A guide to the history and natural resources of the Kansas City - St. Joseph area and surrounding communities

September 2010 Calendar of Events
 

Information in this calendar is provided by the hosting organization listed with the event. While deemed accurate, the information provided is not guaranteed by WindingRiver.com. Please see the web sites listed for additional details and updates, including schedule accuracy.
Admission Fees:	We do not include admission or participation fees in our listings.  Please use the link in each listing for information on applicable fees.  Many events may require reservations.
Free Events:	We try to indicate when an event  is free -- no admission fees, no event participation fees and no fees for materials.
Reservations:	Please use the link with each description to determine if pre-registration is required.  Listing requiring a pre-registration more than 1 week in advance are designated with our special logo.
Additional Information	Use the links or contact information with each listing for additional information.

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Rural estates and
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5 September, Sunday, Noon - 4 p.m.
Record your own history at Family Fun Days
Family histories are passed down in many ways, orally through songs and storytelling, or written, through poems and journals. Visitors will embark on a journey through their own family histories and can learn and experiment with some of the different ways people have passed down their family histories, such as through oral histories and story quilts. Visitors can listen to story songs with singer Emily Tummons in the StoryTarium as well as create their own family history journal and start recording their family histories in the Museum’s Visitor Center.
Kansas City Museum at Corinthian Hall  [Web Site]
3218 Gladstone Blvd., Kansas City, MO  64123   816-483-8300

8 September, Wednesday, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Weapons of the Border Wars on the Local History Stage
Local historians and reeanactors, Steve Gingery and Don Wright will present "Weapons of the Border Wars" at the Local History Stage. They will bring examples of weapons used in the Border Wars and the Civil War -- some unique to this area. The event is free. No registration is necessary. Light refreshments will be served. The program will be at the Joyce Raye Patterson Senior Center at 100 S. 10th Street.
St. Joseph Public Library (Downtown Library)   [Web Site]
927 Felix, St. Joseph, Missouri     (816) 232-7729

9 September, Thursday, 7 p.m.
Dramatic Reading of “Journey’s End”, WWI play
Professionals from the Kansas City Actors Theater present a dramatic reading from one of the great plays to come from World War I. Playwright R. C. Sheriff set his 1928 drama in a British trench on the Western Front. The play recently enjoyed a successful revival on Broadway. This free event will be held in the Museum’s 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

9 September, Thursday, 6:30 p.m. (Reception at 6 p.m.)
Lincoln in the National Archives
Archivist and author Trevor Plante will present information on records held at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., relating to Abraham Lincoln. Examples of documents will be shown focusing primarily on records created during Lincoln's presidency, his assassination, and its aftermath.  Attendees are encouraged to view the two Lincoln exhibitions, Abraham Lincoln: Self-Made in America and Lincoln Lives On, prior to Plante’s talk.
The National Archives at Kansas City  [Web Site]
400 West Pershing Road, Kansas City, MO     816-268-8000

9 September, Thursday, 7 p.m.
Living History Series Presentation: The Korean War
Want to know more about our efforts in the Korean War? Hear from veterans, see a short video and learn abut the history of this conflict. Gerri Shirel, Vice-Commander of VFW Post in Korea will give a broad overview of the conflict.
Historical Society of New Santa Fe at the Trailside Center     [Web Site]
9901 Holmes, Kansas City, MO  63131     816-942-3581

10-12 September, Friday-Sunday, 9 a.m. -  4:30 p.m. (9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Sunday)
Grand Festival of Chez les Canses
Re-enactors and volunteers present a glimpse of the late 18th century American culture and lifestyles of our colonial ancestors. From period appropriate clothing to arts and crafts, you will be able to share this rich segment of our heritage.
Fort Osage National Historic Landmark     [Web Site] 
107 Osage St. Sibley, MO      816-503-4860

11 September, Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Tomato & Chile Pepper Fest
We're highlighting tomatoes and peppers at one big flavor fest! Join us for chef demonstrations, tomato and pepper tours, music, sampling tables for olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salsa, grilling sauces and pepper jelly, the Tomato Tasting Experience (extra fee applies) and the alluring excitement of the Wheel of Fire pepper eating challenge! The festival is included with regular Garden admission.
Powell Gardens    [Web Site] 
1609 NW Hwy 50, Kingsville, MO  816-697-2600

11 September, Saturday, 7 - 9 p.m.
Free Concert with Shortleaf Band
The John Wornall House presents Music on the Lawn with the Shortleaf Band performing Celtic and Old Time music. Bring your own blanket or lawn chair. Picnics and children are welcome.
The John Wornall House Museum  [Web Site]
6115 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO   (816) 444-1858

11 September, Saturday, 2 p.m.
Second Saturday Story Time: “A Log’s Life”
We’ll be reading “A Log’s Life” by Wendy Pfeffer, and learning about the forest ecosystem, inspiring us to take a closer look at the trees and logs in our own backyards. We’ll have coloring and a snack. Regular Admission. Events Flyer
Remington Nature Center of St. Joseph     [Web Site]
1502 MacArthur Drive, St. Joseph, MO   

11 September, Saturday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Conversations with The Men of Westport
A.G. Boone, John Sutter, Jim Bridger, John Calvin McCoy and Alexander Majors are among the pioneers who will tell their stories at the Historic Harris-Kearney House. Talk with the gentlemen about the founding of West Port, the Santa Fe Trail trade, and the border struggles. Discuss with them about becoming a partner in the new Wind Wagon, hear about the possibility of a railroad coming to the area, watch a gun fight and listen to a debate. Some of the wives of these famous gentlemen will be available to give the women’s perspective. The event is free, so bring the whole family.  A discounted fee to tour the mansion museum will be offered upon request.
Westport Historical Society and 1855 Harris-Kearney House Museum     [Web Site]
4000 Baltimore, Kansas City, MO 64111   816-561-1821

11 September, Saturday, Contact host for details
Weston Bend State Park site of Pancreatic Cancer 5/10K Walk Run
Run in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark and follow a scenic route along the river bluffs and through Weston Bend State Park while supporting the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. All proceeds of this event will be donated to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Email westonmo@kc.rr.com for additional information.
Weston Chamber of Commerce [Web Site]
526 Main St., Weston, MO  64098   816-640-2909

11 September, Saturday, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Garden Chef Series
Get great ideas for cooking from the garden from our region's top culinary experts. Suzanne Frisse of Meadowlark Acres demonstrates a Rainbow Pepper Jelly at 11 a.m. Mark Mollentine of the Governor’s Meeting House cooks Latin-seasoned grilled beef with tropical salsa at 1:30 p.m.
Powell Gardens    [Web Site] 
1609 NW Hwy 50, Kingsville, MO  816-697-2600

11 September, Saturday, 1 - 4 p.m.
Children's Tea Party at Historic Mt. Gilead Church
Proper tea party manners are one of several activities planned along with teaching participants how to make a rag doll, decorative placemat and brooch, a reader’s theatre, tour of the historic schoolhouse and games. 
Clay County Historic Sites   [Web Site]
816.736-8500

11 - 12 September, Saturday and Sunday
Dahlias Society Show
The Greater Kansas City Dahlia Society returns to Powell Gardens for its fall show. Come enjoy these dazzling specimens representing all colors, shapes and sizes.
Powell Gardens    [Web Site] 
1609 NW Hwy 50, Kingsville, MO  816-697-2600

12 September, Sunday, 1:30 p.m.
Garden Chef Series
Get great ideas for cooking from the garden from our region's top culinary experts. Julie Greenwood, formerly the executive chef at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, and now the chef manager at parker's Supermarket, is this weeks guest chef.
Powell Gardens    [Web Site] 
1609 NW Hwy 50, Kingsville, MO  816-697-2600

15 September, Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. (Reception 6 p.m.)
Author Presentation Pittsburg State University: A Photographic History
Archivists Randy Roberts and Shannon Phillips Julien chronicle the dynamic first century and changing culture of Pittsburg State University, from its start in 1903 as the Auxiliary Manual Training Normal School to an institution with more than 100 academic programs, 7,000 students, and the only gorilla mascot among American universities. RSVP to the website below or 816.701.3407.
Kansas City Public Library (Central Library)   [Website]
14 W. 10th St.,  Kansas City, MO    816-701-3400

15-16 September, Wednesday - Thursday, See description for times
Pony Express Sesquicentennial Events:  Pony Express Trail Trip
Jackie Lewin, Executive Director of St. Joseph Museums and co-author of On The Winds of Destiny: A Biographical Look at Pony Express Riders, will lead a group from St. Joseph, MO across the Pony Express Trail in Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska stopping at sites along the way including Pony Express Stations including Home Station #1 in Marysville, KS, Hollenberg Pony Express Station and Rock Creek Station and to Fort Kearney, NE. The trip will also explore the Great Platte River Road to Archway Monument.2010 Pony Express Sesquicentennial Event Program
The St. Joseph Museums, Inc.    [Web Site]
3406 Frederick Avenue, St. Joseph, MO   816-232-8471

16 September, Thursday, 6:30 p.m. (Reception 6 p.m.)
Museum? Historic House? The Future of Corinthian Hall
The Kansas City Museum is the city’s oldest and largest general history museum. The publicly and privately funded museum is currently undergoing extensive site-wide restoration, and its many partners, staff, and surrounding neighborhoods are vigorously planning for a next century of public service. Join Christopher Leitch, Kansas City Museum director; Lisa Lee, Chicago’s Jane Addams-Hull House director; Dennis Domer, University of Kansas assistant professor; and Lori Cox-Paul, from the National Archives and Records Administration, for a panel discussion on the future of a beloved architectural icon. RSVP to the website below or 816.701.3407.
Kansas City Public Library (Central Library)   [Website]
14 W. 10th St.,  Kansas City, MO    816-701-3400

17 - 18 September, Friday and Saturday, See description for hours
For Your EARS Only audio sale and benefit for Audio-Reader Network
This sale will feature vintage and modern stereo equipment, vinyl records, CDs, DVDs and more at bargain prices. All proceeds go to benefit Audio-Reader Network, a free reading and information service for the blind and print-disabled. The event will be held at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, Building #21, 2120 Harper, Lawrence, Kansas.
Admission: Friday night is $7 in advance and $10 at the door. Friday night will feature free food and cool prizes. Admission is free on Saturday.
The University of Kansas, Audio-Reader Network [Website]
1120 W. 11th Street, Lawrence, Kansas 785-864-5336

18 September, Saturday, 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Long History Trolley Tour
Discover Robert A. Long’s Kansas City legacy with Jackson County Historical Society archivist David Jackson. Hop on a trolley to tour: Long’s famous home, Corinthian Hall; the R. A. Long Building (now the UMB Bank building) at 10th and Grand and see the board room where Mr. Long managed his lumber empire; and the Liberty Memorial, one of Mr. Long’s most memorable civic contributions to Kansas City. You’ll pass the Independence Boulevard Christian Church, where the Long family worshipped, and Christian Church Hospital, another institution Mr. Long supported.
Kansas City Museum at Corinthian Hall  [Web Site]
3218 Gladstone Blvd., Kansas City, MO  64123   816-483-8300

18 September, Saturday, 4 - 7 p.m.
“Pig Pickin’ – Chicken Lickin’ Feast & Fair”
Is it the same old “Pig – Pickin’ – Chicken Lickin’ Feast”? I don’t think so! We will have three sets of musical entertainment during this fun packed evening. Dana Mengel String Duo will perform from 4:00 to 5:00. Following will be Bram Wynands on jazz piano from 5:00 to 6:00 and last but certainly not least, Dave Panico, “The Soaring Saxman”, will conclude on the saxophone. Other events that day include an art show and sale, car show, quilt display and silent auction. See our website for complete details.
The Bingham Waggoner Estate [Web Site]
313 West Pacific, Independence, MO 64050 816-461-3491

18-19 September, Saturday - Sunday, 9 a.m. -  4:30 p.m.
Thunder on the Border
The antebellum architecture of Missouri Town 1855 provides the backdrop for this pre-Civil War re-enactment of skirmishes on the Missouri/Kansas border.
Missouri Town 1855     [Web Site]
8010 E. Park Road (Fleming Park),  Lee's Summit, MO  816-503-4860

18 - 19 September, Saturday and Sunday, Various Times
Historic Lexington, Missouri, Old Homes Tour
Tour the interiors of five distinctive homes from the 1830s to the 1920s, including the oldest wood frame house on the Santa Fe Trail and the restored Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Tour opens 10 a.m. Saturday, noon on Sunday. Homes close at 4 p.m. Shuttles run to all tour stops from the Lexington Tourism Bureau. Tickets prices and additional information at the website below.
Lexington Tourism Bureau   [Web Site]
927 Main St. Lexington, MO 64067 660-259-4711

18 - 19 September, Saturday and Sunday
Community Campout at Platte Ridge Park
Platte County Parks is hosting a night of camping under the starry night sky. Campers will pitch their tents on the soccer field Saturday afternoon, camp for the nigh and pack up on Sunday morning. Campers will receive Saturday dinner, S'mores and Sunday breakfast. A variety of activities are planned for the event.
Platte County Parks [Website]
415 Third Street, Platte City, MO (816) 858-3419

18 - 19 September, Saturday and Sunday
Big Bugs, Big Veggies & Big Photo Ops!
Learn more about the challenges and rewards of growing super-sized produce in the Heartland Harvest Garden with a focus on melons.
Powell Gardens    [Web Site] 
1609 NW Hwy 50, Kingsville, MO  816-697-2600

19 September, Sunday, 2 p.m.
Thomas Hart Benton: Illustrator of Mark Twain
Missouri natives Mark Twain and Thomas Hart Benton were kindred spirits who found inspiration in Missouri’s people, places, and practices. Joan Stack explores Benton’s illustrations for special editions of Twain’s books issued by The Limited Editions Club in the late 1930s and 1940s. Stack, the curator of art collections at The State Historical Society of Missouri, will share original Benton illustrations and discuss how the artist’s approach complements Twain’s witty prose. RSVP to the website below or 816.701.3407.
Kansas City Public Library (Central Library)   [Website]
14 W. 10th St.,  Kansas City, MO    816-701-3400

19 September, Sunday, 1 - 4 p.m.
Traditional Irish Music Jam Session
All welcome to come play and listen! This event is held the 3rd Sunday of each month.
Irish Museum and Cultural Center     [Web Site]
Union Station, 30 Pershing Rd., Suite 700, Kansas City   816-474-3848

19 September, Sunday, 2 p.m.
Carpets, Rugs and Runners: Care and Storage of Large Floor Textiles
Union Station Kansas City/Kansas City Museum curatorial specialist Lisa Shockley will help learn techniques to care for your large floor textiles. You’ll explore proper storage, maintenance and preventative techniques to keep your rugs and large floor textiles in great condition for many years to come. Kansas City Museum presents Preservation Workshops this fall. Each 60-minute workshop includes demonstrations, handouts and supplier lists for necessary materials.
Kansas City Museum at Corinthian Hall  [Web Site]
3218 Gladstone Blvd., Kansas City, MO  64123   816-483-8300

22 September, Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. - Noon
Hike Swope Park with a Naturalist
This guided hike also corresponds with some of the public events at Lakeside Nature Center. Hikers gather at the main doors of Lakeside Nature Center, where a naturalist will give an introduction to the hike of the day and then lead the group on the trail. Some hikes do have “early out” opportunities for those that wish to complete their hike before noon. All hikes are free and open to the public. Additional Information
Lakeside Nature Center     [Web Site]      [KC Parks and Recreation Site]
4701 E Gregory (Swope Park),  Kansas City, MO  816-513-8960

23 September, Thursday, 6:30 p.m. (6 p.m. Reception)
Author presentation Lincoln and Kansas
Carol Dark Ayres her book chronicling the much overlooked but historically important visit of Abraham Lincoln to Kansas in December 1859. Lincoln traveled to Kansas to give his first campaign speech for the presidency and to help Republican candidates vie successfully in the upcoming election. Drawing extensively from original sources of newspaper accounts and memoirs of people of the period, Ayres uses the rich language of the era to enable reader to experience the event for themselves. Attendees are encouraged to view the two Abraham Lincoln exhibitions, Abraham Lincoln: Self-Made in America and Lincoln Lives On, prior to Ayres’s discussion.
The National Archives at Kansas City  [Web Site]
400 West Pershing Road, Kansas City, MO     816-268-8000

25 September, Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day
The whole family can enjoy a St. Joseph “day-cation” with free admission to the nature center as the Museum Association of St. Joseph joins in the sixth annual Museum Day, created by Smithsonian Magazine. Events Flyer
Remington Nature Center of St. Joseph     [Web Site]
1502 MacArthur Drive, St. Joseph, MO   

25 September, Saturday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Second Annual “Treasures, Trash, & Tunes”
Quality flea market item, antiques, collectibles, jewelry, home décor, art, and/or quality used items will be featured at this special fund raising event for the museum. Vendors are invited to set up booths or items can be donated to the Museum Members booth. Vendor booth rental information is available by contacting the museum. The event will be held during the annual Smithsonian magazine “Museum Day,” which was created to increase awareness of museums and their contribution to their communities. The outdoor flea market will also include food vendors and music by students from Missouri Western State University. Admission to the museums and the market will be free to the public.
The St. Joseph Museums, Inc.    [Web Site]
3406 Frederick Avenue, St. Joseph, MO   816-232-8471

25 September, Saturday, 2 p.m.
Craft Day
A special craft day where you can choose which craft you make! We’ll have stations set up; make one craft or several. Fun for all ages! Regular Admission. Events Flyer
Remington Nature Center of St. Joseph     [Web Site]
1502 MacArthur Drive, St. Joseph, MO   

25 September, Saturday, Begins at 9 a.m.
Ray County Museum Living History Festival and Reenactments
Live a day in 1800s Richmond as reenactors recreate Civil War battles, the Richmond bank robbery, an Indian Council as well as demonstrations by iron mongers and iron forgers.  Bring the kids and the whole family to enjoy craft demonstrations, food and drinks as you experience the early history of Richmond and Ray County. Event Poster
Ray County Museum and Historical Society     [Web Site]
901 W. Royal, Richmond, Mo.   816-776-2305

25 - 26 September, Saturday and Sunday
Big Bugs, Big Veggies & Big Photo Ops!
Learn more about the challenges and rewards of growing super-sized produce in the Heartland Harvest Garden with special presentations from the Show-Me Gourd Society.
Powell Gardens    [Web Site] 
1609 NW Hwy 50, Kingsville, MO  816-697-2600

26 September, Sunday, 1:30 p.m.
Garden Chef Series
Get great ideas for cooking from the garden from our region's top culinary experts. Kathy Moore and Roxanne Wyss of The Electrified Cooks present new slow cooker ideas for the fall in this weeks presentation..
Powell Gardens    [Web Site] 
1609 NW Hwy 50, Kingsville, MO  816-697-2600

27 September, Monday, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
The Missouri State Court System
Suzanne Bradley of the Missouri Bar Association will present a program on the state court system. The event is free and open to the public. No registration is required.
St. Joseph Public Library (East Hills Library)   [Web Site]
502 N. Woodbine St. Joseph, Missouri     816-236-2136

27 September, Monday, 6:30 p.m. (Reception 6 p.m.)
The Great Debates Revisited
American life changed forever in 1960 when Vice President Richard M. Nixon and Massachusetts Sen. John F. Kennedy ushered politics into the multimedia age with the first televised presidential debates. A screening of the first Great Debate between Nixon and Kennedy, with introductory remarks from veteran newsman Sander Vanocur, who questioned both candidates on behalf of NBC News as part of this debate, marks the 50th anniversary of this landmark moment in American political history. Co-sponsored by the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum and Truman Library Institute, as well as KCPT, this series continues in October 2011 with programs examining the remaining three debates. RRSVP to the website below or 816.701.3407.
Kansas City Public Library (Plaza Branch)  [Website]
4801 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64112  816-701-3481

28 September, Tuesday, 6 p.m.
Community Curator Program: Historic Postcards of Kansas City
Explore Kansas City’s deeply rooted history through classic postcards at Kansas City Museum’s September Community Curator Lecture. Northeast Kansas City historian, author and publisher of the Northeast News, Michael Bushnell, will track Kansas City’s development into an urban metropolis through the Museum’s Postcard Collection.
The Community Curator program of Kansas City Museum invites historians and history educators to share their perspectives on artifacts they choose from the Museum collection.  Community Curator lectures are presented the fourth Tuesday of each month allowing the actual artifact to be presented with the observations of our Community Curator. Event held at Union Station, 30 W. Pershing Rd., Kansas City, Missouri.
Kansas City Museum at Corinthian Hall  [Web Site]
3218 Gladstone Blvd., Kansas City, MO  64123   816-483-8300

30 September, Thursday, 6:30 p.m. (Reception 6 p.m.)
Author Presentation Cleopatra: A Biography
Historian and author Duane W. Roller presents his book, Cleopatra: A Biography, described as a “rich, comprehensive portrait of Cleopatra in her many dimensions.” Few personalities from classical antiquity are more famous—yet more poorly understood—than Cleopatra VII, queen of Egypt. Roller’s compelling portrait of the queen illuminates her prowess as a royal administrator who managed a large and diverse kingdom extending from Asia Minor to the interior of Egypt, as a naval commander who led her own fleet in battle, and as a scholar and supporter of the arts. RSVP to the website below or 816.701.3407.
Kansas City Public Library (Central Library)   [Website]
14 W. 10th St.,  Kansas City, MO    816-701-3400