Keynote Speakers
Lynne Jackson
As the great-great grandaughter of Dred and Harriet Scott, Lynne Jackson has worked tirelessly to maintain the legacy of Dred Scott’s eleven-year fight for freedom. Ms. Jackson founded the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation which raised the funds for the Dred and Harriet Scott statue that is outside the Old Courthouse in St. Louis, as well as a memorial for Mr. Scott at the Calvary Cemetery. Ms. Jackson’s work in ancestry involves families connected to the Dred Scott case and American history through signature panels to better examine the impact of enslavement on people and the United States today. Guided by her love for God and family, Ms. Jackson works tirelessly to inspire others to explore their own histories and, when needed, reconcile the past with the present.
Brent Trout
Brent Trout is the manager of the Emerson History & Genealogy Center at St. Louis County Library Clark Family Branch. With a background in museums, Brent previously served as the executive director of museums in Oklahoma and Florida. His interest in genealogy developed while in Oklahoma, where he assisted several individuals with tribal enrollment. A dedicated public servant for most of his career, Brent has spent several years working in the professional genealogy field within libraries. He is passionate about helping others trace their family history and connections. In addition to his work with genealogy, Brent is also deeply committed to preservation efforts, having advocated for the library to open spaces for digitizing and preserving family memories for future generations.
Jody Sowell
Jody Sowell is president of the Missouri Historical Society. He is, in fact, only the 7th president in the 158-year history of the institution. MHS operates the Missouri History Museum, the Library and Research Center, and Soldiers Memorial Military Museum downtown. Jody has worked for
MHS for 18 years in a variety of roles from oral historian to director of exhibits to managing director of public history to his current position. He can be seen every week locally on CBS Sunday Morning on KMOV sharing St. Louis stories in his STL History Minute segment. Jody has a deep passion for telling St. Louis history in all its richness, diversity, and complexity.