In the Midwest, we built our earliest communities along big rivers. Many of these places, however, have been declining for decades, even though they still have “good bones.” What can we do to help our river towns turn things around? In this presentation, Dean Klinkenberg offers a brief history of the economies of river towns along big Midwestern rivers. He’ll overview some forces that have hurt them, specifically, the post-WWII suburban development pattern and agricultural consolidation. He’ll highlight a few communities that have breathed new life into their towns, describe assets common to many river towns today, and offer thoughts on steps that anyone in a town of any size can take to improve the place where they live.

Dean Klinkenberg has been exploring the backwaters and back roads of the Mississippi River Valley since 2007, from the headwaters in northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. His Mississippi Valley Traveler guidebooks and other nonfiction books detail local and regional histories of the people and places along the river. In addition, he writes mysteries set along the Mississippi that feature hard-luck travel writer Frank Dodge. Klinkenberg has also written for publications including Smithsonian Magazine, The National, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and the Minnesota Star Tribune. His newest book, The Wild Mississippi: A State-by-State Guide to the River’s Natural Wonders, goes deep into the river’s natural history and describes 166 places where we can experience the river’s world directly.

The Genealogy & Local History Library is partnering with Alton Area Landmarks Association (AALA) this winter to bring back our three-part Saturday lecture series in January, February, and March. AALA is dedicated to educating, promoting, and saving the architectural heritage of the Alton area. Feel free to register for one talk or all three.

Seating is limited. Please register at 1-800-613-3163.