April 2008 Calendar of Events
Area Museums, Historical Sites and Historical Organizations
 

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

Antique and Collectibles
2008 Show Calendar

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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 31 August, 2008, Regular Museum Hours
Coming of Age in Johnson County (KS): 1960 - 1976
For the country, the county, and the Baby Boomer generation, the 1960's and 70's were a rite of passage. These decades challenged Americans to ask fundamental questions about the way they were living. What is our nation's place in the world? Does everyone deserve equal rights? What role should the government, both nationally and at the local level, play in our lives? Is it really a good idea wear a paisley tie with a powder blue polyester leisure suit? Check out this fascinating exhibit to explore how local residents responded to the issues of the times! Free Admission     Additional Information on special tours and history of the exhibit.  Visit the link below for regular museum hours. Online Photo Gallery
Johnson County Museum of History   [Web Site]
6305 Lackman Rd., Shawnee, KS  66217    913-715-2550

Through 2 May
The Curiosity Cabinet Exhibit
A photographic exhibit of unusual oddities - the weird and wondrous, the fascinating and forgotten, the surprising and stupendous - from the collections of members of the Western Museum Association.  Hosted by the Clendening History of Medicine Museum and the University of Kansas Medical Center, the exhibit is on display in the Foyer of the Clendening History of Medicine Library at the University of Kansas Medical Center. [Online Information]   [Directions and Parking Tips] or call 913-588-7243

25 March - 30 May, Tuesday - Friday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Exhibition of African American Dolls
UMKC African American History & Culture House presents dolls from Nedra Bonds, Peggy Love, Sonie Ruffin and Racque Stollof.  Workshop and reception on 5 April.
UMKC African American History & Culture House   [Web Site]
5245 Rockhill RD., Kansas City, MO  816-235-6609

Through  22 June
Imaging Blackness, 1915-2002
An exhibit reflecting the peaks and valleys of the African American experience in film in the 20th century. The Indiana University Black Film Center/Archive presents 43 posters from almost a century of movies that feature legendary actors including Lena Horne, Sidney Poitier, Herb Jeffries, Danny Glover, James Earl Jones, Whoopi Goldberg, and Jada Pinkett Smith. Curated by Audrey T. McCluskey, Ph.D., associate professor of African American and African Diaspora Studies at Indiana University, the exhibit serves as a visual timeline that tracks early cinematic stereotyping of black culture to modern day acceptance of big-budget productions depicting a more positive image.  Organized and toured by Mid-America Arts Alliance through its ExhibitsUSA national program.
Kansas City Public Library (Central Library)   [Website]
14 W. 10th St.,  Kansas City, MO    816-701-3543

2 April, Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.  and 7:30 p.m. classes for 10 weeks
Irish Gaelic Spring Classes
Beginning Irish Gaelic for anyone who would like to start or build upon the basics of the Irish language. These classes will focus on basic pronunciation, culture, family and place names, and literature of the language. The 6:30 class will be for those starting from scratch; the 7:30 class for those with some knowledge (including those who took the class last fall). Students can stay for an additional half hour at the end of each class for practice if they choose. Visit web site for additional information on fees and instruction.
Irish Museum and Cultural Center     [Web Site]
Union Station, 30 Pershing Rd., Suite 700, Kansas City   816-474-3848

3 April, Thursday, 7 p.m.
The Military Road -- Historical Lecture
The Military Road was built to establish the Indian Policy of the U.S. Government. Congress approved the legislation in 1836 and by 1845 the Military Road stretched from Fort Snelling in Minnesota to Fort Jesup in Louisiana.  It was nearly 1000 miles long, and at that time it was the Western Frontier.  After 1854, it became the conduit for white immigration into eastern Territorial Kansas.  Presented by Cmdr. (Retired) Orvis Fitts, Past President of the Civil War Round Table of KC, the Westport Historical Society, Heart of America Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America and Past Chairman of Monnett Battle of Westport.  The event is free and open to the public.
Historical Society of New Santa Fe at the Trailside Center    
9901 Holmes, Kansas City, MO  63131     816-942-3581

4 April, Friday, 7:30 p.m., 8:00 p.m., 8:30 p.m.
Designer Vintage Fashion Show at The Historic Garment District Museum 
Presented by The Fashion Group International of Kansas City, the show will present pieces from the 1920’s through the 1960’s, including, a wool bathing suite from 1922 and a Nelly Don afternoon dress from 1924.  Other vintage pieces include items from Chanel, Dior, Adrian, Oscar, and others. There will be three shows (7:30 p.m., 8:00 p.m., 8:30 p.m.) with different pieces in each show.  Models are from the Johnson County Community College.  $10.00 donation to FGI to benefit the JCCC Designer Vintage Collection.  Cash Bar. Additional information, 816-472-2112
Historic Garment District Museum
8th & Broadway, Kansas City, MO      913-814-0334

5 April, Saturday, 5:30 p.m.
National Frontier Trails Museum Annual Benefit Dinner
The Friends of the National Frontier Trails Museum hosts its Annual Benefit Dinner at the museum with festivities beginning at 5:30 pm, with social time and wagon rides provided
by Pioneer Trails Adventures. A delicious barbecue dinner will be served at 6:30 pm. This year’s featured entertainment is nationally-known folk musician Colin O’Brien, who will perform his entertaining and enlightening program “Trails to Rails,” a history of westward
expansion with music. Dress for the event is casual, and is a wonderful, family-friendly activity for all. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children 6-17. All proceeds benefit the National Frontier Trails Museum.
National Frontier Trails Museum      [Web Site]
318 W. Pacific, Independence, MO 64050, 816-325-7575

5 April, Saturday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Workshop; 1 - 3 p.m. Reception
Dolls: Exhibit, Workshop and Reception at the Culture House Gallery
Artist workshop and reception in celebration of the current Doll exhibition.  Beginner to advanced sewers welcome to the workshop.  Please bring a basic sewing kit and sewing machine, as well as additional fabric, buttons and beads to embellish your doll.  Sewing machines will be provided courtesy of Missouri Sewing Machine. Space is limited and registration required. $25 ($10 students) fee to include fabric, pattern & instructions.
UMKC African American History & Culture House   [Web Site]
5245 Rockhill RD., Kansas City, MO  816-235-6609
 

5 April, Saturday, 10 a.m.
William Jewell College
Tour meets in front of Gano Chapel on the William Jewell College Quad. Led by Angela Stiffler, William Jewell College Curator.  This tour is part of explore Liberty's Heritage walking tour program. All guided tours are free and open to the public.  Be sure to wear comfortable shoes. For more information call 816-439-4537. 

9 April, Wednesday, 9 – 11 a.m. 
Pop ‘N Play for Small Children
Designed for children between the ages of 9 months and 3 years, playtime at the museum gives your little one many opportunities to explore with painting, drawing and music stations. A sensory play station provides a chance to improve fine motor skills. Preschoolers can play dress-up, and crawlers and toddlers will have a new world to explore while climbing in our colorful soft play area. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Older siblings are welcome. Participants can also explore the museum's current exhibits, Seeking the Good Life and Coming of Age: Johnson County in the 1960's and 70's. Groups of ten or more need call ahead for reservations. Admission is $1 per child, free admission for adults.
Johnson County Museum of History   [Web Site]
6305 Lackman Rd., Shawnee, KS  66217    913-715-2550

10 April, Thursday, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Celebration of the Good Friday Peace Accord
10th anniversary of the agreement that put Northern Ireland on the path toward peace.  Video feed from Ireland, local thoughts, music and refreshments by Guinness.
Irish Museum and Cultural Center     [Web Site]
Union Station, 30 Pershing Rd., Suite 700, Kansas City   816-474-3848

12 April, Saturday, 6 - 9 p.m.
Irish Whiskey Program
Sean Noonan, direct from Jameson in Dublin, brings several varieties of this quintessential Irish "water of life," a visual presentation of the Jameson Distillery and his own expertise and passion to share with us at the Irish Center. Woody, warm or smoky. Come learn and taste the history, the process and the nuances of this storied part of Irish history. Bring friends, colleagues, family — anyone who would appreciate tasting and learning about fine Irish whiskey from an Irishman himself. Slainte!  With the appropriate Irish buffet from O’Dowd’s and music. $40 IMCC members, $45 general. May pay at the door. Cash, check or credit card. Reservations Requested.
Irish Museum and Cultural Center     [Web Site]
Union Station, 30 Pershing Rd., Suite 700, Kansas City   816-474-3848

12 April, Saturday
Women in the Outdoors Skills Workshop at Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge in Mound City, MO
Classes: Birding Techniques, Dutch Oven Cooking, Feather Painting, Wetland Boating, Mushroom hunting, Turkey Tail taxidermy, Turkey hunting 101, Waterfowl Hunting 101, Wetland Plants, Wildlife Photography, Archery, Shotgun patterning, Designing &
Planting a vineyard, Fly tying, Favorite Flies of the Midwest, Fly casting, Selecting Tractors & Farm equipment for the hobby farmer, MO River Flood Plain Ecology, Loess Hill ecology, Black Powder shooting, Orienteering and GPS, Willow Furniture making, Field Training & Field First aid for your hunting dogs, Cabin Style Deocrating, Soap Making, Road Kill Café, How to reduce your carbon footprint, Fishing the Mighty MO, Reptiles & Amphibians. Hosted by: Platte Purchase chapter of the National Wild Turkey
Federation
Contact: Lori Stickler 660-446-2336, Kalbusus@yahoo.com

13 April, Sunday, 2 p.m.
William Becknell and the Beginning of the Santa Fe Trail
The Missouri River Outfitters chapter of the Santa Fe Trail Association will sponsor this special program at the National Frontier Trails Museum.  The speaker will be Harry Myers, a noted historian and authority on the trail. A chapter meeting will also
take place on that date at the museum after the lecture. This program is free to the public, but regular museum admission applies if visiting the gallery exhibits.
National Frontier Trails Museum      [Web Site]
318 W. Pacific, Independence, MO 64050, 816-325-7575

13 April, Sunday, 2 p.m.
Informational Meeting at the Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studios
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources and site staff will discuss issues related to the State Historic Site including recent changes and projects as well as upcoming repairs at the site. Light refreshments will be served. Guided tours of the home and studio will be available before and after the meeting. A film “A Visit With Thomas Hart Benton” will be shown after the meeting.
The Thomas Hart Benton Home & Studio State Historic Site 
3616 Belleview, Kansas City, MO  816-931-5722   [Web Site]

16 April, Wednesday, 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Story Time at the Museum
Join us every third Wednesday each month for pre-school story time and a craft.  Drop in for families.  Groups of 10 or more must pre-register at 913-715-2570
Johnson County Museum of History   [Web Site]
6305 Lackman Rd., Shawnee, KS  66217    913-715-2550

19 April, Saturday, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Fort Leavenworth Historic Homes Tour and Frontier Army Encampment
11 homes as well as the historic Memorial Chapel, built by prison labor in 1878 are included in this years tour.  Guests are now able to drive or walk the tour, with designated handicap parking in front of each house. The Living History Association’s annual Dragoon Encampment at the Main Parade Field will be held at the same time.  Dressed in period uniform and costumes, re-enactors bring to life the sights and sounds of an 1840’s frontier fort.  Mounted horse drills and cannon salutes will be held from opening flag raising at 10:00 a.m. to the retreat at 4:00 p.m.  Other events include a pioneer cultural exhibit with costumed re-enactors demonstrating the artistry and skills of the pioneer days.  [Additional Information]

19 April, Saturday, 1 - 3 p.m.
Family Fun Day at the Johnson County Museum
Join members of the Johnson County Museum's Education Team and make a Love Beads bracelet in honor of the museum's latest exhibit, Coming of Age in Johnson County: 1960 – 1970.  This exhibit explores the political, economic, and social issues facing Johnson County residents in the 1960s and '70s.  View the exhibit and test your skills in the exhibit's hands-on areas: dance the Hustle, play a game of Pong, blast off to outer space in the interactive rocket, and much more.  The event is free to the public.
Johnson County Museum of History   [Web Site]
6305 Lackman Rd., Shawnee, KS  66217    913-715-2550

20-27 April, Sunday - Sunday, Various Hours
Gatsby Days Heritage Festival
Activities begin Sunday, April 20, with a style show.  Models will be wearing vintage clothing showing off the popular fashions of the early 20th century.  Homemade ice cream, cookies, and lemonade will be served.  Gatsby Days continue through the week with a dinner performance by members of the Excelsior Springs Community Theatre, an art show featuring regional artists, a juried children's art show, a hickory golf tournament, a Vaudeville Dinner & Show, the dedication of a miniature wooden train designed to be a hands-on children's exhibit, children's games and activities from the 1920s and concluding with a Sunday Afternoon Tea to be held at the Historic Oaks Apartments. 
The Excelsior Springs Area Cultural Guild    [www.gatsbydays.com]
Excelsior Springs MO     816-637-2175 (leave message)

23 April, Wednesday, 9 – 11 a.m. 
Pop ‘N Play for Small Children
Designed for children between the ages of 9 months and 3 years, playtime at the museum gives your little one many opportunities to explore with painting, drawing and music stations. A sensory play station provides a chance to improve fine motor skills. Preschoolers can play dress-up, and crawlers and toddlers will have a new world to explore while climbing in our colorful soft play area. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Older siblings are welcome. Participants can also explore the museum's current exhibits, Seeking the Good Life and Coming of Age: Johnson County in the 1960's and 70's. Groups of ten or more need call ahead for reservations. Admission is $1 per child, free admission for adults.
Johnson County Museum of History   [Web Site]
6305 Lackman Rd., Shawnee, KS  66217    913-715-2550

25 - 26 April, Friday and Saturday
Women in the Outdoors Skills Workshop at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Historic Farm, Olathe, KS
Classes: Antler Jewelry, Black Powder, Blacksmithing, Calf Roping, Dog Training, Dutch Oven cooking, Fire building, Herb Gardening, Horse Care & Grooming, Kickless Shooting, Lamping, Personal Protection, Quilling, Quilting, Ropes & Knots, Sign Language, Soap Making, Spinning, Tatting-Crochet, Tomahawk & knife Throwing, Archery, Canoeing, Firearm Care, Fly Fishing, Fly Tying, GPS, kayaking, Rod & Reel care, Rod & Reel fishing, Trailer Backing, Turkey Hunting. Hosted by: The Buffalo Gals of Olathe
Contact: Dee Creath 913-231-8948, Duchessdlc@comcast.net

26 - 27 April, Saturday - Sunday, Various Hours
Gatsby Days Heritage Festival
Fun for the whole family will continue through the weekend with an art show featuring regional artists, a juried children's art show, a hickory golf tournament, a Vaudeville Dinner & Show, the dedication of a miniature wooden train designed to be a hands-on children's exhibit, children's games and activities from the 1920s and concluding with a Sunday Afternoon Tea to be held at the Historic Oaks Apartments. 
The Excelsior Springs Area Cultural Guild    [www.gatsbydays.com]
Excelsior Springs MO     816-637-2175 (leave message)