At first it focused entirely on Joplin and ragtime music , ignoring the urban milieu which shaped his musical compositions .
In 1983 , the Missouri Department of Natural Resources made it the first state historic site in Missouri dedicated to the African American heritage .
At first Missouri focused entirely on Joplin and ragtime music , ignoring the urban milieu which shaped his musical compositions .
In 1983 , the Missouri Department of Natural Resources made it the first state historic site in Missouri dedicated to the African American heritage .