March 2008 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 March 19
They Came to Fight: African Americans and the Great World War
he African American History & Culture House has extended its exhibition on African Americans in World War One to March 20th. There is still time to visit the exhibition and help support this effort to account for African American participation in World War I. School groups and youth organizations are welcome.  
African American History & Culture House   [Web Site]
5245 Rockhill Rd., Kansas City, MO  64110     816-235-5641

Through March 22, Regular Museum Hours
Quilts of the 1930s and 1940s
To honor the Douglas County Historical Society's 75th Anniversary, the Watkins Community Museum of History will be hosting quilt shows throughout 2008. The first exhibition highlights quilts of the 1930s and 1940s.
Two additional quilt shows are scheduled:

• Quilts of the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, April 22 through June 7
• Quilts of the 1980s, 1990s, and Present, Sept. 2 through Oct. 18.

Watkins Community Museum of History   [Web Site]
1047 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, KS 66044           785-841-4109

Through March 29, Regular Hours
Celebrating 75 Years of Tools: From Workbench to Kitchen
A hammer. A screwdriver. Are these the images that pop into your head when you think of a "tool"? These hand-held implements that assist in mechanical operation represent our most basic view of what a "tool" is. But a tool can actually be any instrument used to accomplish a task or purpose. Tool usage is a distinctive human characteristic. And when you think of all the tools you probably used today, from a razor or a hairdryer, to an automobile, to your cell phone or PDA, it's easy to see that tools have evolved over the last 75 years along with our ever-changing society. The Museum will be hosting a series of small "75 Years" exhibits to present a sampling of the items in the collection of the Douglas County Historical Society.
Watkins Community Museum of History   [Web Site]
1047 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, KS 66044           785-841-4109

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

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

1 March, Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fourth Annual Militaria Collectors Fair
Area collectors of military artifacts from the Civil War to today set up displays in the J.C. Nichols Auditorium Lobby. Admission is free; regular admission charges apply if visiting the Museum. No buying, selling or trading of artifacts is permitted. Co-sponsored by the Kansas City Military Collectors Club.
National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial   [Web Site]
100 West 26th St., Kansas City, MO  64108   816-784-1918

1 March,Saturday, 10 a.m.
Welcome to the Clay County Historical Museum
An indoor tour of the Clay County Historical Museum and its most interesting artifacts, 14 N. Main St.  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. 

1 March, Saturday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Make-It, Take-It, Bluebird House Workshop
Open to bird lovers of all ages. The fee for the workshop is $10 for museum members and $12 for non-members.  Adults and students are welcome.  Payment and pre-registration are required.  Please call 816.232.8471 for more information or to make a reservation.  Additional Information
The St. Joseph Museums, Inc.    [Web Site]
3406 Frederick Avenue, St. Joseph, MO   816-232-8471

1 March, Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm
7th Annual Indian Artifact Show
Exhibits of authentic Indian artifacts with specialists on-hand to provide identification and appraisal services.  Free admission, but donations appreciated. Please call for vendor and visitor information.
Agency Community Center, Agency MO  816-253-9301

1 March, Saturday, noon
The Great War, the Great Movies – “The Blue Max”
This 1966 film stars George Peppard, James Mason and Ursula Andress. The plot involves a brash young German pilot’s desire to win the coveted German medal. Co-sponsored by the National Archives and Records Administration-Central Plains Region. This free movie will be shown in the J.C. Nichols Auditorium.
National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial   [Web Site]
100 West 26th St., Kansas City, MO  64108   816-784-1918

3 March, Monday, 10 a.m.
Old Glory's Journey of Remembrance
A flag-raising ceremony to honor the service and sacrifices of America's fallen heroes and the families they left behind. Members of the public are welcome to join this free event at the flagpole located on South Lawn (near gated entrance). he White House Commission on Remembrance and USS Arizona Pearl Harbor Memorial Museum are sponsoring a nationwide flag raising effort. Old Glory will travel to 20 states with ceremonies at historic battle sites, national cemeteries and other historically significant sites including the Museum.
National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial   [Web Site]
100 West 26th St., Kansas City, MO  64108   816-784-1918

4 March, Tuesday, 7 p.m.
Treasures from the Collections – 2008
First in a two evening series of programs presenting a different selection of fascinating artifacts from the St. Joseph Museums, Inc.  The artifacts and the background behind them will be presented by Museum Curator of Collections Sarah Elder, and Museum Head of Security and Maintenance, Andy Meyer.  The second program in the series will be presented March 11.  The events are open to the public and admission is free.
The St. Joseph Museums, Inc.    [Web Site]
3406 Frederick Avenue, St. Joseph, MO   816-232-8471

4 March, Tuesday, 4 - 6 p.m.
A National Museum & Policy Institute of Suburbia: History for Tomorrow's Policies
the Arts Council of Johnson County, and in partnership with the Johnson County Museum and the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art will host the fourth in a series of symposia on Arts and Economic Development. The event will be held at the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art at Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd., Overland Park, is designed for public officials and employees who chart the course of our communities, business leaders, economic developers, public education and cultural leaders. The event is free, but registration is required. Space is limited, so register early.
Johnson County Museum of History   [Web Site]
6305 Lackman Rd., Shawnee, KS  66217    913-715-2550

6 March, Thursday, 7 p.m.
George Washington's Near Debacle at the Battle of Monmouth Court House
George Washington's attempt to defeat the British forces under General Sir Henry Clinton as he withdraws his army from Philadelphia to New York City nearly ends in defeat for Washington.  Presented by Col. Jack Brooks, a retired career Army officer.  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

6 March, Thursday, 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Untold Stories and Diversity: Kansas City Museum Presentation at Union Station
Since its 19th century beginnings on the banks of the Missouri River, Kansas City has been a bustling metropolis comprising many diverse cultural groups. The histories of these various peoples - Native Americans, Hispanics, enslaved persons of African descent, eastern Europeans, Jews, and today East Africans and Central Americans - have not been fully told by the majority of Kansas City history-based institutions. This panel discussion assumes that a publicly-funded institution such as Kansas City Museum has an obligation to explore all these histories of the region. But we also presume that to do so, we need to broaden the base of authorship of such histories - these stories need to be told in the voices of those who lived them.

"Untold Stories and Diversity" begins with such neglected histories of Kansas City's past that are not prominent in larger Kansas City culture. Joe Faus of the Latino Writers Collective will share personal and cultural histories of his re-location to KC from his Colombian home, subsequent "flight" to a suburban enclave, and his return to the urban core. The panel will examine such stories, ponder why they are not widely known and look for ways that an institution such as Kansas City Museum can embrace more diverse stories, by embracing diverse authors. Press release from Corinthian Hall
Kansas City Museum at Corinthian Hall presented in the Town Hall Room, Lower Level Union Station.  816-483-8300 for information.

7 March, Friday, 6 - 8 p.m.
African American Women in the Early 20th Century:
An Understated Record of Achievement
A panel presentation hosted by Jamoke Balogun, co-curator of the Culture House, along with presenters, Dr. Delia Gillis (University of Central Missouri), Councilwomen Sharon Sanders-Brooks, Barbara Peterson (Attorney for the Environmental Protection Agency and Chairperson for the Black Archives of Mid-America), and Rashonda Smith (Undergraduate History Major at UMKC). Refreshments will be served.
African American History & Culture House   [Web Site]
5245 Rockhill Rd., Kansas City, MO  64110     816-235-5641

8 March, Saturday, 11 a.m.
Liberty for All lecture series – Remembering the Buffalo Soldier:
Memorials to Black Soldiers of the Indian Wars
Lecture given by Dr. Frank N. Schubert, noted author who recently retired from the Joint History Office, Joint Chiefs of Staff. Book signing to follow. This free lecture will be given in the J.C. Nichols Auditorium.
National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial   [Web Site]
100 West 26th St., Kansas City, MO  64108   816-784-1918

8 March through 12 April
Stories in the Stitches
The exhibition will feature antique quilts that represent the history of quilting.  The exhibit will also showcase modern variations on traditional designs as well as contemporary designs, small and large quilting projects, quilted fabric dolls, antique sewing machines, and other antiques items related to quilting.  Each quilt display will include the origins of the pattern or the story behind the design.  A quilt in progress will also be available so that visitors can try quilting for themselves.  The exhibition will be presented at the Wyeth-Tootle Mansion at 11^th and Charles.  Times and Additional Details:  Press Release.
The St. Joseph Museums, Inc.    [Web Site]
3406 Frederick Avenue, St. Joseph, MO   816-232-8471

11 March, Tuesday, 7 p.m.
Treasures from the Collections – 2008
Second in a two evening series of programs presenting a different selection of fascinating artifacts from the St. Joseph Museums, Inc.  The artifacts and the background behind them will be presented by Museum Curator of Collections Sarah Elder, and Museum Head of Security and Maintenance, Andy Meyer.  The events are open to the public and admission is free.
The St. Joseph Museums, Inc.    [Web Site]
3406 Frederick Avenue, St. Joseph, MO   816-232-8471

12 March, 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

12 March, Wednesday, 7 p.m.
The American Indians and the Civil War
CWRTWM monthly meeting at the Old Blake Museum (Blue & Grey Book Shoppe) 106 E. Walnut, Independence, MO.  Presention by Mr. Ted Stillwell, local historian, writer and artist.  Visitors welcome.  Free admission.  Information: 816-478-7648
Civil War Round Table of Western Missouri [Web Site]

13 March, Thursday, 2 p.m.
The German Occupation of Eastern Europe: Policies and Stereotypes
This free lecture is presented by Dr. Vejas Gabriel Liulevicius, University of Tennessee. Sponsored by UMKC’s History Department. Book signing to follow. Lecture to be presented in the J.C. Nichols Auditorium.
National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial   [Web Site]
100 West 26th St., Kansas City, MO  64108   816-784-1918

14 March, Friday, 7 p.m.
The Great War, the Great Movies – “Flyboys”
This 2006 film starring James Franco portrays American pilots who flew for the French in the famed Lafayette Escadrille. A vivid use of modern special effects. Co-sponsored by the National Archives and Records Administration-Central Plains Region. This free movie will be shown in the J.C. Nichols Auditorium. 
National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial   [Web Site]
100 West 26th St., Kansas City, MO  64108   816-784-1918

14 March, Friday, 6:30 p.m. (Social begins at 6 p.m.)
An Evening with Walt Disney
Westport Historical Society quarterly dinner with special presentation by Bill Worley, a University of Missouri - Kansas City professor of history and longtime Kansas City historian. Worley has re-created many iconic Kansas City figures including Tom Pendergast and  Walt Disney.  The dinner will be held at the Homestead Country Club, 6510 Mission Road, Prairie Village. Social begins at 6:00 followed by dinner at 6:30. The cost is $20.00 per person and the public is invited. Make your check payable to Westport Historical Society, 4000 Baltimore, Kansas City, MO, 64111. Paid reservations are requested by March 11th. For more information, please call, 816-561-1821 or 913-648-0952.  Press Release
Westport Historical Society     [Web Site]

15 March, 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 St. Patrick's Day themed craft.  Visitors are invited to view 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

15 March, Saturday
Women in the Outdoors Skills Workshop at Pioneer Village, Adrian, MO
Classes: Wingbone turkey call making, Archery, Dutch Oven Cooking, Outdoor Photography, Trap shooting & patterning, Fly Casting, Antler Jewelry making, trailer backing, camping, knot tying. Hosted by River Hens chapter of WITO
Contact: Gail Tiller 660-679-6362, Smokeybear5@netection.net

15 March, Saturday, noon
The Great War, the Great Movies – “Flyboys”
This 2006 film starring James Franco portrays American pilots who flew for the French in the famed Lafayette Escadrille. A vivid use of modern special effects. Co-sponsored by the National Archives and Records Administration-Central Plains Region. This free movie will be shown in the J.C. Nichols Auditorium. 
National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial   [Web Site]
100 West 26th St., Kansas City, MO  64108   816-784-1918

15 March, Saturday, Noon
A Mad Hatter’s Tea
Annual Spring Fashion Show and Luncheon. Reservations are Required
The Bingham Waggoner Estate [Web Site]
313 West Pacific, Independence, MO 64050 816-461-3491

16 March, Sunday, 2 p.m.
The Politics of Segregated Education: Nathan B. Young at Lincoln University
Antonio F. Holland, chair of the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Lincoln University of Missouri and coauthor of Missouri’s Black Heritage, discusses the legacy of Nathan B. Young and the evolution of education for former slaves and their descendants. A former colleague of Booker T. Washington with two degrees from Oberlin College, Nathan B. Young found his place as president of Missouri’s Lincoln University in 1923, where he raised academic standards and earned accreditation for its programs. But success and progress at Lincoln swayed with the political winds and in 1927 white state legislators succeeded in ousting him. One year and another election later, Young returned to helm the university however, legislators forced him out again in 1931, ending his career. Photo of Nathan Young,  Courtesy of Antonio F. Holland

Kansas City Public Library (Central Library)   [Website]
14 W. 10th St.,  Kansas City, MO    816-701-3543

17 March, Monday, 6:30 p.m.  (Preceded by a 6 p.m. reception)
Remembering the Forgotten One: The Life of Bayard Rustin
On what would be his 96th birthday, civil rights pioneer Bayard Rustin will be celebrated with a showing of the documentary Brother Outsider: the Life of Bayard Rustin (2003). The award-winning documentary chronicles the life of the man who is best remembered as the organizer of the historic 1963 March on Washington, arguably one of America’s most peaceful protests. Rustin was largely responsible for the nonviolent course of the American civil rights movement, teaching Gandhi’s techniques and ideas of peace to leaders including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He was an influential member of the Freedom Riders and proved to be a valuable resource in the elimination of segregation from the public bus system in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1956.

Throughout his life, Rustin was on the cusp of several ground-breaking causes. He was one of the first members of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and was an activist against nuclear weapons. In addition, as an openly gay man, Rustin was actively involved in the struggle for gay and lesbian rights before his death in 1987 of cardiac arrest.

At the conclusion of the documentary, Walter Naegle, Rustin’s life partner during the final years of his life, will take questions from the audience while discussing the vision Rustin had and how these principles still apply.
Kansas City Public Library (L.H. Bluford Branch)   [Website]
3050 Prospect.,  Kansas City, MO    816-701-3407

19 March, 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

20 March, Thursday, 2 p.m.
African American Soldiers and Their Uniforms
Dr. Pellom McDaniels, UMKC Assistant Professor of History and American Studies, will present this free lecture. Sponsored by the UMKC History Department. This free lecture will be offered in the J.C. Nichols Auditorium.
National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial   [Web Site]
100 West 26th St., Kansas City, MO  64108   816-784-1918

21 March, Wednesday, 10 a.m.
Story Time with the Johnson County Museum and Johnson County Library
Enjoy stories and craft activities just for pre-schoolers!
Johnson County Museum of History   [Web Site]
6305 Lackman Rd., Shawnee, KS  66217    913-715-2550

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

26 March, 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

28 - 29 March, Friday and Saturday
Women in the Outdoors Skills Workshop at Camp Gieger, St. Joseph, MO
Classes: Turkey Tail Taxidermy, trailer backing, letter boxing, climbing & rappelling, Gourd Bird houses, Outdoor survival walk,
Antler Jewelry making, Outdoor digital photography, Bird Watching, Weather Reading, Self Defense, Window Art, Knife & Hawk throwing, Dutch Oven cooking, Handguns, Mosaic Tile, Clay target shooting, Woodcarving, Willow Furniture, Turkey hunting,
Natural Remedies, Scrimshaw, Archery. Hosted by Platte Purchase chapter of WITO
Contact: Sherry Hill 816-992-3650, Sshilltop2@yahoo.com

29 - 30 March, Saturday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
African Violet Show and Sale, "Parade of Violets"
Members of  the Sho-Me African Violet Club will be entering African Violets and other plants of the gesneriad family in this nationally judged show.
Presented at the  Loose Park Garden Center, 5200 Pennsylvania, Kansas City, MO.  Additional information 816 784-5300
 

29 - 30 March, Saturday - Sunday
Burning of Dayton Civil War Reenactment
Hundreds of re-enactors will take part in presenting the Civil War events of Dayton, Missouri.  There will be continuous activities both days:  Skirmishes , Sutlers, craftsmen and period demonstrators, Ladies tea and fashion show, Civil War period military dance and dance lessons, 1860’s church service on Sunday, Food, Historical books and much more for sale .  The highlight of the event will be the actual burning of a town, (constructed especially for this purpose).  Spectators are encouraged to visit the campsites of both Union and Confederate, to learn about camp life during the Civil War.  [Information on the original battle and the reenactment.]
Reenacted in the town of Dayton located between Archie and Creighton  on B Highway, accessed off of Highway 71 or Highway 7 in Cass County.  [Web site]

29 March - 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

31 March, Monday, Various times for 10 weeks
Irish Gaelic Spring Classes
Love the iconic sound of Irish music? Often that's the tinwhistle, and you can learn it at the Irish Center.  The Kansas City School of Irish Music offers tinwhistle classes at the Irish Center by All-Ireland flute champion Turlach Boylan, who now lives in the area, plays in area traditional Irish bands, and shares his passion and expertise. 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