events at the Old Courthouse
George Washington's 1858 Birthday Ball
Celebrate George Washington's birthday the way St. Louisans did in 1858 at the Old Courthouse with a Birthday Ball. You'll enjoy live music and an interactive dance workshop.
Reenactment of the Dred and Harriet Scott Case
The enslaved Scott family, including Dred, Harriet and their daughters, sued for their freedom from slavery prior to the Civil War. See a reenactment of the case in one of the restored courtrooms at the Old Courthouse in downtown St. Louis.
Rangers will facilitate the reenactment and participants will read printed scripts, taking on the roles of the people involved in Mr. and Mrs. Scott's 1850 trial.
Free. 2 p.m. at the Old Courthouse. More information: nps.gov
Dred Scott Portrait Painting
Learn about the historic Dred Scott case and how it led to the American Civil War while creating art. Visitors will work with a park ranger who is also a professional artist to paint an oil portrait of Dred Scott.
The image is based on one of the few surviving images of Mr. Scott from the period. Supplies are provided.
Free. 1 p.m. at the Old Courthouse in downtown St. Louis. More information: nps.gov
