LANDING AFTER HOURS: SALT: THE MINERAL THAT SUSTAINS US

Humans have been fascinated by salt since ancient times. The Greeks regarded it as a divine substance, and throughout history, it has been linked to fertility, longevity, loyalty, and protection. Salt is essential for cell function and is found in almost every part of the human body. To survive and thrive, civilizations have always sought sources of salt. Its crucial role in food preservation allowed people to survive harsh winters, sustain armies, and enabled global exploration. Historically, sources of salt have spurred the growth of nearby settlements, and this was also true in Missouri. Numerous saline springs north of the Missouri River attracted settlers moving westward from St. Charles on the Boone’s Lick Trail.

Join Lydia Peifer, the museum’s Education and Outreach Interpreter, as she traces the impact of salt on history, both globally and in Missouri. We will explore salt production, the various types of salt and their uses, and how salt has influenced food and language.