The 1855 Harris-Kearney House has been our neighbor since moving to Kansas City 12 years ago to join the Kansas City Chiefs. A little-known fact about Coach Andy Reid & I, is that he is a well-read history enthusiast and I am an avid collector of antique quilts. Upon our move here he read a couple books about how this great city came to be and it’s important position in the Western Frontier. My collection of quilts were used in an exhibit here in 2023, to help the organization raise money for educational programs. That’s why when our friends at the Westport Historical Society reached out in need of help, we wanted to get involved. We believe preserving history is important. Just like the antique threads and fabric that connect my quilts, the 1855 Harris-Kearney House is a living connection to the shared history of this community. We invite you to come visit, walk through the house, and experience the rich history of Westport. We hope you will feel as we do, the importance of preserving the stories that shaped this community for future generations.
Tammy and Coach Andy Reid, Honorary Co-Chairs, Westport Historical Society 2025-2026 Capital Campaign
2025-26 Capital Campaign
Join Tammy and Coach Andy Reid in Preserving History and Inspiring Future Generations
We invite our community to celebrate with us Dec. 12th, when we formally kick off our Campaign.
For Tickets & Details, click here. Deadline is Tues. Dec. 9th!
Why the Need
Sponsoring the 1855 Harris-Kearney Museum House restoration projects demonstrates your commitment to preserving Kansas City’s storied history. Your investment ensures the HKH will thrive, while allowing us to enhance our educational programs, tours, and events for all ages. Sponsorship will help us complete critically overdue interior and exterior renovations.
Your sponsorship, by adopting a room, funding individual projects listed below, or making a donation of any amount designated to the project(s) of your choice, is vital to preserving this historic treasure and ensuring its legacy for future generations.
Projects
Click below to see the specific projects in each project zone and how your contribution will make a difference.
Interior Needs
- HARRIS BEDROOM: restore/repair walls and wood trim, plus replace roof leak damaged wallpaper
- CHILDREN’S BEDROOM: restore/repair wall cracks; restore/paint all wood trim and door frame; replace wallpaper
- KITCHEN: Gut and renovate the kitchen for better functionality for public use during private and public events
- SECOND FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY Establish a solution for touring the second floor with video tour production expenses to allow those restricted to “visit” the second floor through a video
- ACCESSIBLE RESTROOM: Remodel first floor restrooms for wheelchair accessibility.
- WINDOWS: add heat blocking window shades.
- COMPLETED Sept 2025! DUCT WORK: Repair/replace damaged attic A/C and heating ducts
- COMPLETED Summer 2025! OFFICE: Establish an office on the second floor to free up space in the research library on the first floor; with furnishings (desk, file cabinets, computer and printer)
Exterior Needs
- STRUCTURAL SUPPORT: Repair/restore all structural cracks in veranda brick wall and stucco
- SW OFFICE WALL 2nd Floor: Brace to secure the exterior basement door to prevent further collapse of office wall;
- WINDOWS & DOORS: Repair/restore rotten wood on 30 windows on the house, and 5 basement windows; repair/restore/paint 5 doors & frames
- SHUTTERS: Replace 30 sets of damaged shutters with period accurate shutters
- GUTTERS AND DRAIN SPOUTS: Repair/replace gutters and spouts; repaint
- NEW TREES: Plant large trees to shade outside events
- COMPLETED! ACCESSIBILITY: Establish a wheelchair accessible front door entry from the parking lot with metal ramps
- COMPLETED! SPRINKLER SYSTEM: Repair sprinkler system; add new control box
- COMPLETED! TREES: Remove 2 diseased shade trees; trim 5 additional trees
Basement & Structural Support
- FOUNDATION: Secure externally NW corner basement walls from water leaks
- WINDOWS: Repair/paint rotten wood on 5 basement windows and frames; install window locks
- WALLS: Remove all sheetrock damaged walls in flooding; secure support between the basement floor and ceiling
- ELECTRICAL: Clean up/repair old electrical wiring
- CEILING: install new insulated ceiling tiles/ add new lighting for safety
- DUCTS: Repair/replace basement damaged A/C and heat ducts
- STORAGE: Establish a museum-quality artifact storage area
- COMPLETED Sept 2025! DUCTS: Repair/replace basement damaged A/C and heat ducts
- COMPLETED Sept 2025! FOUNDATION: Restore/tuckpoint all foundation walls
- COMPLETED Spring 2025! PLUMBING: Repair severe basement plumbing and drain issues
Front Porch & Back Veranda
- FRONT PORCH: Restore/paint all wood on columns, widow’s walk, ceiling, soffits, steps, and railings
- FRONT PORCH CRAWL SPACE: Repair/paint, or replace the front porch crawl space lattice covers
- VERANDA CRAWL SPACE: Replace missing brick; repair opening on south side
- 1ST & 2ND VERANDA FLOORS: Replace 2nd floor wooden flooring; repair and/or replace wooden ceiling on both floors, soffits, trim, and gutters
- STAIRS & RAILINGS: Repair/paint porch and veranda entry stairs and railings
- PARGE: Repair missing sections and paint the veranda brown parge on both floors
- EXTERIOR LIGHTS: Clean/restore all fixtures
Roof
- STRUCTURAL SUPPORT: Repair interior roof support/ beams
- GUTTERS AND DRAINS: Repair/replace; repaint
- SOFFITS: Restore and paint
- COMPLETED SPRING 2025! ROOF: Repair leaks/add new shingles
Heating & Cooling
- COMPLETED SEPT 2025! HVAC: Replace all 3 complete heating and cooling units, the oldest installed in 2003
With Your Support, Progress as Promised!!
July 21, 2025 Progress Began! Teams from both Town & Country Heating and Cooling Co. and GKW Restoration Group launched our renovation when they arrived at 6:00 a.m. ready to work.
Due to the untimely demise of two HVAC units, with the oldest one installed in 2003, replacement of all three (yes 3!) units plus repairing or replacing many of the damaged duct work was made possible by very generous donors who stepped up and said, just get it done!
GKW Restoration Group arrived to begin intensive renovation of our disintegrating foundation and long overdue masonry repairs because the condition was critical.
Every step forward — Plumbing in the basement was repaired earlier this year, but set back from blockage in the pipes outside leading to the street drains. Following the installation of the attic air conditioner, water leaks damaged the Harris bedroom ceiling, but are being repaired. During renovation work, the unexpected occurred … the gate lock broke and a storm damaged trees and the fence in the yard.
Pieces of history — Bricks removed during the repairs will be saved to build a monument in honor of those who hand made them, in the 1850s.
New photos of our progress will be published weekly, made possible because of donor support.
Your Impact: Projects Are Completed!!
Every dollar you give goes directly to restoration and preservation, because the Westport Historical Society operates entirely with volunteers, including the Board of Directors.
Thanks to community support, several projects have already been completed—visible proof that your donations truly make a difference. We are deeply grateful to individuals, families, businesses, and organizations who have made this progress possible.
Thanks to volunteers and donors, surprises have occurred — a screen door previously used on the veranda entrance and original door knob and lock were discovered in the basement, restored and installed. Some wonderful donations, like a late 1800s whale oil lamp for our entry cabinet was converted to electric, and added to our collection.
Now is the time to act. Together, we can keep the momentum going to ensure the Harris-Kearney House stands strong for the next 170 years.
Help Us Reach Our $500,000 Goal
Please Give Today
To Donate by Check:
Print and Complete this form to include with your donation or capital campaign contribution check. A letter confirming your contribution will be sent via email.
Send a check payable to Westport Historical Society to:
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN (Attn: Diane Euston, WHS Secretary)
1855 Harris-Kearney Historical House Museum
4000 Baltimore Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64111
Westport Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. Our tax ID number is 43-6064569.
We're incredibly grateful for our generous donors.
The Westport Historical Society relies solely on donations and grants, without any town or government funding. Your contributions are essential. Please consider making a donation to help us continue preserving history and offering engaging programs.
Have questions? Contact the Westport Historical Society. Whether you need details on visiting, events, or educational programs, our team is ready to help you connect with history.
Support Us
Contact Us
Visit Us
2025 Museum Hours:
- Saturday & Sunday: 1-4pm
- All other times, please call to schedule an appointment
- Click here for updates
2025 Museum Fees:
Admission includes guided tour and featured exhibits
- $10 Adults
- $ 7 Seniors 65+ & Veterans
- $ 7 Students 12-18
- $ 5 Children 6-11
- FREE Children 0-5
- FREE WHS members
On The Map
4000 Baltimore Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64111
An association chartered in 1950 of men and women who have an interest in the early history of Westport and Kansas City. WHS is a tax-deductible 501(c)(3) Not-for-Profit Organization. TIN: 43-6064569
Thank you for supporting our mission, which is to Preserve, Protect, and Promote the history of West Port, the Town of Kansas, and early Kansas City.
WHS is a Safe Place for visiting, learning, and sharing, and in order to foster a positive environment, we have zero tolerance for unfriendly, unkind, and aggressive behavior.