
Historic Murphysburg Preservation’s mission is to promote historic preservation throughout the Murphysburg Residential Historic District and the City of Joplin. We seek to preserve the integrity of the downtown residential community, educate visitors about our rich history, save limited natural resources, and instill community pride.
Coloring JOMO: Women Who Made Their Mark
This premiere edition is the result of a collaboration between Post Art Library, Historic Murphysburg Preservation, Inc., (Hey, that’s us!) and Visit Joplin. The illustrations are by artist Martha Goldman.
Celebrating some of the women who have called Joplin home, Women Who Made Their Mark features activists, artists, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and pioneers who made significant contributions to our community and beyond:
- Henrietta Cosgrove
- Emily Newell Blair
- Melissa Fuell Cuther
- Ferne Wilder
- Dorothea B. Hoover
- Elizabeth C. Post
- Pauline Starke
- Lena Beal
- Olivia Bendelari
- Evelyn Milligan Jones
- Mary Curtis Warten
- Ernestine Carr
Although this book highlights only a dozen of the many exceptional women from Joplin history, we hope it encourages exploration of the impact women have had in our community.

Past events and Attractions
Homes of Murphysburg!
Learn more about our the historic Murphysburg neighborhood using our interactive map! You can virtually explore the entire Murphysburg district and learn about the people responsible for building our beautiful city!
Murphysburg Interactive Map..
Looking to move into one of our historic homes? This is the perfect place to find out all of the information about the homes that are available in our neighborhood!
Architectural elements you can discover in Murphysburg
Elements of Architecture
The Murphysburg Historic District appears much as it did during the period of significance (1880-1965) and as a whole retains all aspects of integrity. One hundred twenty-six of the 153 (82%) primary resources are contributing to the District while three of the primary resources were previously listed in the National Register of Historic Places. These resources remain in their original locations within the neighborhood and just west of the downtown commercial center. The residential setting has streets lined with sidewalks, mature trees, and houses on widely-spaced lots, as it did when it was initially platted.
Commercial areas have developed to the south and east, but these do not compromise the integrity of the District. The District clearly communicates its associations with and feelings about the patterns of residential development and the breadth of architectural styles that shaped the community of Joplin from the late 1800s into the mid-twentieth century.
The majority of resources retain their original design, materials, and workmanship. The array of architectural styles represented by the original designs, including National Folk Forms, Queen Anne, and Revival Styles, remains intact throughout the District. The majority of the resources have their original form and materials, such as limestone foundations, wood siding, and wood windows.
There is always something to do in Joplin
Check out our areas attractions and events
Frequently asked questions: Applications, Forms & Guidelines
Membership
There are many great benefits to your Murphysburg Individual memberships start at only $15! You do not have to be a resident in the Murphysburg boundaries to join.
Looking for ways to get involved?
Sponsorship's
Learn how your Historic Murphysburg Preservation can help spread the word about your business. There are tons of great business sponsorship options to fit any size business. Sponsorships start at $50!
Volunteer
Murphysburg is always looking for volunteers to help during our special events. Sign up as a volunteer today! Email inquiries or ideas to murphysburg@gmail.com