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Ceres returns to Missouri Capitol on cold December Friday: ‘A part of history here’

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — She’s back! Ceres was officially uncovered in front of the state Capitol building on a chilly Friday afternoon, marking her return after a year-long hiatus for some much-needed repairs. 

Gov. Mike Parson and Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe removed a green tarp from the 10-foot-4-inch bronze Ceres statue in front of a smattering of reporters and passersby with temperatures hovering just above 40 degrees. (While this reporter was cold, Ceres did not reveal how she felt.) 

“It’s quite a celebration today,” Parson said. “Hopefully the public will get to see a part of history here.” 

Gov. Mike Parson and Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe unveil Ceres after her year-long hiatus for repairs. (THE MISSOURI TIMES/KAITLYN SCHALLHORN)

Ceres will be on display for the public to view her until Dec. 9. She will be hoisted back to her perch atop the Capitol dome the week of Dec. 16. 

The Roman goddess of agriculture was first placed on top of the Capitol in 1924. She was removed in November 2018 for the first time for conservation — or repairs — at a firm in Chicago. 

Funding for the conservation of the statue was included in the bonding package passed by the General Assembly for repairs to the exterior of the Capitol building. About $400,000 of the $50 million restoration project went to Ceres. 

For more on what Ceres represents and her history, click here