Unseen STL History Talks: February 2025
From Punk to Print — Archiving St. Louis History
For February, the Unseen STL History Talks will highlight the vital work of archivists and historians who uncover hidden stories about our city’s history and preserve them for future generations. From genealogical research to book conservation and music history, this month's speakers will explore the many ways historical records are safeguarded and studied. The discussion will span a diverse range of projects—from family Bibles to the history of St. Louis punk rock—offering a unique look at how the past is documented and remembered.
Join us on February 20th at our new venue, Leviathan Bookstore (3211 S. Grand Blvd., between Wyoming and Humphrey). Doors open at 6 p.m., with the talks beginning at 7 p.m. A $5 cover charge supports the event. Parking on Grand is metered until 7 p.m., and there's a small metered parking lot next door to the south. Parking is free on the residential streets to either side of Grand, and there's a large free parking lot behind the businesses on the east side of Grand at Hartford, across the street, and a couple of blocks north of the bookstore.
The Talks
Emma Prince will highlight recent genealogical discoveries made through Backlog’s archival projects. Her presentation will showcase unique and unexpected stories uncovered in the St. Louis area, demonstrating how archival research can bring personal and family histories to life.
Noah Smutz, founder of NS Conservation, will share insights into the preservation of historical documents and books with strong St. Louis connections. His presentation will feature conservation projects ranging from early printed books and family Bibles to rare 1904 World's Fair materials and personal letters. By showcasing these projects, Smutz aims to showcase some of the notable St. Louis-related treatment projects he’s worked on, and discuss the emerging trends in conservation needs in the area.
Greg Kessler will delve into the history of punk rock in the St. Louis Metro and the challenges of preserving a scene that often fades as generations move on. His talk will focus on The Archive of St. Louis Punk, an effort to collect and document flyers, recordings, and oral histories that piece together the evolution of St. Louis’ punk community. Through these efforts, Kessler aims to ensure that the city’s punk history is not lost but studied and appreciated as an integral part of St. Louis’ cultural identity.
The Speakers
Emma Prince is an archivist and the founder of Backlog, an archival consulting firm that works with clients such as the Walt Disney Hometown Museum, the Oklahoma City National Memorial, and Rawlings. She specializes in making historical collections accessible and useful, helping institutions preserve and share their histories. You can follow her work on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Noah Smutz is a book conservator and the owner of NS Conservation LLC in St. Louis, founded in 2019. His expertise has led him to work with institutions such as the St. Louis Art Museum, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Missouri State Archives, the Missouri History Museum, The Mercantile Library, the Linda Hall Library, and many others in private practice. A Professional Member of the American Institute for Conservation since 2019, Smutz holds a Master’s Degree in Book Conservation from West Dean College. Noah enjoys the happiness the conserving a family heirloom brings to his individual clients. Follow him on Instagram at @nsconservation.
Greg Kessler has been involved in the St. Louis music scene for over four decades as a musician, historian, and archivist. Over the years, he played in the bands Snake Ranch and Space Age Palmer, and ran or assisted with record labels Scrap Dog Records, Sluggo Records, and Boxing Clever Records. His passion for collecting and preserving punk history led him to establish The Archive of St. Louis Punk, where he documents the evolution of the local scene through flyers, recordings, and oral histories. He has facilitated discussions on punk history at the St. Louis History Museum, The Heavy Anchor, and the St. Louis County Library. Kessler is also the author of Tom Hück: The Devil is in The Details, available through Fine Print Small Press. You can join also join his group on Facebook.
Join us on February 20th!
History isn’t just found in textbooks—it’s hidden in archives, preserved in books, and stored in the memories of those who lived it. Be sure to join us at Leviathan Bookstore for an evening of fascinating discoveries and a chance to connect with others who share a passion for St. Louis’ rich history. We look forward to seeing you there!
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