Robert Dyer is a historian, poet, songwriter, folklorist, teacher, and performer, as well as the author of several books, including Boonville: An Illustrated History. He also has released two recordings of original songs, and he recently participated in a project to record Civil War music from the Missouri area. In addition, he travels throughout the state presenting programs on Missouri history and folklore to elementary school students as part of the Missouri Arts Council's Artist-in-Education program.