2026 Board of Directors

President (Term Ending 2027)

Marty Wiedenmann Jarvis serves as President of the Westport Historical Society. A proud sixth-generation Westporter, she descends from a family who immigrated to Westport in 1855, the same year John and Henrietta Harris built the original house at Main and Westport Road. Marty holds a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics Education from the University of Missouri–Columbia and completed more than 40 graduate hours in Historic Costume and Textile Conservation. She retired in 2018 as Executive Director for Academic Affairs at KU Medical Center.

Over the past two years, Marty has focused on strengthening the Society through strategic growth, collaboration, and preservation planning. One of her primary initiatives has been launching the organization’s Capital Campaign to complete the long-overdue restoration of the 1855 Harris–Kearney House Museum and help ensure its preservation for future generations.

Under her leadership, the organization has experienced renewed energy and growth, attracting a broader and more diverse group of volunteers, members, and board leadership. Marty’s leadership style emphasizes encouragement, collaboration, and empowerment, creating opportunities for others to contribute their talents while building strong partnerships with businesses and organizations throughout the community, including collaborative programming with Wornall/Majors House Museums.

Marty is passionate about expanding the Society’s role as the “Museum of Westport,” believing that every person, family, and business has a story worth preserving and sharing as part of Kansas City’s early history.

Outside of her work with the Historical Society, Marty enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, and being lovingly supervised at the museum house by Gracie the Greeter, her spirited papillon companion.

Treasurer (Term Ending 2029)

Bryan Painter is a Kansas City entrepreneur, preservation advocate, and craftsman serving as CEO of RETROCHEM Inc., where he leads companies focused on architectural restoration, material conservation, and specialized maintenance for historic and contemporary buildings. With extensive hands-on experience in preservation and long-term building stewardship, Bryan brings practical expertise in restoration, strategic planning, fundraising, and project leadership.

Bryan is excited about serving on the Westport Historical Society Board because he believes strongly in the role preservation plays in maintaining the cultural identity and continuity of a community. He views Westport as one of Kansas City’s most historically significant districts and believes it represents both an opportunity and a responsibility to ensure its character is not only protected but meaningfully sustained. He is committed to supporting the continued growth of the Society, strengthening community engagement, and deepening partnerships within the broader preservation community.

He is also passionate about increasing awareness and support for the 1855 Harris-Kearney House Museum and advancing preservation as both a cultural responsibility and a sustainable community investment throughout Kansas City.

Bryan is also committed to supporting the continued collaboration efforts between the Westport Historical Society, Wornall/Majors House Museums, and other historical originations such as Historical Kansas City Foundation, with a focus on strengthening preservation efforts throughout the Kansas City metro. He brings an entrepreneurial mindset, practical problem-solving skills, and a strong dedication to the stewardship of Westport’s historic character and heritage.

Outside of work, Bryan is committed to family, lifelong learning, and the disciplined pursuit of a well-rounded life. He has a deep appreciation for historic architecture and enjoys reading, sketching, cooking, backpacking, craftsmanship, and the continued study of history and place.

Secretary (Term Ending 2029)

Ben Kreeger is an experienced IT professional who, over the past year as a volunteer, has played a key role in modernizing the operations of the Westport Historical Society. His work has strengthened the organization’s digital infrastructure, improved operational efficiency, and expanded its ability to connect with the community.

Among his contributions, Ben managed and enhanced the Society’s WordPress website to better showcase exhibits, programs, and events, while also implementing analytics tools that provide valuable insight into visitor engagement and audience reach. He also introduced Little Green Light as the organization’s donor and membership management platform, streamlining constituent relations and improving community outreach efforts.

Ben successfully applied for and implemented Google Workspace for Nonprofits, creating a centralized system for communication, documentation, and organizational coordination. In addition, he led the migration of financial records from Quicken 2003 to QuickBooks Online, providing the Society with accessible, real-time accounting capabilities. His contributions also extend to visual storytelling, where he has captured high-quality photography for organizational events, including the 2025 Capital Campaign Dinner, supporting both marketing and archival initiatives.

Looking ahead, Ben is eager to continue advancing the Society’s modernization efforts through expanded digital archives, improved online access to collections, enhanced photo organization, and further development of constituent management systems. He is fully committed to the responsibilities of board service and looks forward to contributing his technical expertise and dedication to the continued success of the Westport Historical Society.

Director (Term Ending 2029)

With a deep personal connection to Westport, Shayna Curnyn brings both professional expertise and a strong commitment to preserving the community’s rich historical legacy. Having worked and attended school in Westport for more than twenty years, the neighborhood has played a significant role in shaping both her professional path and appreciation for local history.

Professionally, Shayna has a strong background in information systems, organization, and structured project management. Detail-oriented and highly organized, she brings experience in process improvement, documentation, implementation support, and operational efficiency. These skills support the Westport Historical Society’s ongoing efforts in areas such as grant research and writing, archival cataloging, library organization, and strengthening internal documentation systems.

Shayna is also passionate about expanding the Society’s digital presence and community engagement. Through thoughtful social media outreach and historical storytelling, she hopes to increase awareness of the Society’s mission, promote events and collections, highlight local history, and encourage broader community participation. Strengthening the organization’s digital visibility will also help support membership growth, sponsorship opportunities, and future fundraising efforts.

In addition, Shayna is committed to supporting preservation initiatives through grant identification and application development, recognizing the importance of sustainable funding for educational programming and historic preservation work. She also values the importance of properly cataloging and preserving historical materials to ensure they remain accessible for future generations.

As a member of the Westport Historical Society Board of Directors, Shayna is dedicated to advancing the organization’s mission through collaboration with and leading a team of volunteers, service, and a long-standing passion for the history and future of the Westport community.

Director (Term Ending 2027)

Ryland Foster, a Westport native, has deep roots in the community. He attended Norman Grade School and is a proud member of Westport High School’s Class of 1980. After graduating, he served in the U.S. Army from 1980 to 1983 and is now a proud U.S. military veteran. While he works full-time for Volvo Cars in Overland Park, Kansas, his true passion lies in Westport and its vast and interesting history.

Ryland’s fascination with Kansas City history began at the age of seven when he learned about his family’s involvement in the Civil War Battle of Westport in 1863. His great-grandfather, Thomas Jefferson Jackman, served in the 7th Missouri Militia Cavalry (Union) and fought at Byram’s Ford. In contrast, his great-grandfather’s cousin, Colonel Sidney D. Jackman, was a Confederate Commander. This connection has fueled Ryland’s love for Westport and its captivating past.

In addition to his full-time job, Ryland has been leading history tours at the old Union Cemetery in midtown Kansas City since 2022. He has also been a dedicated volunteer groundskeeper at the cemetery for several years. Currently, Ryland serves as a Life Board member of the Union Cemetery Historical Society in addition to serving on the Board of Directors for the Westport Historical Society.

Ryland’s extensive knowledge of our community and the city’s history is evident through his frequent posts on Facebook. He serves as a co-administrator for a Kansas City historical group with over 4,000 members called “Old Town Kansas City 1850s-1900s,” initially founded in 2016 by the late John Dawson. In addition to his historical interests, Ryland enjoys metal detecting and is a founder/administrator of the Facebook group “Kansas City UnEarthed Metal Detecting,” which has over 1900 members in the Midwest. Outside of his hobbies, Ryland cherishes spending time with his six children and 11 grandchildren.

Director (Term Ending 2028)

John Heiman is a lifelong resident of Kansas City, MO having grown up near Westport in the Coleman Highlands neighborhood. He attended Redemptorist Grade School and Rockhurst High School. He graduated from The University of Central Missouri and earned an MBA From Rockhurst University where he was also an Adjunct Professor.

Recently retired after 33 years at Sprint he was the former director of Experiential Marketing at Sprint (now T-Mobile). He oversaw Sprint’s award winning executive briefing centers, corporate events, tradeshows, sports sponsorships, consumer and B2B experiential initiatives.

Heiman held many positions at Sprint including director of Strategic Alliances, and director of IP Telephony, along with various other roles in product management, business development, strategic planning, and market development.

John has a passion for both history and historic houses and buildings. Along with his family, he has gutted and restored treasured houses in KC’s old neighborhoods. In 1991 he and his wife restored, to period, an 1880’s Federal style brick home on 17th Street and Madison.

John and his wife Cathy raised two children in the Brookside neighborhood where they still live. In his spare time, he focuses on volunteering with the Heart of America Boy Scouts where he serves on the Executive Board as VP of Marketing, The Westport Historical Society, and with the WPN, a student housing corporation.

Director (Term Ending 2028)

Steve Noll grew up in Independence, Missouri, and graduated high school in Topeka, Kansas. After studying accounting and economics at the University of Kansas, he built a career spanning manufacturing, retail, corporate management, and nonprofit leadership.

He began in Kansas City’s industrial sector, later co-founding and restructuring a regional apparel business before joining Stanley Works Hardware Division in 1987. Over two decades, he held leadership roles at distribution centers in Kansas City, Richmond, and Charlotte.

In 2004, Steve became executive director of the Jackson County Historical Society, serving until his retirement in 2017. During this time, he also served on the Prairie Village City Council (1991–2006, 2010–2018). Prior to those, Steve’s other historical related positions include: 40 Year Ago Column Club, Kansas City Star: past president and historian; Heritage League of Greater KC: past president; Native Sons and Daughters of Greater Kansas City: past president and board member; and Possum Trot Festival / Historic KC Foundation: Festival co-chair, 1983.

An Eagle Scout and dedicated civic leader, Steve has been active with the American Royal Board of Governors, the Truman Heartland Community Foundation, and numerous other community organizations. His commitment to history includes roles as writer, editor, consultant, and publisher of works including The First Beverly Hillbilly, the Paul Henning Story. Ruth Henning (Published at MCPL’s Woodneath Press); Cowtown, Cattle Trails and West Bottoms Tales. Ed Matheny Jr. (Published at MCPL’s Woodneath Press); Kansas City, Our Collective Memories. Bruce Mathews and Steve Noll; Kansas City Houses 1885 – 1938. Michael Kathrens; Steve Noll, Co-Publisher with Bauer and Dean

Today, Steve serves as Trustee for the Kathleen S. Halcro Trust and Estate, KCHistoryAdventures.com, and S&M Adventures LLC   d/b/a  Gillham House Antiques

Steve and his wife, Marianne, live in Prairie Village, Kansas, where they raised their two children. Their home—carefully curated with postcards, ashtrays, plates, paintings, and other Kansas City memorabilia—reflects a shared passion for preserving the city’s history.

Director (Term Ending 2027)

Tammy Reid joined the Westport Historical Society Board of Directors in 2024, bringing with her a long-standing commitment to philanthropy, community engagement, and the arts. Throughout her years of volunteer service, Tammy has dedicated herself to supporting charitable organizations and fostering meaningful community connections.

While living in Philadelphia, Tammy became deeply involved with Laurel House, a nonprofit organization supporting survivors of domestic violence. She served on the organization’s advisory board, contributing to project planning, advocacy efforts, and public speaking initiatives. Tammy also founded the Eagles Women’s Association, an organization that encouraged community service and charitable involvement among the families of coaches and players.

An avid quilt collector and supporter of textile arts, Tammy has assembled a remarkable collection of more than 200 quilts, several of which have been displayed in museums and featured in the publication Every Quilt Has a Story: The Tammy Reid Quilt Collection, now in its third edition. In 2023, Tammy generously shared 62 quilts from her collection for a special exhibition supporting the Westport Historical Society, helping connect visitors to both artistic tradition and historical storytelling.

Since joining the Board of Directors, Tammy has been instrumental in raising public awareness about the condition of the 1855 Harris–Kearney House Museum and the urgent need for its preservation and restoration. Her passion for the project became such a driving force that, in 2025, she and her husband, Andy Reid, proudly agreed to serve as Honorary Co-Chairs of the Society’s Capital Campaign. Much to everyone’s delight, Andy has proven to be a true history enthusiast, and together they have become strong advocates for the Westport Historical Society and its mission to preserve and share Kansas City’s rich history.

Tammy’s advocacy, enthusiasm, and dedication to community engagement have made her a highly valued and respected member of the organization. Outside of her volunteer and philanthropic work, Tammy enjoys tennis, pickleball, needlepoint, smocking, painting, and continuing her lifelong appreciation for the arts and craftsmanship — all while happily keeping up with her 14 grandchildren.

Director (Term Ending 2029)

Juliet Rujevcan became an active and enthusiastic volunteer with the Westport Historical Society in 2025 after generously offering, on loan, late 19th- and early 20th-century Christmas china patterns from her large collection for use in a holiday exhibit at the 1855 Harris–Kearney House Museum. During the museum’s Christmas decorating collaboration with the team at Nell Hills, Juliet quickly developed a deep appreciation for the historic home and the Society’s mission. In turn, the organization was equally excited to welcome someone with her creativity, knowledge, and passion for historic presentation – it was like a breath of fresh air.

Since then, Juliet has played a key role in several important organizational projects, including helping design, decorate and prepare food and refreshments for the Westport Historical Society’s 75th Anniversary Celebration held at the Alexander Majors Event Barn in December, 2025. Following the holiday season, she helped transition the Harris–Kearney Museum into spring exhibits, thoughtfully incorporating 19th-century artifacts and antiques donated in 2025 by a new member, creating historically inspired displays throughout the home. Juliet has a special talent for creating immersive environments that help visitors connect more personally with local history and daily life in the 19th century.

Juliet’s lifelong passion for entertaining, holiday decorating, and antique collecting has been inspired by her work as a member of The Golden Glow of Christmas Past, a national organization dedicated to the preservation and appreciation of antique holiday collectibles. Alongside her brother, Randy Doler, who maintains an extensive Victorian-era collection, Juliet has helped curate and present exhibits at national conventions, including showcase displays in Music Hall exhibition spaces. She has also assisted with holiday displays for the Taft Museum in Cincinnati.

As a member of the Westport Historical Society Board of Directors, Juliet looks forward to contributing her creativity, enthusiasm, and dedication to preserving and celebrating local history through our collection mixed with hers. In honor of the 250th Anniversary of the United States, Juliet will feature a remarkable collection of her brothers 19th-century patriotic antiques. Her fresh perspective and artistic vision promise to bring exciting new exhibits and experiences to the Harris–Kearney House Museum throughout her three-year term.

Photo coming soon.

Director (Term Ending 2028)

Erik Stafford may be a new member on the Westport Historical Society Board of Directors, but he is no stranger to Westport and its history. Being a native of Kansas City and a historian, Erik has deep ancestral roots in Westport. His natural mother’s family is from Westport, their last name was Smith. His Great Grandfather, Samuel Smith, built their family home in Steptoe in 1909, otherwise known as W 43rd Terrace. His family attended St. Luke’s A.M.E. Church and Penn School.

As sole proprietor of the Kansas City Tour Company, Erik promotes and celebrates through his organization the history and culture of Kansas City. His plan is to work with the society to promote and preserve the history of Westport in a truthful manner so that all mankind may learn and heal to become better people.

As a self-published author, Erik has written the scripts for two of his five regularly scheduled tours he provides through the Kansas City Tour Company: Chasing After Freedom and Be Bop and Beyond Walking Tour. All five tours include Chasing After Freedom Westport Plaza Trek, Be Bop and Beyond 18th and Vine Walking Tour, Streetcar KC a River City Mafia Tour, Streetcar KC a River City Civil Rights Tour, and the Swope Park Blue River Underground Railroad Trek. Erik’s passion for sharing and teaching history gives him the opportunity to explore, preserve, celebrate and promote Westport with a mutual stakeholder, as he serves on the Board of Directors with the Westport Historical Society.