Joplin Time Capsule is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Joplin, Missouri. Its mission is to uncover the people, stories, and places that have shaped the city—from its Wild West origins and mining boom to its cultural and civic evolution—making local history engaging and accessible, especially for students and younger generations.

Key Goals of Joplin Time Capsule:

• Preservation of historical artifacts, documents, photographs, and oral histories.

• Education through school partnerships, public events, and creative storytelling.

• Accessibility via a digital archive, interactive website, and regular social media content.

• Community Involvement by encouraging locals to share personal stories, photos, and heirlooms tied to Joplin’s past.

Current Focus:

• Developing a website with timelines, interactive maps, and historical profiles.

• Launching a social media campaign featuring weekly historical spotlights, mystery photos, and community contributions.

• Collecting first-person narratives from neighborhoods, schools, churches, and businesses.

• Highlighting important landmarks such as The Olivia Apartments, Union Depot, and the House of Lords, as well as exploring the underground tunnels tied to Joplin’s mining and bootlegging history.

Why It Matters:

Joplin Time Capsule believes that understanding where we come from helps shape a stronger, more connected future. By preserving and celebrating Joplin’s history, the organization hopes to inspire pride, curiosity, and conversation across generations.