the former residents of Pruitt-Igoe. From its opening until its demolitioned, Pruitt-Igoe was the home of thousands of people who refused to be defined by its stereotype of poverty, crime, and segregation. They still gather at reunions to discuss this urban social experiment and its enduring impact on their lives.

The Event

Mingle with personal historians and the people behind the story, watch the film, and participate in the Q&A; following the film screening. Panelists include the film's producer Brian Woodman, local historian, Jody Sowell, of the Missouri History Museum, and our special guests, former residents Sylvester Brown and siblings Quincie (Blair) Humphrey, Edward, and Michael Blair.The audience will be encouraged to ask questions and share their own memories and impressions of the Pruitt-Igoe.

The poignant narratives of residents give this documentary an unusually personal feel as it explores the connection between community history and personal history, and the value of the stories of ordinary people.

The event is free and open to the public. Donations at the door help support free public programming at the Missouri History Museum.

Everyone has a story: let us help you tell yours! Local and international personal historians will be available before and after the screening to answer questions and provide information on how a personal historian can help you preserve your story for future generations.

About the Co-sponsors

Association of Personal Historians — a trade organization whose members help their clients record, preserve and share their life stories. Members believe that the story of every person, family, community, and organization is valuable and should be saved.

The Missouri History Museum is located in St. Louis' historic Forest Park. Its mission is to deepen the understanding of past choices, present circumstances, and future possibilities; strengthen the bonds of the community; and facilitate solutions to common problems. The Missouri History Museum adopted six core values: civil society, empathy, inspiration, integrity, remembrance, and stewardship. It was the first recipient of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) National Award for Museum Services. Recipients of the award are chosen for their innovative approaches to public service, and for their success in improving communities and making a difference in people's lives. The main galleries of the museum are free through a public subsidy by the Metropolitan Zoological Park and Museum District.