Hattie Felton: Curating St. Louis History at the Museum
Hattie Felton, the Director of Curatorial Affairs and Curator of Fine and Decorative Arts at the Missouri History Museum, is a pivotal figure in preserving and showcasing St. Louis’s rich heritage. With seven years at the museum, her leadership has transformed how the institution connects with the community, most notably through the recent unveiling of the “Collected” gallery.
A Visionary Leader in St. Louis’s Cultural Scene
As director, Felton oversees a dedicated team responsible for a vast collection of over 100,000 objects, including one of the nation’s most extensive textile and clothing collections. Her tenure has been marked by significant initiatives, such as the acquisition of nearly 100 contemporary artworks by local St. Louis artists, enriching the museum’s modern offerings. Felton has also championed the crucial work of returning Indigenous art from the Society’s collection to its rightful tribal homes, a commitment highlighted by the 2024 return of the Kiowa ledger drawings.
The “Collected” Gallery: A Testament to Local Stories
Felton’s biggest accomplishment of 2025 is the opening of “Collected,” the Missouri History Museum’s newest signature gallery. This 6,000-square-foot exhibit, a decade in the making, showcases more than 80 objects donated by St. Louisans, spanning over 150 years of local history. Since its March 2025 debut, “Collected” has already welcomed over 85,000 visitors, offering diverse narratives from an original Norman Rockwell painting to Katherine Dunham’s dance costumes and a Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Felton’s passionate leadership was instrumental in bringing this ambitious project to fruition, deepening understanding of the people and moments that define St. Louis.
| Area of Impact | Key Contribution/Achievement |
|---|---|
| Collection Management | Oversees care of 100,000+ objects, including major textile collection. |
| Contemporary Art | Added nearly 100 works by present-day local St. Louis artists. |
| Indigenous Art Restoration | Instrumental in returning sacred art to tribal homes, like the Kiowa ledger drawings. |
| “Collected” Gallery | Led completion of new 6,000 sq ft exhibit, featuring 80+ objects and attracting 85,000+ visitors. |
Shaping the Future and Local Connections
Looking ahead, Felton hopes to support and mentor the next generation of museum professionals, believing it’s vital to encourage recent graduates and early-career individuals into this rewarding field. She also aims to write a second book before turning 50. If she could host a dream business lunch, her table would be filled with historical St. Louis women artists like Anna Maria von Phul, Hannah Brown Skeele, Caroline Risque, or Monnewe Wynn, eager to hear the untold stories behind their art and struggles. Locally, her go-to spot in St. Louis is Kaldi’s on DeMun, a convenient and welcoming place for everything from morning lattes to weekend breakfasts.
A Glimpse into Hattie’s World
At 34, Hattie holds a Master’s degree in public history/museum studies from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She shares her life with her husband, Jordan Henry, their two adopted dogs, Acer and Ivy, and cat, Poppy, all from the Humane Society of Missouri. When not immersed in history, her hobbies include gardening and rowing with the St. Louis Rowing Club. Her last read was “The Ten Thousand Doors of January” by Alix E. Harrow, a book she wishes she had picked up sooner.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Hattie Felton’s role at the Missouri History Museum?
She serves as the Director of Curatorial Affairs and Curator of Fine and Decorative Arts, overseeing a team responsible for more than 100,000 objects. - What is the “Collected” gallery?
It’s the Missouri History Museum’s newest 6,000-square-foot signature gallery, featuring over 80 objects donated by St. Louisans, representing 150+ years of history, and opened in March 2025. - What is Hattie Felton’s biggest recent accomplishment?
Leading the completion and opening of the “Collected” gallery, which was years in the making and has already welcomed over 85,000 visitors. - What are her long-term career aspirations?
By age 50, she hopes to have supported and mentored the next generation of museum professionals and to have written a second book. - Where is Hattie Felton’s favorite local spot in St. Louis?
Kaldi’s on DeMun, a place she frequents for lattes, meetings, and breakfasts.
Hattie Felton’s dedication ensures that the rich, diverse narratives of St. Louis history are not only preserved but also vibrantly brought to life for future generations to explore and appreciate at the Missouri History Museum.
Hattie Felton Transforms St Louis History
