The Sheldon Memorial, designed by the noted 1904 World’s Fair architect Louis Spiering, opens its doors in October 1912 as the home of the Ethical Society of St. Louis. Named for Walter Sheldon, a founding member of the Ethical Society in St. Louis, notable speakers include Thurgood Marshall, Buckminster Fuller, Martha Gellhorn and Margaret Mead. The St. Louis League of Women Voters is founded in the Greenroom (then used as the Ethical Society library).

The Ethical Society moves to St. Louis County and The Sheldon becomes a community center and music venue, changing hands a few times. First, a former singer with the Duke Ellington Orchestra purchases the facility, transforming The Sheldon into a church and the site of many glorious jazz and gospel concerts. Then, a California attorney with a love of chamber music purchases The Sheldon at the urging of the Paganini String Quartet, saving the building from possible demolition.

The Sheldon Concert Hall becomes a concert venue.

The non-profit Sheldon Arts Foundation is formed.

The Foundation purchases The Sheldon Concert Hall and the adjoining Annex and begins presenting a curated season of jazz, folk and classical concerts. The first official season, in 1994, includes 15 concerts.

The Sheldon completes renovation of the Annex and creates The Sheldon Art Galleries and sculpture garden. The 500-seat Louis Spiering Room (now named The Konneker Room) opens on the third floor of the Annex.

In 2001 new stained glass windows designed by Rodney Winfield were installed by Emil Frei & Sons in the Sheldon Concert Hall.

Steward Family Plaza, encompassing a walk way and vertical garden on the west side of The Sheldon, opens. The Sheldon presents over 350 events each year in the concert hall, art galleries, Ballroom and Konneker Room.

We aspire to remain a pocket of expressive experiences that helps our city shine—a destination that encapsulates all that we collectively stand for. Long live Arts Without Borders.