Walks, Tours, Programs, Lectures and Book Signings
presented by author/historian NiNi Harris.
More book signings and book programs
are scheduled throughout the year.
Check back here for additions and updates.
NiNi Harris’s walking tours, talks, bus tours and programs are based on her original, primary source research.
All content under copyright.
Walking Tours offered by NiNi Harris
Featuring
Lafayette Terrace
This extraordinary mix of turn-of-the-century houses – featuring classic St. Louis brickwork and stonework – with wildly contemporary houses creates a one-of-a-kind neighborhood. The story of the old, as well as the creation of the new, will be explored on this walking tour of the neighborhood linking Lafayette Square and Compton Heights.
Since the number of participants is limited, reservations are encouraged. To make a reservation, Call 314-752-2304.
Offered two days only:
Tuesday, October 13 and Thursday, October 15, 2026
Start time for both days is 10:30 a.m.
These customized tours will have a
limited number of participants.
The tour will be offered multiple times during the month to allow keeping the groups small.
All the tours are based on NiNi Harris's
original research.
More dates for these tours will be added,
plus tours of other neighborhoods.
This is an ongoing, seasonal series.
For more information, starting places and to make reservations
Call: NiNi Harris
314-752-2304
Talks
~ Introducing Harris's Latest Book ~
Jefferson Barracks, defending the nation since 1826
“Romances, Immigrants & Bob Hope at
Jefferson Barracks”
A talk exploring the remarkable, 120 year history
of this US Army post.
(Jefferson Barracks, defending the nation since 1826
will be available for sale, cash or check only)
Sunday September 13, 1:30 p.m.
Carondelet Historical Society
6303 Michigan Ave, 63111
314-481-6303
“The Camp Jackson Affair”
Saturday, September 19
time to be announced
Book Signing for following the talk for just released
Jefferson Barracks, defending the nation since 1826
Missouri Civil War Museum
222 Worth Road, 63125
For more information call the museum at
314-845-1861
“Romances, Immigrants & Bob Hope at
Jefferson Barracks”
Book Signing following the Talk
Sunday, October 4, 2:00 p.m.
Campbell House Museum
1508 Locust St., 63103
314-314-421-0325
“Romances, Immigrants & Bob Hope at
Jefferson Barracks”
Book Signing following the Talk
Sunday, October 11, 1:00 p.m.
Belleville Books
20 E. Main St.
Belleville, Il. 62220
314-744-7323
Book Signing & historical conversations
October 17,10:30 a.m – 2:00 p.m.
Travel Lounge
2754 Lafayette Ave., 63104
(314) 287-5333
Mini Chats with Authors
Saturday, November 7, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Buder Library
4401 Hampton Ave., 63109
“The Wine & History” Book Signing
Saturday, December 5, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Hammonds Books
1939 Cherokee Street, 63118
314-323-6389
Plan Your 2027 With NiNi Harris
Historic sites in South City
based on Harris’s book This Used to Be St. Louis
Book Signing following the talk (cash or check -only for book purchases)
Wednesday January 13, 2027
time to be announced
Carpenter Library
3309 S. Grand Blvd., 63118
314-241-2288
"Romances, Immigrants & Bob Hope at
Jefferson Barracks”
February 18, 2027
time to be announced
Scenic Regional Library
Pacific Branch
111 Lamar Parkway
Pacific, Mo 63069
636-257-2712
Jefferson Barracks history
March 16, 2027
Ethical Society's Women’s Club
additional details to come
Bus Tours
South St. Louis Brick Neighborhoods
Author/historian NiNi Harris will showcase the evolution of South St. Louis brick housing from the Civil War era to World War II on this combination bus and walking tour.
Primitive pioneer, brick homes, grand Romanesque houses and Art Deco styled apartments and homes will be featured.
As part of this tour, Harris will lead participants on walks in the historic Soulard and Benton Park neighborhoods, the Cherokee Lemp historic district, the Holly Hills neighborhood, and St. Louis Hills neighborhood.
Tuesday, September 22, 9:30 to 12:30
Offered through the Masonry Institute
314-645-5888
Gilded Downtown St. Louis
Our fabulous stadiums and arenas are celebrated by
St. Louisans. This tour, however, will focus on little-known, golden treasures from the late 19th century and early 20th century.
Tuesday, October 20
Offered through St. Charles Parks & Recreation
All-Day Bus Tours by
Historian NiNi Harris
offered through Excite Tours
For More information and prices for these tours call:
Excite at (314) 287-5333
Beyond the Skyline: The Downtown You Don’t Know
September 9, 2026
Downtown St. Louis -- its past, present and future -- has been the focus of countless news stories. Yet few of them capture what truly makes Downtown remarkable: its stunning architecture, rich and layered history, artistic treasures, and its enduring importance to the entire region. This immersive day trip program begins with a visual journey through time, featuring historic photographs, artistic renderings, and vintage maps that bring Downtown’s past to life. Guests will then enjoy a classic St. Louis-style lunch in Excite Experiences beautifully restored historic Travel Lounge. In the afternoon, we will explore several of Downtown’s hidden gems on a guided tour, experiencing firsthand the stories and spaces that define this important district that is the regions “gateway’ and economic engine. The day is inspired by the research of NiNi Harris and her book Downtown St. Louis.
Pickup Locations: WestPlex/St. Charles, South County, South City
This tour includes light to moderate activity, with time spent outdoors and leisurely walking—comfortable shoes are recommended.
Holiday Where(s), Wears, and Wares
December 4, 2026
This tour will present St. Louis Christmas experiences -- past and present.
Tour the historic Campbell House, beautifully decorated for its beloved Victorian Christmas celebration. Browse the seasonal botanical "wares" at Walter Knoll Florist on St. Louis' famed Florist Row. (Harris will present the history of Walter Knoll Florist, St. Louis’s oldest florist business, and the unique history of Florist Row. Then, find out "where" Mr. and Mrs. Claus shop for their holiday "wears" today with a stop at the legendary Johnnie Brock's, filled with costumes, decorations. Enjoy a delicious luncheon at Zia's on The Hill before spending time in St. Louis' renowned Little Italy, where you'll have the opportunity to stock up on authentic Italian holiday treats and specialties.
Pickup Locations: WestPlex/St. Charles, South County, South City
This tour includes light to moderate activity, with time spent outdoors and leisurely walking—comfortable shoes are recommended.
Please
visit this site regularly for additional
dates and offerings.
**********
Additionally:
Sheila Harris
(who worked with her sister NiNi on many projects)
is well-known for her paintings and batiks of St. Louis architecture. Her acrylics and batiks were inspired by her travels in both this country and overseas.
Building entryways in places like Dublin are admired, immortalized on small cards and then sent through the post the world over, but the thresholds of our humble-yet-gorgeous city structures are barely noticed, as long as they allow us to move from one side of a wall to the other. To raise our local portal perception, St. Louis artist Sheila M. Harris has painted images of the doors of our historic homes, storefronts and factories, and she has put these watercolor works on display for all to enjoy. Harris’ Historic Doors of St. Louis was recently hanging at Washington Avenue Post
(1312 Washington Avenue).
Featured Book
NiNi Harris
Author, Historian,
Your guide through the history of the Gateway City.
NiNi Harris
To order books by NiNi Harris
please call her at
314-752-2304
