Documenting History Exhibit: Behind the Scenes at the 1855 Harris-Kearney House

OPENS TO THE PUBLIC on SUNDAY June 29th from 1-4 pm

Documenting History: Behind the Scenes at the Harris-Kearney House will break open the boundary of what an exhibit is and turn it into a working exhibit space to document and inventory the Westport Historical Society’s collection.

Documenting museum collections is essential for preserving, managing, and understanding the cultural, historical, or artistic value of the objects held in a museum. Proper documentation creates a permanent record of each item, including its origin, condition, ownership history (provenance), materials, dimensions, labeling and photographs. This information not only protects the museum’s intellectual and legal rights but also supports research, education, and public engagement.

An inventory is a systematic process of verifying and recording the presence, condition and location of all items in a collection. It serves as a snapshot of the collection at a given time and ensures that records match the physical holdings. All of this will take place as a constantly changing exhibit where the behind the scenes comes front and center.

During the course of the exhibit, updates will be posted on our Facebook page with examples processing the various artifacts and other items in the collection.

Exhibit HOURS

• June 29th – Nov 1st
• Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
  • Check the website for special date closings.
• Or by appointment for individuals or groups

The fee to see the exhibit in our upper gallery (2nd floor) is included in your Museum House Admission and Tour Ticket. Tickets are payable at the door, or by purchasing with a credit card or PayPal on our website, either at the door or in advance, HERE.  Additional donations are welcome as they offset the expense of the exhibit.

Westport Historical Society wishes to acknowledge the collaborative effort of groups and individuals who have made the exhibit possible. WHS is offering special thanks for all the volunteer help the following individuals are providing. If you would like to help, please contact Jennifer Laughlin, <jlartgirl@gmail.com> WHS Board Member and Exhibit Coordinator:

• Janet Reed, Regent Director, DAR, Elizabeth Benton Chapter, Independence, MO
• Jennifer Laughlin, WHS Board Member and Exhibit Coordinator
• Kellee Clark, DAR member, Elizabeth Benton Chapter, Independence, MO
• Lauryn Yarnevich, WHS Volunteer Summer Intern, Student, Academie Lafayette International High School
• Terri Hardy, DAR member, Elizabeth Benton Chapter, Independence, MO