ST. LOUIS — The Missouri History Museum’s latest exhibit, “Collected,” opens this weekend, which reflects St. Louis’ history and defining moments.

Countless artifacts in the exhibit, such as photographs, diaries, clothing, home movies, taxidermy and more, were all submitted by St. Louisans.

It also includes a rotating gallery, centered on a different theme each year, according to the Missouri Historical Society. “The Life of Kids’ Clothes” is on display that showcases children’s clothes and textiles from different eras.

There is an interactive piece where children dress life-sized paper dolls.

Visitors can learn about Anna, a Mexican wolf who was born at the Endangered Wolf Center in St. Louis and helped save her species from extinction, according to Hattie Felton, director of curatorial affairs.

They additionally can learn about “crazy quilts,” particularly one made in 1884 by local Carrie McWilliams that features taxidermy animals.

Dance enthusiasts can view a costume on display that was in a show choreographed by area local Katherine Dunham, according to Felton.

Dunham was an innovator of African American contemporary dance in the 20th century, as well as an anthropologist and social activist.

Those who want to watch films and commercials of the past can do so in the Moving Images Theater inside the exhibit.

Feature films include an episode of “The Letter People,” an educational program that was produced in St. Louis; a silent film that shows Charles Lindbergh returning to St. Louis after his successful transatlantic flight in 1927; and a fine arts film that shows animals waking up to live jazz performed by St. Louis musician Oliver Lake.

The smallest item in the exhibit is a baby tooth from the St. Louis Baby Tooth survey that launched post World War II. 

Parents, doctors, scientists and others were concerned about the radioactive impacts nuclear tests had on children, which were being conducted by the U.S. government, according to Felton.

Visitors of “Collected” can anticipate seeing the gavel that ended slavery in Missouri, the sledge that celebrated explorer Robert E. Peary to the north pole and much more over the next five years.

The opening celebration is Saturday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be flash talks from museum curators, demonstrations, live music, art activities and more.