Rose O’Neill is known as one of the foremost artists and illustrators from the turn of the 20th century. She was also an author of four novels and a book of poetry, activist, inventor, and mother of the Kewpie, Scootles and Ho-Ho. Her many accomplishments made her a public icon.
Although much of Rose O’Neill’s life was spent in New York, Connecticut, and the far-flung regions of Europe, she always returned to the Missouri Ozark Hills for inspiration and solitude. In 1937, Bonniebrook became her permanent home where she was an active member of the community. There are still places today that echo her spirit. Follow the Rose O’Neill Trail to enjoy the Ozark Hills through one woman’s life and experiences.
A brief history of Rose O’Neill
Follow the Rose O’Neill Trail (All locations are within a 50-mile radius)
- Branson Centennial Museum, downtown Branson
- Rose O’Neill Mural. downtown Branson
- Historic Downtown Branson
- Ralph Foster Museum, Point Lookout
- Marvel Cave at Silver Dollar City, north west of Branson
- Historic Day Post Office. Day
- Bonniebrook Historical Home, Museum, & Gardens, Walnut Shade
- Rose O’Neill House. Springfield
- Springfield Art Museum, Springfield
Ozark Public Broadcasting: Rose O’Neill – An Artful Life (online 56 minutes)
As an artist, writer, and suffragist, Rose O’Neill’s story captures the essence of a modern woman in a rapidly changing world. Follow her remarkable journey from child prodigy to New York socialite, and eventually to international fame and wealth, all while maintaining her connection to the enchanted forests of her youth. Beyond her iconic Kewpies, this documentary also reveals some of her lesser-known art and sculptures, exposing a more complex and often darker side of her creative spirit. Join Ozarks Public Television as we explore the seven decades of her life-from her magical childhood in the Ozarks to the meteoric rise of her beloved Kewpies and celebrate with us the enduring art and life of Rose O’Neill.