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St. Louis has a rich heritage in the history of its distinctive neighborhoods. The history of these communities shaped, and continues to shape, the present, and this is why its essential to understand and preserve that history. PPRC's Community History Research and Design unit does just that -- it helps communities rediscover their past in order to consciously direct the future.

The CHRDS program channels University resources — faculty expertise, student energy — to individuals and groups seeking stronger, richer communities through the practical application of historical research. CHRDS also aims to enhance the educational experience of students at University of Missouri—St. Louis by providing them training through hands-on history projects. The core of the program revolves around collaboration between students and faculty in history, museology, and urban archaeology. What do we do?

• Develop research projects around each community’s particular needs. Services include
  • promotion of tourism
  • creation of local identity
  • development and implementation of public policy
  • identification and pursuit of funding
  • engagement and mobilization of citizens across diverse groups
  
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• Catalog, index, and organize community historical documents and artifacts. We can help you identify and preserve the valuable artifacts, photographs, and documents that are, in their present state, inaccessible to researchers and the public.
  
  
• Interpret and publicize community history through professionally-designed:
  • brochures
  • exhibits
  • bicycle and walking tours
  • signage
  • video productions
  • websites
  
  
• Facilitate the discovery and exploration of new historical information sources through oral history and archaeology digs
  
  
• Provide historical perspective of current public policy issues. Explore history to illuminate the roots of contemporary problems and chart a successful future.