Two community strengths - volunteerism and a passion for history - have converged to create a digital database of Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP) history.
Secretary of State Jason Kander announced last week the database is available at www.MissouriDigitalHeritage.com/MSP.
The site reflects the work of hundreds of Missouri State Archives' volunteers who logged thousands of hours since the project began over a decade ago, Kander said.
Many area residents are aware that before it was closed in 2004, MSP was the oldest operating penal facility west of the Mississippi. And since it was decommissioned, the site has become one of Jefferson City's premiere attractions.
A variety of tours are hosted by the local Convention and Visitors Bureau and the site also has served as a location for movie and television programming.
"The Missouri State Penitentiary Database is yet another tool Missourians and researchers worldwide can use to learn more about our shared history," Kander said. "I'm very proud of the dedication and hard work volunteers and staff have contributed to this project over the years to provide a resource for those wanting to learn more about Missouri history."
The database includes access to 62,758 records of inmates who served in the prison from 1836 to 1931. The register identifies the names and ages of the prisoners, their crimes and sentences, as well as the years they entered and were released from the prison.
To review a record outside that time span, the secretary's office said, people may submit a research request to [email protected] including the inmate's name and approximate prison entry date. Other identifying information is helpful, but not required.
The secretary of state's office on Wednesday observed another milestone - the 50th anniversary of the 1965 State Records Act, which established the Missouri State Archives and Records Management. The divisions are responsible for managing both current and historical records of the state to ensure they're accessible to all Missouri citizens.
In connection with the celebration, Kander said: "Whether you're looking for family or state history, or want to keep your government officials accountable, the Missouri State Archives has a wealth of documents to assist your efforts."
Missourians, and Jefferson Citians, are fortunate that our shared interest in our past not only is being preserved, but rendered more widely accessible in the digital age.
The volunteer assistance credited by Kander also is widely accessible. People interested in assisting similar projects may call 526-6711 or email [email protected]. The Archives is a treasure trove of information, documents and photographs detailing the history, stories and people who have shaped state and local governments. They have been compiled for you to explore, assist, learn from, contribute to, conduct research, satisfy a point of curiosity and, ultimately, enjoy.