Past, Forward- Then & Now by J.T Baysinger
Chillicothe, MO – July 2025 —This summer, Main Street Chillicothe has had the pleasure of working with J.T. Baysinger of Moberly, Missouri, as our Historic Preservation Intern. A student at Southeast Missouri State University, J.T. is pursuing a double major in Historic Preservation and Anthropology and will begin graduate-level coursework this fall as part of SEMO’s accelerated master’s program in Public History.
J.T. has always been drawn to history and travel, with national parks and historic sites sparking his early interest. When he began college, he discovered that historic preservation offered a meaningful way to use his passion to support communities in protecting their stories and places.
This summer, J.T. is spearheading a new project titled “Past, Forward– Then & Now,” which highlights the rich history and evolution of buildings in downtown Chillicothe. Each feature in the series pairs historic images with present-day views, offering a visual timeline of change and preservation throughout the district. New installments will be released every two weeks on Main Street Chillicothe’s Facebook page and website. All pieces will be available to read in a printed format for those who prefer to enjoy the collection offline.
“This internship has been an incredible opportunity for me,” J.T. said. “Chillicothe is a really unique place, and getting to learn about its history while applying what I’ve learned in school has been both exciting and rewarding.”
In addition to researching and assembling content for the series, J.T. has supported preservation planning, reviewed building histories, and deepened his understanding of how local Main Street programs operate. His coursework in preservation law, economics, and community revitalization helped prepare him for the real-world experience gained through this internship.
The Historic Preservation Internship is a key part of Main Street Chillicothe’s mission to protect and celebrate the city’s heritage. By mentoring future preservation professionals, the program helps ensure that our downtown’s history is not only preserved, but also made accessible and engaging for the public. Interns bring fresh perspective and energy to projects that enhance both education and appreciation of Chillicothe’s architectural legacy.
Following graduation in Spring 2026, J.T. plans to complete his master’s degree in Public History. While the path ahead is still unfolding, his passion for preserving places with purpose will undoubtedly shape his future career.
About Main Street Chillicothe
Main Street Chillicothe is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving, revitalizing, and enhancing downtown Chillicothe. By fostering community pride, supporting small businesses, and celebrating our rich history, we are building a stronger and more vibrant future for our community. For more information or to make a donation, please visit www.downtownchilli.com/partnership/ or contact us at 660-646-4071.
As a Missouri Main Street Accredited program, MAIN STREET CHILLICOTHE is a recognized, leading program among the state network of more than 50 districts and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development.
As a Main Street America Accredited Program, Chillicothe Main Street, Inc. is a recognized leading program among the national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. All Main Street America Accredited Programs meet a set of National Accreditation Standard of Performance as outlined by the National Main Street Center.
Special thanks to our current partners, many "Friends of Main Street" supporters, and our volunteers who make it all happen. This place matters and so do you.
