In February of 2025, Audrey Pinson, a student from the University of Missouri School of Journalism, heard about the project and contacted Dorris Keeven-Franke, Project Director, wanting to know more. The result was a small documentary that tells a huge story! Interviews with Barbara Love, a descendant of Benjamin Ogelsby, and those working on the project share their love for this nearly forgotten cemetery that contains a lot of history. For those who were unable to join us, we would love to share!
Tag Archives: Grace Moser
FILM PREMIERE
Join us on August 23, 2025 in Oglesby Park, 2801 W. Meyer Road, (St. Charles County Parks) in Foristell, from 6pm til Sunset as we Premiere their documentary called BURIED HISTORY, UNCOVERED STORIES. The public is invited, this event is being held by those working on the cemetery, who wants to share the story with everyone. The screening will be outdoors in the pavilion at the back of the Park near the Douglass Schoolhouse.
News Update
In January 2025, the historic Smith Chapel Cemetery was awarded a grant from the National Park Service Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. The Project Director is Dorris Keeven-Franke, working with Barbara Love from the Wesley-Smith Church in Wright City, Grace Moser from the St. Charles Community College, and Jerry Prouhet, a professional cemetery restorer. The grant of $16,000 is for the work of Prouhet to restore and clean headstones in the cemetery and signs to be placed at the cemetery. This Grant includes the research by the students at St. Charles Community College’s Service-Learning American History Class.
Smith Chapel Cemetery 