Event Summary
oin Landmark Events for a day of guided historical exploration in the Ozarks as we visit five significant heritage sites near Branson. The tour begins at the Veterans Memorial Museum, where we examine the human cost of American military conflict and the stories of those who served. At the Ralph Foster Museum on the College of the Ozarks campus, we explore frontier culture, craftsmanship, and the social development of the region. From the Peninsula Lookout above Table Rock Lake, we study how dam construction transformed the White River valley and displaced long-standing communities. In Forsyth, we learn how the Civil War divided local residents and shaped everyday life in small Missouri towns. The final stop is the Christian County Courthouse in Ozark, where the Bald Knobbers vigilante movement provides a case study in law, order, and social tension in the late 19th-century Ozarks. This tour is ideal for home-educating families and lifelong learners alike.
Tour Highlights
Veterans Memorial Museum
At the Veterans Memorial Museum, you will explore exhibits honoring American service members from World War I through the present day. Statues, names, artifacts, and personal accounts illustrate the cost of modern warfare and the experiences of ordinary men and women in uniform. Together we will look at how global conflicts affected communities across the United States and shaped American identity in the 20th and 21st centuries.
Ralph Foster Museum—College of the Ozarks
At the Ralph Foster Museum, you will examine the history and culture of the Ozarks through regional artifacts, pioneer tools, folk art, and historic exhibits. The museum highlights how geography, resourcefulness, craftsmanship, and community life shaped the people who settled this rugged region. We will also discuss the distinctive “Hard Work U.” model of the College of the Ozarks, where students earn their education through on-campus labor and service.
Peninsula Lookout / Dewey Short Visitor Overlook
From this overlook above Table Rock Lake, you will learn about the White River valley before the dam was constructed. Farms, ferry crossings, roads, churches, and entire neighborhoods once stood in the valley below. When the dam was completed, these communities were displaced and the region was permanently transformed. As you view the lake, we will discuss the economic benefits, human costs, and long-term impact of mid-20th-century infrastructure projects that reshaped both the landscape and the culture of the Ozarks.
Forsyth Courthouse Square
At Forsyth Courthouse Square, you will learn about the Civil War’s impact on communities in southwest Missouri. Forsyth was the site of early wartime activity and served as a focal point for divided loyalties, military occupation, and civilian hardship. We will examine how small towns experienced the conflict, how local residents responded to national events, and how the war permanently altered civic life in the Ozarks.
Christian County Courthouse
At the Christian County Courthouse in Ozark, you will learn the history of the Bald Knobbers, a late-19th-century vigilante movement that arose in response to crime and disorder in the region. The historic marker recalls the trials and executions that followed as citizens and officials struggled to restore lawful authority. We will discuss the social tensions, fears, and political conflicts that produced vigilantism and how this episode continues to shape Ozarks memory and identity
Ticket Information
Included in Registration
- Distinctly Christian interpretation
- All venue admissions
- All guide fees and gratuities
- Individual electronic headsets so you won’t miss a word!
- Sweet Christian Fellowship
- Access to Landmark Events’ special discounted hotel rates
- Study Preparation section
Ticket Information
Early Bird rates good through April 12
Adult (17+)
Youth (5-16)
Add’l Family
Child (0-4)FREE* First four family members at posted price, fifth and subsequent guests enjoy the lower Additional Family Member price.
Definitely worth more than a month’s worth of book lessons! And to be remembered for so much longer! Best of all, the tour was Christ-centered in every aspect. Thank you Landmark for precious home school memories for our family!” —Rena B.
Event Speakers
Bill Potter
An experienced historian and avid bibliophile, Dr. Bill Potter combines a lifelong study of American history with an uncommon ability to captivate audiences of all ages as he traces the providential acts of God throughout the ages. He has taught history in high schools and colleges, has led many tours of American and European historical sites and brings to each event a wealth of experience and knowledge. An experienced researcher and writer, Dr. Potter possesses a practical knowledge of antiquarian books, documents, and artifacts and has published several short books and has penned many articles and book reviews for publication. Dr. Potter has earned a well-deserved reputation as a man gifted in communicating the story of God’s providential hand in American history. As a father of eight children, he appreciates the necessity of passing on to the succeeding generations the richness of both our regional and national history. He and his wife, Leslie, reside in Virginia.
Event Schedule
Wednesday, May 13
| Hilton Branson Convention Center | |
 1.7 miles ≈ 7 mins. |
|
| 9:00am | Veterans Memorial Museum 1250 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson MO |
| 4.2 miles ≈ 10 mins. |
|
| 10:30am | Ralph Foster Museum 237 Christian St, Point Lookout MO |
| 7.8 miles ≈ 15 mins. |
|
| 1:30pm | Peninsula Lookout / Dewey Short Visitor Overlook 4500 State Hwy 165, Branson MO |
| 21.3 miles ≈ 34 mins. |
|
| 2:30pm | Forsyth Courthouse Square 132 David St, Forsyth MO |
| 31.4 miles ≈ 37 mins. |
|
| 3:45pm | Christian County Courthouse 100 W Church St, Ozark MO |
| 28.5 miles ≈ 33 mins. |
|
| Hilton Branson Convention Center |
Accommodations
Hilton Branson Convention Center
We will be staying at the Hilton in downtown Branson as it is connected to the Convention Center where the Teach Them Diligently Convention is held. TTD has negotiated rates with several hotels that you can see here.
You are under no obligation to stay at the Hilton and may want to enjoy one of the many lodging options in the area. We recommend Trip Advisor and VRBO as helpful resources for finding a place to stay.
Teach Them Diligently
Homeschool Conference after the Tour!
May 14-16 – Branson, MO
Great Speakers / Great Resources / Great Fellowship
Register for the TTD Conference here
3 Brand New Messages by Dr. Bill Potter:
-
Thursday, May 14 (11:40am – 12:30pm)
The Four Georges of Virginia Who Brought About Independence: Washington, Wythe, Mason and Hanover -
Friday, May 15 (10:30am – 11:20am)
Lives, Fortune and Sacred Honor: Four Heroic Signers of the Declaration of Independence—Braxton, Carroll, Rodney, and Witherspoon -
Saturday, May 16 (11:00am – 11:50am)
How Diseases Have Shaped World History, Empowered Governments or Brought Them Down
Stop by our booth in the exhibit hall. We would love to say hello and give you a free $50 gift certificate! (Separate registration required for TTD)
Upcoming Events
Pirates, Presidents, Conquistadors and More 2026
February 12-14, 2026
John Tyler Tour
June 4-6, 2026
