The Field House Museum Presents a New Exhibition

The Power of the Press: The Newspaper World Eugene Field Inherited

Exhibit: The Power of the Press: The Newspaper World Eugene Field Inherited Venue: Field House Museum, 634 South Broadway, Saint Louis, MO 63102

Dates: Now - February 18, 2024

The Power of the Press, the newest exhibit in the Eugene Field Library, dives into the cutthroat newspaper world of mid19th century St. Louis, when the pages flying off the printing press could sway elections, influence policy, incite mobs, and ignite duels to the death.

Among the city’s journalistic giants were former revolutionaries from the German states battling to rid their new home of the evils of slavery, fierce Unionists lobbying against Missouri’s secessionist legislators in their columns during the Civil War, and city boosters willing to twist the truth during the General Strike of 1877 in order to keep industry booming.

Just like today, the power of the press can swing both ways. Good journalism can shed light on inequalities, unmask corruption, and keep citizens well-informed. But bad journalism is equally capable of demonizing the vulnerable, distorting facts, and deceiving citizens. Visit the Field House Museum to explore how journalists of the past chose to exercise their power.

About the Field House Museum

The Field House Museum is a dynamic museum and historic site focused on the Field family. The historic house was once the home of Roswell Field, noted St. Louis attorney, and the birthplace of his son, Eugene Field, the “Children’s Poet.” While living in the home, Roswell Field became the key attorney in the Dred & Harriet Scott Freedom Suit when he formulated the legal strategy that propelled the case to federal court. The house is designated as a National Historic Landmark and has an attached museum featuring the Field House Museum’s collections along with traveling exhibits.

Visitor Information

Admission: Adults: $10, children 7-16: $5, members and children 6 & under: free Museum Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday noon to 4 p.m.

For general information, call 314.421.4689, email us at info@fieldhousemuseum.org, or visit our website at fieldhousemuseum.org.

Speaker Series: Keeping Up With the Joneses: The Fields in Amherst

This program is a continuation of the Field House Museum’s Speaker Series.

Program: Speaker Series: Keeping Up

With the Joneses: The Fields in Amherst

Venue: Field House Museum, 634 South Broadway, Saint Louis, MO 63102

Date: Friday, July 7, 2023, at 1 p.m.

Cost: Free, Reservations Required

Before making their names in the Midwest, Roswell and Eugene Field were