May 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 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

Through 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. 
UMKC African American History & Culture House   [Web Site]
5245 Rockhill RD., Kansas City, MO  816-235-6609

Through 28 May
Outstanding Missouri Women
In honor of National Women’s History Month, the Missouri Women’s Council has created a traveling exhibit honoring Missouri women whose historic achievements have helped shape the Show Me State throughout history.  This historical display was originally unveiled in March at the Capital Rotunda Museum in Jefferson City and is now on display at The St. Joseph Museums, Inc.    [Additional Information]
The St. Joseph Museums, Inc.    [Web Site]
3406 Frederick Avenue, St. Joseph, MO   816-232-8471

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

3 May, Saturday, 6 - 9 p.m.
Victorian Dance
The Friends of the Anderson House will demonstrate Victorian Era dancing. No charge.
Battle of Lexington State Historic Site    [Web Site]
1101 Delaware Street, Lexington, MO  64067  660-259-4654

3 May, Saturday, 2 p.m.
Celtic Spirituality presentation by Bishop Raymond Boland
Irish Museum and Cultural Center     [Web Site]
Union Station, 30 Pershing Rd., Suite 700, Kansas City   816-474-3848

3 May, Saturday, 10 a.m.
New Hope Fairview Cemetery
Tour meets at the flagpole at the corner of Shrader Street & Terrace Ave. Led by Juarenne Hester, Clay County Historical Society.  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. 

4 May, Sunday, 1 - 4 p.m.
May Day at Lanesfield
Celebrate spring by visiting the decorated 1904 school, making a May basket, and dancing around the maypole!  Live music and refreshments complete the festivities.
Lanesfield School Historic Site (Johnson County Museum of History)   [Web Site]
18745 S Dillie Road, Edgerton, KS    913-893-6645

7 May, 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

8 May, Thursday, 7 p.m.
The Western Trails
The origin, migration and the end of the Oregon-California and Santa Fe Trails.
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

8 May, Thursday, 2 p.m.
Guided Tour: Manifest Destiny – Who Went West and Why
Was it “manifest destiny” of the United States to spread American values and form of government from sea to shining sea? Explore the many aspects and perspectives of this topic during this 30-minute gallery walk.  Regular museum admission rates
National Frontier Trails Museum      [Web Site]
318 W. Pacific, Independence, MO 64050, 816-325-7575

10 May, Saturday, Saturday, 9 a.m.
Civil War Battlefield Tour
Walk back in time to October 21, 1864, when the Battle of the Little Blue was fought in Eastern Jackson County as a part of the larger Battle of Westport in the last days of the Civil War.  The Civil War Round Table of Western Missouri is presenting a guided bus tour from Independence, MO into Kansas City to retrace the action of Confederate General Sterling Price's last foray into Missouri. [Additional Information]
Celebrating Preservation Month presented by the City of Independence  [Web Site]

14 May, Wednesday, 9 a.m.
Story Time at the Johnson County Museum
A free story time program for preschool age children and their parents.  Visitors will enjoy farm-themed stories and can make a craft to take home.  After the fun festivities of story time, visitors can view the exhibit Coming of Age in Johnson County: 1960 - 1976.  This exhibit explores the national trends and local issues that make this era so intriguing.  Visitors are invited to test their 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.  Due to limited space, groups of ten or more need to call ahead for reservations. 
Johnson County Museum of History   [Web Site]
6305 Lackman Rd., Shawnee, KS  66217    913-715-2550

15 May, Thursday, 2 p.m.
Guided Tour: Manifest Destiny – Who Went West and Why
Was it “manifest destiny” of the United States to spread American values and form of government from sea to shining sea? Explore the many aspects and perspectives of this topic during this 30-minute gallery walk.  Regular museum admission rates
National Frontier Trails Museum      [Web Site]
318 W. Pacific, Independence, MO 64050, 816-325-7575

17 May, 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

17 May, Saturday, 10 a.m.
Woodlawn Cemetery Tour
Ever wonder what's behind the impressive stone wall and beautiful caretaker's building that has long been a landmark along Noland Road? Join noted local historian LaNita Cooper for an hour long tour of the gently rolling hills of the cemetery grounds of Historic Woodlawn Cemetery located at 701 South Noland Road.  [Additional Information]
Celebrating Preservation Month presented by the City of Independence  [Web Site]

20 May, Tuesday, 2 p.m.
Preservation Talk about Harry Truman's Office at the Truman Library
The Truman Library is currently embarked on a project to preserve the office of former President Harry Truman and to improve the interpretive experience for the Library’s museum visitors.  The former President worked in this office from 1957 until 1966.  From here he met many visiting dignitaries, handled correspondence, and directed many of the activities of the Truman Library. Learn about the three step process to protect and preserve the Truman Office and his legacy. The program begins at 2p.m.in the Francis Family Theater. [Additional Information]
Celebrating Preservation Month presented by the City of Independence  [Web Site]

21 May, Wednesday, 9 a.m.
Story Time at the Johnson County Museum
A free story time program for preschool age children and their parents.  Visitors will enjoy farm-themed stories and can make a craft to take home.  After the fun festivities of story time, visitors can view the exhibit Coming of Age in Johnson County: 1960 - 1976.  This exhibit explores the national trends and local issues that make this era so intriguing.  Visitors are invited to test their 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.  Due to limited space, groups of ten or more need to call ahead for reservations. 
Johnson County Museum of History   [Web Site]
6305 Lackman Rd., Shawnee, KS  66217    913-715-2550

21 May, Wednesday, 7 p.m.
The Mountain Meadows Massacre
The Mountain Meadows Massacre happened in southern Utah in 1857. Over 140 men, women and children of the Fancher wagon train were reportedly killed by Mormon settlers in that tragic event. The program will be presented by Fancher descendants, who had several members of their family killed in the attack. A special part of the evening will be the large display of books and articles about the massacre, which they will be donating to
the Mattes Library housed at the National Frontier Trails Museum that evening.
National Frontier Trails Museum      [Web Site]
318 W. Pacific, Independence, MO 64050, 816-325-7575

22 May, Thursday, 2 p.m.
Guided Tour: Manifest Destiny – Who Went West and Why
Was it “manifest destiny” of the United States to spread American values and form of government from sea to shining sea? Explore the many aspects and perspectives of this topic during this 30-minute gallery walk.  Regular museum admission rates
National Frontier Trails Museum      [Web Site]
318 W. Pacific, Independence, MO 64050, 816-325-7575

24 - 26 May, Saturday - Monday, Various Schedule
Memorial Day Commemoration at National World War 1 Museum
Join in honoring those who served our country in defense of liberty with a series of events over the Memorial Day weekend. Weekend activities include free lectures, movies, military vehicle display and a performance by the Kansas City Symphony.  Memorial Day activities include a special ceremony at 9:30 a.m. on Monday which will include a color guard, performances by the American Legion Band and a keynote address by General Deborah Rose.  Frank W. Buckles, the last known surviving American World War 1 veteran will be an honored guest.  Additional Information including a schedule of all the events along with special operating hours and shuttle parking.
National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial   [Web Site]
100 West 26th St., Kansas City, MO  64108   816-784-1918

28 May, 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

29 May, Thursday, 7 p.m.
A History of the Treatment of People with Mental Illness in Missouri
The way we address mental health care, and those who suffer from mental illness, has changed dramatically though the years.  Hosted as part of Mental Health Awareness Month at the Glore Psychiatric Museum (St. Joseph Museums, Inc.), the program features speaker Dr. Danny Wedding from the Speakers Bureau of The State Historical Society of Missouri.  
The St. Joseph Museums, Inc.    [Web Site]
3406 Frederick Avenue, St. Joseph, MO   816-232-8471

29 May, Thursday, 6 - 8 p.m.
University Missouri Extension: Canning and Freezing
Learn to preserve the summer's bounty of fresh vegetables and fruits with up-to-date preservation procedures. This class is one of a series scheduled for this summer in various locations in the Kansas City area.
(Flyer with event schedule, class details and contact information)
University of Missouri Extension  
2700 E 18th, Kansas City, MO  64127      816-482-5850

29 May, Thursday, 6:30 p.m.
Evening Swales Walk and Wagon Ride
Explore swales (grass covered ruts) made in the 1830’s, investigate the Santa Fe Gallery,
and enjoy a wagon ride powered by genuine Missouri Mules! Advance reservations required. Weather permitting.
National Frontier Trails Museum      [Web Site]
318 W. Pacific, Independence, MO 64050, 816-325-7575

29 May, Thursday, 2 p.m.
Guided Tour: Manifest Destiny – Who Went West and Why
Was it “manifest destiny” of the United States to spread American values and form of government from sea to shining sea? Explore the many aspects and perspectives of this topic during this 30-minute gallery walk.  Regular museum admission rates
National Frontier Trails Museum      [Web Site]
318 W. Pacific, Independence, MO 64050, 816-325-7575

31 May - 1 June, Saturday and Sunday
Women in the Outdoors Skills Missouri State Event at Heartland Center, Parkville, MO
Classes: Archery, Antler Jewelry, Birding Techniques, Campfire Building, Dutch Oven Cooking, Fly Casting, Fly Tying, Frisbie Golf, Grilling Outdoors, G.P.S. Adventure, Herb Gardening, High Ropes Challenge, Horse Back riding, Journaling, Kayaking, Kickless
shooting, MO Edible Plants, MO River Hike, Orienteering, Outdoor Photography, Papermaking, Roping, Self Defense, Stream Ecology, Tree I.D. Turkey Feather Painting, Weather Reading.
Contact: Alexis Bechtold 816-891-1078, Activities@heartlandcenter.org

31 May, Saturday, 10 a.m.
Pitcher Cemetery Walking Tour
Join local historian Kathleen Tuohey on a FREE walking tour of this famous local cemetery. Tour includes the burial site of a Revolutionary War & Civil War soldiers. Meet at the cemetery entrance located at Blue Ridge Cut-off.  [Additional Information]
Celebrating Preservation Month presented by the City of Independence  [Web Site]