August 2007 Calendar of Events
Area Museums, Historical Sites and Historical Organizations

New Links

Announcements
News and views related to our history and natural resources.

Antique and Collectibles
2008 Show Calendar

Free 2008 Calendar (downloadable) with historic images when you sign up to receive our weekly email newsletter.

WANT TO BECOME A MASTER GARDENER?
Join the Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City!

Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City educate the public on gardening topics, answer gardening questions, and are proud contributors in their community.  Some of the programs Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City are involved in are Hotline, Speakers Bureau, Garden Tour, Demonstration garden plots, Special Events, and Community Projects, which include: Ronald McDonald House, Watkins Woolen Mill historic heirloom garden, Martha LaFitte Thompson Nature Sanctuary, Harvesters, and much, much more.   Application for the next class is due on June 9.  Additional Information.

Through August 12, 2007
Made in Johnson County
Locally made products and inventions are the subject of the Johnson County Museum's latest exhibit, Made in Johnson County.  Exhibit presents the major enterprises in Johnson County from the 1850s to the modern day and the major technological changes which sparked greater diversification in our local business community.  Regular museum hours; admission is free.
Johnson County Museum of History, 6305 Lackman Rd., Shawnee, KS  66217   
913-715-2550  [Web Site]

Through August 16
Work is Art and Art is Work
Exhibit features an assortment of hand-crafted musical instruments and luthiery -- the intricate carving and crafting of stringed instruments.  The rich tradition of luthiers in Missouri will be the focus of this exhibition.  [Additional Information]
Excelsior Springs Historical Museum and Archives   [Web Site]
101 E. Broadway, Excelsior Springs, MO   816-630-0101

Through August 31, 2007
What Does it Mean to be an American Girl?
An original exhibit, anchored by the popular American Girl Collection®.  The exhibit explores the spirit of girlhood through several periods in American history and is complemented by an exciting interactive event series.  Regular museum hours and admission. 
The Toy and Miniature Museum of Kansas City,  5235 Oak Street,  Kansas City, MO 64112  (816) 333-9328  [Web Site]

Through December
New Exhibits Commemorate 80th Anniversary of St. Joseph Museum
Opening of a series of exhibits dedicated to the early years of the museum founded in 1927.  The new exhibits will be open through December during the regular museum hours.
The St. Joseph Museums, Inc.    [Web Site]
3406 Frederick Avenue, St. Joseph, MO   816-232-8471

4 August, Saturday, 10:00 am
New Hope Fairview Cemetery - Liberty, MO Historic Architecture Tour
The New Hope Fairview Cemetery tour will be led by Juarenne Hester, President of the Clay County Historical Society.  Meet at the Garrison School, 502 N. Water Street, Liberty, MO.  Highlights century-old residences and commercial structures in Liberty's celebrated historic district.  Tour is on foot and lasts approximately one hour; participants are reminded to wear comfortable walking shoes.  Hosted by the City of Liberty and Historic Downtown Liberty, Inc.
Historic Downtown Liberty, Inc.  [Web Site]
The City of Liberty [Web Site]

5 August, Sunday, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Kansas City Historic Homes: Cape Cods and J.C. Nichols
Presented by Steve Noll, Director of Jackson County Historical Society as part of the Plaza Library's Summer Speaking series.  Sponsored by the KC Bungalow Club and KCModern.  Admission Free.
Kansas City Bungalow Club  [Web Site]
KCModern.com  [Web Site]

11-12 August, 9 am - 4:30 pm
Tools & Technology of 1812
Come out and learn some of the construction methods and tools required for the building of Fort Osage starting in September 1808.  The largest collection of period tools ever assembled at Fort Osage will be on display.  Adults-$5.00, Youth 5-13 and Seniors-$3.00, Under 5yrs.-Free 
Fort Osage, 105 Osage St.,  Sibley, MO 64088  816-503-4860   [Web Site] 
(Calendar listing from the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Web Site)

11 - 12 August, Saturday, 10:30 am - Noon and Sunday, 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Safari Party at the Wyeth - Tootle Mansion
Designed for children of adults visiting the museum, this guided tour includes the 2nd and 3rd floors of the museum and the grounds.  Tour includes games, crafts, snack and take-home Safari hat.  Groups or 3 or more, $6.00 per child ages 5 - 10.
The St. Joseph Museums, Inc.    [Web Site]
3406 Frederick Avenue, St. Joseph, MO   816-232-8471

13 - 16 August, Monday - Thrursday, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Archaeology Day Camp at St. Joseph Museums
Archaeological exploration in the lab and field.  Fees include snack, shirt, hat and "dig" supplies.  Camp ends with optional field trip on Friday, August 17.  $35 for members, $45 for non-members.  Optional Friday day camp and overnight camping/canoe trip $50.
The St. Joseph Museums, Inc.    [Web Site]
3406 Frederick Avenue, St. Joseph, MO   816-232-8471

13-21 August
Civil War on the Western Frontier
Living history events that focus on historic Lawrence and Douglas County during the early Territorial days and the Civil War.  Sites throughout Lawrence, vary by event. 
785-864-4109  [Web Site]

19 August, Sunday, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Kansas City Historic Homes: Split-levels, Ranches and Atomic Ranches
Presented by Scott Lane, Vice President of JC Nichols and Founder of KCModern as part of the Plaza Library's Summer Speaking series.  Sponsored by the KC Bungalow Club and KCModern.  Admission Free.
Kansas City Bungalow Club  [Web Site]
KCModern.com  [Web Site]

25 August, Saturday through October 21
Growing Seasons, An American Farm Family at the Beginning of the 20th Century
This educational exhibit is a slice of American history, depicting a distant by familiar, social experience.  Johnson County Museum is proud to be the venue for the national debut of this traveling exhibit consisting of 24 casein paintings, pen & ink vignettes, farm artifacts and a 40 minute DVD.  A variety of complementary programming is planned by the museum and the Johnson County Library.  Photo courtesy of Carolyn Splear Pratt. Tour Development by Smith Kramer Fine Art Services, Kansas City, Missouri.
Additional Information                          081607c
Johnson County Museum of History   [Web Site]
6305 Lackman Rd., Shawnee, KS  66217    913-715-2550

26 August, Sunday, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Kansas City Historic Homes: Neighborhood Historic Preservation
A panel on how neighborhoods can achieve historic status, alternatives to the teardowns that can harm historic neighborhoods, helpful ways to restore homes in the urban core and in first-ring suburbs by Architect Eric Piper, Architectural Historian Susan Richards Johnson, Landmarks Commissioner Brad Wolf.  Other panel members to be announced. Presentation is part of the Plaza Library's Summer Speaking series.  Sponsored by the KC Bungalow Club and KCModern.  Admission Free.
Kansas City Bungalow Club  [Web Site]
KCModern.com  [Web Site]

29 August, Wednesday, 7:00 pm
History of the Irish in Kansas City
Author Pat O'Neill discusses his book, From the Bottom Up, and explains how Kansas City's Irish heritage led to the founding and continued success of one of the country's largest Irish Fests.  A 6:30 pm reception will precede the event.  Admission is free, but reservations are recommended.      082207a
Kansas City Public Library (Waldo Branch)   [Website]
1201 E. 75th St.,  Kansas City, MO    816-701-3407.

30 August, Thursday, Reception 6:00 pm, Presentation 6:30 pm
The Enduring Fascination With Jesse James
Harold Dellinger speaker.  Dellinger will be signing his book, "Jesse James:  The Best Writings on the Notorious Outlaw and his Gang."  Additional Information
Kansas City Public Library (Central Library)   [Website]
14 W. 10th St.,  Kansas City, MO    816-701-3543