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Dear Homeschool Parent or Student,

We are pleased to welcome homeschool families to Crowder College.  Crowder is a community college located in southwest Missouri.  With a main campus at Neosho, and multiple sites including: Cassville, Carthage, Greenfield, Lamar, Monett, McDonald County, Mt. Vernon, Nevada, and Webb City; Crowder endeavors to make classes convenient to our nine county service area.  Increasing numbers of homeschoolers are choosing Crowder as their college of choice for post secondary education and for dual credit opportunities before high school graduation.

Crowder is uniquely positioned to serve the homeschool student for the following reasons:

    * Multiple locations for greater accessibility
    * Small class sizes (average of 17 students)
    * “Crowder Family” atmosphere
    * Southwest Missouri values and work ethic
    * National accreditation, transfer is easy
    * Online classes and degrees
    * Onsite and online dual enrollment opportunities
    * More than 90 degree and certificate programs, including:
          o Agriculture
          o Alternative energy
          o Pre-engineering
          o Nursing (RN program)
          o Veterinary technology
          o Graphic design
          o Computer network support
          o Business
          o Education
          o Autism Assistant
          o Occupational Therapy Assistant
          o Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics
    * Low cost
    * Housing availability

“The atmosphere is less intimidating because the classes are small and the professors know them personally, resulting in respect for each individual’s values.” –Karen Bailey (Homeschool Parent)

We are Pleased to host this exciting new event for homeschool families.  For more information about Crowder College, please visit our website: www.crowder.edu.  You can inquire or set up a personal tour through our “My Crowder” link.  Also, feel free to call admissions with any questions you may have, 417-451-5718

Kindest regards,

Jim Riggs
Director of Admissions
Crowder College

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At Pittsburg State University, we understand that continuing your education is an important investment in your future.  First and foremost, Pitt State does an exceptional job of preparing students for satisfying careers. Our placement rate for graduates is extremely high, approaching 100 percent in many programs, and their starting salaries trend above national averages.  The paths that Pitt State students take to their careers vary widely. We offer more than 150 academic programs, so there's something for just about every interest. And if you don't know what you'd like to major in, our innovative Exploratory Studies Program will introduce you to a range of options and help you find a rewarding course of study.

Pitt State promises not just a great education, but a great value as well. Our tuition is among the lowest in the region, and we offer a generous program of need-based and merit financial aid, so family income is not an obstacle to a high-quality education.

We offer abundant opportunities for internships, cooperative education, independent projects, and other kinds of hands-on learning. Pitt State students can study abroad in more than 20 countries on five continents. You can hone your leadership skills in more than 150 student-run clubs and organizations.

Want to know even more? Come see the campus for yourself! As our guest, you’ll meet with our campus visit coordinator and take a tour of campus.  Come see first-hand how PSU can assist you in meeting your educational goals.

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The Museum of Native American History invites you to "Walk Through America's Past," where we will give you a glimpse into what life was like for America's first inhabitants. The museum is divided into five different time periods that will guide you through the constant changing lives of the Native Americans, as seen through their artifacts . Our displays feature relics that date from over 14,000 years old to historic times. Come visit our museum and enjoy seeing some of the finest treasures ever created by early craftsmen. 

The Museum of Native American History will give you a personal tour through the history of Native American Indians. You will be provided an audio wand that will guide you on an audio/visual tour through 14,000 years of Native American History.

The Museum rooms are laid out in chronological order and all the displays are clearly marked to match the audio wand selection. This gives you the freedom to view the exhibits in any order and at your own pace.

The tour starts with the oldest time period in which man walked the landscape of America. You will continue working your way through the different museum rooms and time periods, eventually reaching the modern day Indians. Specific artifacts are displayed to help tell the story of America's Pre-Historic Indians and how they lived.

Known nationally as one of America's most intact Civil War battlefields. The state park protects the battle site and interprets the Battle of Prairie Grove, where on December 7, 1862 a day of fierce fighting resulted in about 2,700 casualties. This marked the lat major Civil War engagement in northwest Arkansas. Once here you can walk over hallowed ground where history took place.  Follow the one- mile Battlefield Trail or travel along the five- mile Driving tour.  The park offers many historic structures to tour and Hindman Hall, the park's battlefield museum and visitor's center.  Interactive exhibits interpret and provide details of the Battle of Prairie Grove, bringing history alive. The state park offers a picnic area, playground and are all accessible.

Built in 1832 this mill is wealthy in history and mystery. The mystery involves how it has survived floods, fires and The Civil War. War Eagle Mill's success is contributed to War Eagle Creek that has served as it power source from the conception. The mill has passed from several owners all of which brought to the mill the present if not the future. Today, War Eagle Mill is the premier Ozark-based producer of whole grain organic stone ground meals, flours and mixes.• The grounds consist of the Hobbs Nature Center or relax by War Eagle Creek. Trails for hiking and biking run galore. You may also explore this area's Civil War past.

Har-Ber Village is one of the largest outdoor museums in the country. It includes a turn-of-the-century historic village with endless collections of antiques. Visitors follow directional paths on sidewalks through the park.

The museum consists of approximately 112 separate displays. It is a self-guided walking tour along 1 ¾ miles of display interpretation. Most displays are wheelchair accessible.

A nature/hiking trail includes picturesque scenery along the shores of Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees, meandering through the natural wooded grounds and is available for the nature lovers in your group.

Kids can also participate in a prepared scavenger hunt!

We know your family will enjoy a peaceful and relaxing visit to Har-Ber Village.

The Joplin Museum Complex preserves, exhibits and teaches the heritage of Joplin and the Tri-State Mining District.

The museum boasts the world’s most exceptional collections of Tri-State lead and zinc ores as well as other local minerals found in the region. The geology, geochemistry, and pre-history of the area are interpreted while mining processes and methods used from the 1870s through the 1960s are illustrated.

Another wing of the museum emphasizes the growth and development of Joplin as the result of the mining in the Tri-State District.

Exhibits and artifacts include: Joplin Sports Hall of Fame; Spook Light; Civil War; Empire District Electric Company; House of Lords; Megees Drug Store; National Cookie Cutter Historical Museum; Bonnie and Clyde; 1926 American LeFrance fire engine; and a circus room. Personalities showcased include Charles McPherson, Bob Cummings, Percy Wenrich, John Beal, Langston Hughes, Mickey Mantle, Dennis Weaver and Jamie McMurray.

Originally a vaudeville theatre and movie palace, the "Coleman Theatre Beautiful" opened to a full house of 1,600, at $1.00 a seat, on April 18, 1929.

Built by George L. Coleman, Sr., local mining magnate, the opulent structure with Louis XV interior design dazzled the audiences of the day. From that day forward the Coleman has never been "dark".

The historic structure was donated to the City of Miami by the Coleman family in 1989. Restoration and renovation of the theatre has become a "labor of love" in the community. Efforts have included returning the "Mighty Wurlitzer" pipe organ to its original home and restoring the magnificent chandelier.
Our promise to the next generation will be met by the people of this generation. The restoration of the Coleman is a project in process. Our vision is a highly functional theatre restored to its former elegance and grandeur.

Come see us and be dazzled as you step into the 1920s!

Follow the colorful history of aviation in Arkansas through numerous displays of original artifacts and aviation memorabilia! From world-famous racing planes of the 1920s and 1930s to an early airliner, the historic aircraft in the Arkansas Air Museum are unusual among museum exhibits, because many of them still fly. Static displays at the museum range from the golden age of aviation to the jet age, including Vietnam-era Army helicopters and a Navy carrier fighter. The vast, all-wood white hangar, which houses it all is a part of American history, being former headquarters for one of the United States' many aviator training posts during World War II. It is one of the few remaining 1940s-era aircraft hangars.

The Arkansas Air Museum is the state's oldest museum. The historical displays span the entire age of aviation from Fayetteville's first days in flight through the Golden Age of air racing, both World Wars, the Vietnam Conflict and into the future with the Space Shuttle program.

Northwest Arkansas natives in particular have played a role in the nation's aviation history. The Arkansas Air Museum preserves the memory of these great individuals through special displays.

Coffeyville Kansas's historic plaza proved to be the demise of the infamous Dalton gang.  In 1892 the gang met their fate while attempting to rob two Coffeyville banks at the same time.  Citizens recognized one of them and they decided to arm themselves with weapons from the adjacent Isham hardware.  Following the gun battle four of the Dalton gang died as well as four of the defenders.  The story of  this day is told though a visit to the museum which opened in 1963.

The museum also houses exhibits Wended Willie and baseball Hall of Fame member Walter Johnson.

This tour includes 45 minute documentary on the events of this historic day, a guided tour of the museum and for children 5th grade and older a savager hunt.

Located just down the road from Joplin,Mo., this museum is dedicated to preserving the rich history of Baxter Springs.  Your visit here will include a guided tour of many exhibits including:  The Civil War, World War I and World War II, Native American History and African American History just to name a few.  As each exhibit is viewed questions will be entertained by your tour guide making it a more memorable visit.  At the end of the tour you will be introduced to a historic fire truck and listen to it's adventures and conclude with a climb inside. Perfect for a photo opportunity.

For those families who appreciate art, and the telling of stories through art, this is for you.

Guided tours will be offered to several murals in Neosho, all within walking distance.

Murals include the 88’x7.5 mural in the Newton County Courthouse that tells the complete story of Newton County up to 1996. Artist: Billi Gofourth-Stewart; the 10’x6’ mural in the Neosho United Methodist Church that tells the story of the 1914 Tipton Ford train wreck, in which dozens of people were killed. Artist: Anthony Benton Gude (grandson of Thomas Hart Benton); the 22’x8’ mural in Neosho City Hall that tells the story of Neosho from 1939-1962. Artist: Anthony Benton Gude (grandson of Thomas Hart Benton); the 9’x7’ mural at Benton Elementary that largely illustrates the life of Thomas Hart Benton as he was growing up in Neosho. Artist: Sherry Petty; the 30’x7’ mural at Neosho-Newton County Library that tells the story of Neosho’s first 100 years, 1839-1939. Artist: Duard Marshall; the 9’x45’ mural on the side of Mills Park Centre in Big Spring Park that that traces area history from settlement to 1965. Artist: Lawrence Sanchez.

As you can see, Neosho is mural-rich! If this is something you appreciate, we know we’ll see you soon!

If you are a homeschool parent, youth leader or formal educator looking to engage your students and tap into their creativity then Walter Woods Conservation Area is for you!
This 68 acre area has a rich history of local conservationists and their vision of reaching their community with the outdoor ethics, wise-use outdoor responsibilities and rock solid conservation messages of our local habitats and wildlife resources.  The original area was purchased in 1931 by Dr. Otto Walter for the local Izaak Walton League conservation organization.  Today the legacy continues with the state conservationists of Forestry, Fisheries and Outreach & Education overseeing and providing a wonderful area for everyone’s outdoor classroom.

The area is utilized by thousands of youth every summer for fishing clinics, camp activities and summer school lessons. Year-round senior citizens, garden clubs, 4H clubs and school children take advantage of its maintained trails, rustic classroom and wildlife viewing.

Walter Woods Conservation Area is open to the public during the daylight hours for walking, picnics, and nature viewing. The lodge may be reserved by groups for conservation related activities, free of charge by contacting the local MO Department of Conservation Office in Neosho (417-451-4158).  The lodge has two meeting rooms, small kitchen and restrooms. Fishing is on a reservation basis only for structured groups and is managed for the education outreach of area youth. 

The area features a spring fed creek, wetland, a flora rich bottomland forest and rolling upland woodland. Wildlife often seen include: red fox, chipmunks, white-tailed deer, gray squirrel, big brown bats, and groundhogs. Birdlife includes nesting red shouldered hawks, great horned owls, barred owls, belted kingfisher, red-headed woodpeckers, Louisiana waterthrush, and a variety of local songbirds.

The area is not staffed but opportunities exist for general public programs and materials available to homeschool families, teachers, and scout leaders. All of this provided for those wanting to engage their students and young scholars with a little extra and go outside the box.

Located just South of I-44 and Main St., the Audubon Center provides a natural escape from the city.  An eco-friendly building with minimal impact on the landscape, the Audubon Center offers indoor exhibits including a 1,300 gallon aquarium with native fish, focusing on the diverse Ozarkian stream, Shoal Creek, which flows through Wildcat Park and provides 85% of Joplin’s drinking water.  Other exhibits, including glade terraria with live snakes and a tarantula, focus on the desert-like chert glade ecosystem, found nowhere else on Earth.  The Center also serves as a launching point for visitors to explore the two miles of Center trails which connect with the City trail to encompass a four mile loop along both sides of scenic Shoal Creek.  Along the trail one can expect to see chert glades, both lowland and upland woods, towering bluffs, a cave, and of course the beautiful creek.  Four learning stations with interpretive signage along with the Wildcat Walkabout, a web app for smart phones with trail information, help visitors to learn more about our unique natural history.  Scavenger hunt lists are available from the Center front desk, and discovery backpacks may be checked out from the Missouri Dept. of Conservation office, located within the Center. A nature store offers drinks and snacks along with unique souvenirs to help you remember your visit to Wildcat Park.  Go the web site www.wildcatglades.audubon.org for more information and a list of upcoming programs. Contact the education director for information regarding group programs.

The Newton County Historical Park and Museum offers not only cool historic buildings that help tell the story of Ozarks life in the past, but homeschoolers will also take part in some hands-on pioneering skills.

It isn’t necessary to do things like make soap or candles today, but it used to be a routine part of life in these rugged hills of Southwest Missouri. While the Civil War tore our Ozarks apart, life continued, and with it its many chores. That said, homeschoolers may see a Civil War soldier or two pop up during their visit.

The Newton County Historical Park includes the 1887 sheriff’s home, which has been converted into the county history museum, with artifacts dating back to the time period of the house and even earlier.
Also on site is a real 1870s schoolhouse that was relocated from not very far away in Newton County and has been set up as an early 1900s school room, complete with wooden desks.

Finally, there is an original 1850s log cabin that was disassembled and rebuilt log by log on the grounds of the historical park. The cabin is furnished with all the necessities of the 1800s and looks as if a multi-generational Ozark family might have just stepped out for a minute. Stop by and set a spell.
We look forward to see you all!

A Historic landmark in Missouri for over 150 years Jolly Mill Park is now a privately supported recreational and historical venue with it's purpose to preserve the history of Capps Creek for all to enjoy.  Built in 1848 by slave labor, it included  Isbell's Distillery and Jolly Mill and hence the village of Jollification developed. It served as a rest stop for stagecoaches and wagon trains. After the owner refused to pay the new taxes on
whiskey the distillery was closed and the focus shifted to the milling of flour. There are numerous buildings  and structures on the park grounds  as well as the mill pound stocked with rainbow trout.  Your tour will be conducted by volunteers  who have made telling the mill's past their passion.

The Ritchey Mansion House is situated in what was once the center of two major battles in southwest Missouri during the Civil War. The home was built in 1850/1851 by Mathew Ritchey and contained five rooms that were 20 x 20 feet. In the 1870s an additional room was added to the home. This home is one of three ante bellum homes that remain in Newton County. Located near the home is the Ritchey Family Cemetery along with a small slave cemetery.

The First Battle of Newtonia was fought on September 30, 1862. Col. Jo Shelby was headquartered in the Mansion House at the time of the battle. His troops were located in and around the barn, located a few hundred feet north of the home, and along the stone walls located next to the road. The major significance of this battle was the fact that Native Americans fought hand to hand. The result was a Confederate victory, which was short lived. Immediately after the battle, James Ritchey formed a local Union company that was headquartered at Newtonia.

Price’s invasion of Missouri was the last hurrah for the Confederacy west of the Mississippi. The culmination of the raid was the Second Battle of Newtonia, which was fought on October 28, 1864. Records indicate that over 30,000 soldiers were involved. Gen. Jo Shelby can be credited as being the hero of this battle even though the Confederates lost. He is credited with fighting a rear guard action, which pushed the Union forces back north and allowed the rest of Price’s command to escape into Arkansas. If it had not been for the courage of Shelby’s men, the number of casualties would have been enormous. With the Confederate loss, the War west of the Mississippi ended.

It was once reported that Belle Starr was held at the home for a short period of time but escaped. The home also served as a field hospital during both battles. Since 2002 the home, two cemeteries, and twenty-six acres of hallowed ground have been under the ownership of the Newtonia Battlefields Protection Association.

Homeschool families will find a warm welcome at George Washington Carver National Monument during the Four Days in the 4 States homeshcool convention. Park rangers and Volunteers In Parks (VIPs) will provideinteractive programs to enhance the park visit. A guided tour of the ¾ mile long trail plus a science experiment in the lab will be the highlights
of the visit. For self-guided families, interactive exhibits, a traditional museum, park film, and museum store are favorite stops. Families may also participate in the Junior Ranger program. Children take their own booklet to explore the park and upon completion, receive a unique badge.

George Washington Carver was born near Diamond, Missouri at the close of the Civil War. His mother was enslaved on the farm of Moses Carver. Soon after his birth, George and his mother were captured by outlaws. George was found in Arkansas and returned to the Carvers but his mother was lost. The Carvers raised George on their farm where he explored nature and developed a love for plants and animals. The local school did not accept African-American students and Carver’s search for education led him throughout Kansas and Iowa, facing a multitude of racial roadblocks and violence. He pressed on and graduated from Iowa State College in 1896 with a Master of Agriculture degree.

Booker T. Washington offered Carver a position at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. Carver accepted and became Director of Agriculture, spending the next 47 years at Tuskegee. Much of his career focused on educating impoverished, southern farmers about scientific agriculture, improving crop yields and raising their standard of living. He is remembered for making over 300 products from the peanut plant and over 100 products from the sweet potato plant. Outfitting a moveable school for farm families, working with polio patients, and becoming a spokesman for the YMCA Commission on Interracial Cooperation are lesser known aspects of his work and contributed to his legacy. His life's work was based upon his Christian faith and belief that God had a purpose for his life...fulfilled through his work at Tuskegee. Carver died on January 5, 1943 and is buried on the campus of Tuskegee University. In July of the same year, George Washington Carver National Monument was established to preserve his birthplace and childhood home.”

The Neosho National Fish Hatchery is our nation's oldest operating federal fish hatchery. Established in 1888, it is also the largest producer of the endangered Pallid Sturgeon fish. It is one of 69 hatcheries operated by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service with a mission to conserve and protect our nation's fishery resources. The park-like environment and walking trails allow families and walkers to enjoy the serene surroundings and utilize barbeque grills, pavilions and picnic tables for family activities. Open seven days a week, our new Visitors Center offers a few small aquariums, one large with a bubble which allows visitors to “be” inside the aquarium with the fish without getting wet. We have several interactive exhibits as well as a fossil and gem display that features everyone's favorite fossil of 450 million year old dinosaur dung. In addition, guests can view videos in the bat cave of the history of the hatchery and the discovery of the endangered Blind Cave Fish by one of our own biologists right in our very own hatchery spring. Out bookstore features many exquisite items by our local artists. The old hatchery building features a fisheries museum, baby trout and a few outdoor aquariums. Tours with a biologist are available upon request and allow guests to view our sturgeon buildings where we house up to 15,000 endangered Pallid sturgeon per year. Children learn the affect of actions to the environment and to delicate species as well as the life cycle of our beautiful rainbow trout. They can see live Paddlefish, Sturgeon, Trout, and Bass up close and personal. The highlight and delight of children old and young is the feeding of the fish in all our ponds with free fish food provided, the fish are always hungry.

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is a cultural destination for the entire family! With five centuries of American Art, the collection traces how many ideas and perspectives shaped the American story. Crystal Bridges is over 200,000 square feet facility with over 100,000 square feet of public space. The Museum is nestled in a ravine where the Crystal Spring runs through. The facility sits within a 110 acre campus surrounded by woods and hiking trails. Learn about the Museum and all it has to over your students. Families will tour the galleries with Museum Educators and have the opportunity to learn about the collection and programs for families and homeschool students.

This cavern has been Open for 85 year and it is still in the same family since the day of discovery.  The cavern is all natural water cut, a living limestone cave with a very healthy ecosystem.  The walk underground is well lit, guided, easy walk, a great time for the whole family. You want to learn and have fun? No better place than Bluff Dwellers to do just that!!! On property we have a Museum and Gift shop. The Museum is filled with mineral rocks, fossil rocks from all over the world and local artifacts and antiques. This cavern has been open for tours for 85 years, and we are still Missouri's best kept secret. Now because of the caves passages and formations, we try never to put too many people in the cave. We do tours of 12-15 people, every 20 min for the protection of the cave, but we do have beautiful grounds, that you can bring activities to do in the grass area as you wait your turn into the cave.

We so very excited to be included in the “Four Days in the Four States” Convention, Thanks for the opportunity. See you all soon!!!

Located in West Mineral, Kansas can be seen for miles upon entering town. Big Brutus is the largest electric shovel in the world and to stand next to makes one aware
of how fragile he or she is.

Joining the Big Brutus tour will enable you to view a 30 minute introduction video and participate in an informal Q and A session. Your visit will conclude with the opportunity
to climb inside for an up close visit. Big Brutus offers a gift shop as well as the Shelter House perfect for a sack lunch.

The Lowell Milken Center will present a program on project-based learning. Executive Director and decorated educator Norm Conard will speak on this teaching philosophy that he used in his classroom for 25 years. Program Director Megan Felt, whose students have won hundreds of National History Day awards, will speak about home schools and how project based learning is the perfect vehicle in so many ways.

Following the project-based learning presentation, Felt and Conard will elaborate on specific projects that the Center has played a role in creating. These projects celebrate unsung heroes in history. From the Center’s most popular and cornerstone project, Life in a Jar, to the story of Ken and Ann, two white students who befriended the Little Rock Nine, these projects provide both a scholastic experience and character education.

To conclude the program, local student Theresa Schafer will present her award-winning National History Day performance, The Giants Wore White Gloves. This project is illustrative of the work the Center does to discover people who have had a profound and positive effect on the course of history.