October 31, 2025
For Immediate Release
Office of Public Information
Crowder College
RE: Crowder College McDonald County Secession Exhibit
Jane, MO – Crowder College McDonald County is unveiling the new “McDonald County
Secession Exhibit,” a local historical display created in collaboration with multiple, passionate
hands. This includes local historian, Crowder alumni and current Missouri Southern State
University student; Amy Carr as well as Dr. Denna Clymer, Crowder College Social Science
Division Chair, and with support from Robin Chapman with the McDonald County Historical
Society.
“I appreciate the work of our faculty, staff, and former students and their collaboration with the
McDonald County Historical Society to share this exhibit with the public,” said Crowder College
President, Dr. Chett Daniel who supported this project through his existing work and
collaborative efforts regarding the economic and social impact of the I-49 corridor to our
neighboring region of Northwest Arkansas. “The exhibit illustrates how storytelling,
collaboration, and advocacy can be leveraged to meet community and regional goals.”
“I would like to thank Dr. Clymer for letting me work on this project,” said Amy Carr, local
historian, Crowder alumni and current Missouri Southern State University student. “I really
learned a lot about all that is required to produce a historical display like this. I also learned more
about McDonald County history at the same time. I hope that the community and future
students enjoy the story of life here in the 1960s.”
The exhibit explores one of the likely lesser-known events in the county’s history when
McDonald County “seceded” from Missouri in the early 1960s.
“With the McDonald County Secession Exhibit returning home to Tatum Hall, it stands as a
testament to the hardworking, collaborative spirit that has always defined McDonald County.
Amy, Dr. Clymer, Robin, and the rest of the McDonald County Historical Society deserve the
opportunity to have those very traits of their own on display — and this exhibit provides just
that,” said Aaron Divine, Crowder College McDonald County Site Director and adjunct History
faculty. “But what’s showcased here goes beyond the dedication of our local historians. It serves
as a tongue-in-cheek reflection of what makes the Ozarks both celebrated and, at times,
misunderstood. It’s a humorous tribute to grassroots activism, perseverance, and the
unmistakable pride that the people of this region wear on their sleeves. It reminds us that the
arbitrary lines drawn by men in suits in places like Oklahoma City, Little Rock, and Jefferson City
often do more to bind us together than to keep us apart.”
The exhibit offers historical documents, photographs, and artifacts that highlight the local
“Secession movement,” while depicting how local citizens responded to being left off a state
tourism map by “forming” their own independent territory.
The unveiling event will be held at Crowder College McDonald County, November 5th at 2:00
pm, and will include brief remarks from Crowder College leadership. Light refreshments will be
served following the program.
The exhibit is free and open to the public during regular hours, 8 am – 4:30 pm at Crowder
College McDonald County, located at 194 College Rd, Jane, MO 64856. This exhibit will become
a permanent fixture at Crowder College McDonald County following the unveiling.
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For more information about the Crowder event, please contact the Office of Public
Information at 417.455.5540, or CindyBrown@Crowder.edu | KateDalton@Crowder.edu
