Westport Historical Society

Brats 'n' Burgers with Coach Reid
2026-05-30 14:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | 1855 Harris-Kearney Museum House, 4000 Baltimore Ave., Kansas City, MO, 64111, United States
Ticket sales have ended.
Fire up your appetite for a one-of-a-kind afternoon at Brats n’ Burgers with Coach Reid on Saturday, May 30th from 2–5pm on the lawn of the historic Harris-Kearney House! Enjoy great food, a lively atmosphere with a band, and the chance to see Coach Reid working the grill up close—all while supporting renovations of this 1855 landmark. Please note: no autographs will be given at the event. Rain or shine, this is your chance to be part of a memorable Kansas City experience!
VIP guests receive:

Priority seating near Coach Reid at the grill
Access to a special photo-op upon his arrival
A signed photograph to take home

Picnic-style food catered by Hy-Vee, specialty drinks at the bar crafted by J. Rieger, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages are all included in your ticket at this tailgate-style event.

Westport Historical Society's 75th Anniversary Celebration
2025-12-12 17:30 - 19:30 | Alexander Majors Historic Barn, 8201 State Line Rd, Kansas City, Missouri, 64114
Celebrate History, Heritage & Holiday Cheer
Amid twinkling lights and festive spirit—and with the 1855 Harris-House Museum renovations underway— the Alexander Majors Barn (inset photo)will be the location where we celebrate with our friends from the Wornall-Majors House, to honor the 1855 Harris-Kearney Museum House, still standing strong after 170 years. At the crossroads of courage, community, and new beginnings along the Oregon, California, and Santa Fe Trails, our treasured Old Westport landmark preserves the stories, artifacts, and spirit of Old Westport—where Kansas City’s story began.
Coach Andy and Tammy Reid invite the community to join them as they celebrate our historic gem during this special 75th Anniversary Celebration. Join us and enjoy hors d’oeuvres, refreshments, and music as you connect with friends, new and old, and experience how history, conversation, and holiday warmth come together.
Just as Kansas Citians rallied to save and move this house to its current location in 1922 – from the southwest corner of the Westport Road and Main – restoring it in the 1970s after operating as a business for 50 years, and opening it as a museum in 1982, they invite you to be part of the 2025 community supporting the future of Kansas City’s oldest brick residence and Westport’s only museum, so Kansas City’s history remains alive.
Reserve your place in history—purchase your tax-deductible tickets below. Deadline is Tuesday December 9th.
If you are unable to join us, please support us by contributing now to our Capital Campaign today.

Invest in the future by preserving the past.
Fill out my LGL Form!

Wicked Westport Walk: True Crime & Haunts of Historic Westport
2025-10-09 19:00 | 1855 Harris-Kearney Museum House, 4000 Baltimore Ave., Kansas City, MO, 64111, United States
Night falls on Westport, and its untold stories of crime and strange happenings are waiting to be discovered.
Experience Kansas City’s dark past like never before on the Wicked Westport Walk: True Crime & Hauntings of Historic Westport, a thrilling, historian-led adventure perfect for history buffs and thrill-seekers alike.
Guided by historians from Wornall/Majors House Museums, this unforgettable evening tour takes you on a
1.5-mile journey through Westport’s streets, beginning and ending at the storied 1855 Harris-Kearney House
Museum. (Prior to departing on the walking tour, participants will have an opportunity for a self-guided tour of the 1855 Harris-Kearney House Museum.) Uncover chilling true crime tales and local legends as passionate historians bring every shadowy corner and dramatic event to life.
You will leave with new expertise, unforgettable memories, and a fresh appreciation for Westport’s wickedly
rich history.
Spots fill quickly for this spine-tingling experience, so reserve your tickets today and secure your place on the
tour everyone will be talking about this season.
Tour tickets: $25
Ticket sales start September 1 : Click here for tickets
Questions? Contact programs@wornallmajors.org
Special Thanks to Wornall-Majors for this collaborative event. The Westport Historical Society is happy to participate offering the 1855 Harris-Kearney House for the location where the tour begins, and where parking is available. All are welcome to register.

GALLERY EXHIBIT: Documenting History - Behind the Scenes at the 1855 Harris-Kearney House
2025-09-05 13:00 - 2026-05-31 16:00 | 1855 Harris-Kearney Museum House, 4000 Baltimore Ave., Kansas City, MO, 64111, United States
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

Saturdays and Sundays: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Check the website for special date closings for the museum house.

Or by appointment for individuals or groups

Fees
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 with a credit card or PayPal, either at the door or in advance, HERE. Additional donations are welcome as they offset the expense of the exhibit. There is no fee for Current Westport Historical Society members.
Acknowledgements
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:

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

Historic Game Night: Cribbage
2025-07-26 13:00 - 15:30 | 1855 Harris-Kearney Museum House, 4000 Baltimore Ave., Kansas City, MO, 64111, United States
Wornall-Majors and the 1855 Harris-Kearney House Museums have collaboratively planned a wonderful event together.
Step into the charm of the 1855 Harris-Kearney House Museum for an afternoon of timeless fun and local history, followed by playing a fun game of Cribbage.
Whether you’re new to cribbage or a longtime player, this interactive event is designed for all skill levels. Learn the story behind this classic card game, get hands-on instruction, and enjoy open play in one of Kansas City’s oldest homes. You’ll be grouped by experience level, with friendly volunteers ready to help along the way.
Enjoy light refreshments as you play, explore the historic Harris-Kearney house, and take home your very own cribbage board—a perfect keepsake to continue the fun.
Grab your spot: https://www.simpletix.com/e/historic-game-night-cribbage-tickets-218472

Questions about the activity? Email programs@wornallmajors.org or Call: Sarah Goebel at 816-444-1858
Questions about the location? Email kansascityWHS.admn@gmail.com or Call: Marty at 913-787-1707

Max: 50 players

Priest of Pallas Collector's Reception
2025-04-22 19:00 - 21:00 | 1855 Harris-Kearney Museum House, 4000 Baltimore Ave., Kansas City, MO, 64111, United States
Cordially invited are serious collectors or lovers of “keepsakes” and artifacts from week-long Priests of Pallas festivals between 1887 through 1912, in Kansas City. The festival was designed to promote Kansas City as the “Athens of the West” to coincide in October with the harvest season, and be based loosely on similar celebrations such as Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
This official meeting of Priests of Pallas Collectors is being held at the Harris/Kearney House at 4000 Baltimore Avenue, Kansas City, Mo. 64111 where an exhibit of many private collector’s items and those shared with us by other great organizations’ who support us, are on display through June 30th.
Complimentary refreshments will be provided with your registration, to ensure the right amount will serve all who attend. You are welcome to bring along your pieces or just drop by to visit the exhibit and meet fellow collectors.
The photo was taken at the home of former WHS President Steven Knoll and his wife Marianne, when Steve and Ryland Foster, WHS board member and Exhibit Director, were discussing the Noll’s P.O.P. collection. Steve is also the former president of the Jackson County Historical Society and a passionate collector of Kansas City history. The conversations were truly fun so this event will be something you don’t want to miss.
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 help, and loans of various historical artifacts and photographs to the following:

Jackson County (Missouri) Historical Society
Missouri Valley Special Collections, Kansas City Public Library, Downtown KC
Wonderland Vintage, Alan Dunham and Andy Chambers
Ryland E. Foster, Sr., Collector and Exhibit Director
Les Dobbins, Collector
Mary Mullin, Collector
Jen Larson, Collector
Lisa Lamb, Collector
Michael Marrow, Collector
Steve Noll, Collector
Stuart Bitterman, Collector
Denise Bond, Collector
Jacki Allen, Collector

Priests of Pallas Exhibit
2025-03-01 13:00 - 2025-06-22 16:00 | 1855 Harris-Kearney Museum House, 4000 Baltimore Ave., Kansas City, MO, 64111, United States
The Priests of Pallas exhibit opens to the public on Saturday March 1st, at 1:00 p.m., at the 1855 Harris-Kearney House Museum. The exhibit will feature artifacts such as ball giveaways, post card sets, photos, pins and buttons, invitations and programs but most importantly, never before seen parade artifacts such as a torch, shields, helmet, robe, hats and tunic. This is a fun exhibit you will not want to miss.
From 1887 until 1912, ” the Priests of Pallas, Kansas City’s original harvest festival, was officially a week-long celebration held annually in Kansas City and ended when the Stockyards opened in the west bottoms. The purpose of the Festival was to promote Kansas City’s image as the “Athens of the West” and to parallel other celebrations such as New Orleans’s Mardi Gras and St. Louis’s Veiled Prophet. Pallas Athene was the patroness of the festival and motifs were based loosely on figures from Greek mythology.
Exhibit HOURS

March 1st – June 22nd
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Or by appointment for individuals or groups

The fee to see the exhibit is included in your Museum House Admission Ticket, which is payable at the door, or by purchasing your admission ticket in advance.
Admission includes guided tour:

$10 Adults
$ 7 Seniors 65+ & Veterans
$ 7 Students 12-18
$ 5 Children 6-11
FREE Children 0-5
FREE WHS members
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 help, and loans of various historical artifacts and photographs to the following:

Jackson County (Missouri) Historical Society
Missouri Valley Special Collections, Kansas City Public Library, Downtown KC
Wonderland Vintage, Alan Dunham and Andy Chambers
Ryland E. Foster, Sr., Collector and Exhibit Director
Les Dobbins, Collector
Mary Mullin, Collector
Jen Larson, Collector
Lisa Lamb, Collector
Michael Marrow, Collector
Steve Noll, Collector
Stuart Bitterman, Collector
Denise Bond, Collector
Jacki Allen, Collector

Learn more:

The Priests of Pallas Entertained Thousands in Kansas City, by Diane Euston, July 1, 2019
Priest of Pallas, Kansas City’s Original Harvest Festival, by Michael Bushnell, October 12, 2022

Ghost Tours at the 1855 Harris-Kearney House (18+ age event)
2024-10-25 20:00 - 2024-10-26 01:00 | 1855 Harris-Kearney Museum House, 4000 Baltimore Ave., Kansas City, MO, 64111, United States
Come join Apex Paranormal and enjoy the spooky October season with a walking ghost tour of the insanely haunted 1855 Harris Kearney Museum Home! Only 1 out of 4 Civil War Era homes still standing in Kansas City, this place is incredible! Each weekend offers different degrees of tours and ghost investigations. Full on hunts are offered the last weekend of October and attendees must be 18+ years old.
Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing as you will be walking, including stairs and be on your feet for the duration
Refunds may be issued up to 2 weeks ahead of the scheduled event.
PURCHASE YOUR Tickets for the dates and times below on Eventbrite
Oct 25th, 26th: 5-hour Ghost Hunt @ 8:00 pm – 1:00 am – links to each are HERE

This is a full on ghost hunt so feel free to bring your own EMF meters, recorders, and cameras if you would like. Apex will also provide ghost hunting equipment to use. We’ll start the night with a brief tour and ghost hunting 101 then it’s lights out as we look for the spirits still lurking the halls. This event will be led by real paranormal investigators who will also share their experiences hunting for ghosts inside the building. This is an 18+ age event.

Ghost Tour and mini investigation at the 1855 Harris-Kearney Home
2024-10-18 18:00 - 2024-10-19 23:30 | 1855 Harris-Kearney Museum House, 4000 Baltimore Ave., Kansas City, MO, 64111, United States
Come enjoy the spooky season with a ghost tour and mini investigation of the 1855 Harris Kearney Home in Kansas City, MO!
Come join Apex Paranormal and enjoy the spooky October season with a walking ghost tour of the insanely haunted 1855 Harris Kearney Museum Home! Only 1 out of 4 Civil War Era homes still standing in Kansas City, this place is incredible! Each weekend offers different degrees of tours and ghost investigations. Full on hunts are offered the last weekend of October and attendees must be 18+ years old.
Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing as you will be walking, including stairs and be on your feet for the duration
Refunds may be issued up to 2 weeks ahead of the scheduled event.
PURCHASE YOUR Tickets for the dates and times below on Eventbrite
Oct 18th, 19th: 1 1/2-hour Ghost Tour and Mini Investigations @ 6pm, 8pm, and 10pm – links to each are HERE

This is a tour and brief investigation but feel free to bring your own EMF meters, recorders, and cameras if you would like. Apex will also provide ghost hunting equipment to use. For the 1st hour, we’ll leave the lights on and give a history and ghost tour of the location, during the final 30 mins, lights go out and we’ll lead attendees on a mini ghost hunt. Tours will be led by real paranormal investigators who will also share their experiences hunting for ghosts inside both buildings. This is an all ages event so bring the whole family for some spooky fun!

Oct 25th, 26th: 5-hour Ghost Hunt @ 8:00 pm – 1:00 am – links to each are HERE

This is a full on ghost hunt so feel free to bring your own EMF meters, recorders, and cameras if you would like. Apex will also provide ghost hunting equipment to use. We’ll start the night with a brief tour and ghost hunting 101 then it’s lights out as we look for the spirits still lurking the halls. This event will be led by real paranormal investigators who will also share their experiences hunting for ghosts inside the building. This is an 18+ age event.

This is a tour and brief investigation but feel free to bring your own EMF meters, recorders, and cameras if you would like. Apex will also provide ghost hunting equipment to use.

Ghost Tours at the 1855 Harris-Kearney House (every weekend in October)
2024-10-11 19:00 - 2024-10-12 23:00 | 1855 Harris-Kearney Museum House, 4000 Baltimore Ave., Kansas City, MO, 64111, United States
Come join Apex Paranormal and enjoy the spooky October season with a walking ghost tour of the insanely haunted 1855 Harris Kearney Museum Home! Only 1 out of 4 Civil War Era homes still standing in Kansas City, this place is incredible! Each weekend offers different degrees of tours and ghost investigations. Full on hunts are offered the last weekend of October and attendees must be 18+ years old.
Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing as you will be walking, including stairs and be on your feet for the duration
Refunds may be issued up to 2 weeks ahead of the scheduled event.
PURCHASE YOUR Tickets for the dates and times below on Eventbrite
Oct 11th, 12th: 1-hour Ghost Tour and Mini Investigations @ 7pm, 9pm, and 11pm – links to these dates are HERE

Oct 11th & 12th are tours only with no investigating but feel free to bring your own EMF meters, recorders, and cameras if you would like. This 1-hour tour will keep the lights on for the faint of heart and learn the history and the stories of ghosts lurking around and inside the location. Tours will be led by real paranormal investigators who will also share their experiences hunting for ghosts inside the building.

Oct 18th, 19th, 20th: 1 1/2-hour Ghost Tour and Mini Investigations @ 6pm, 8pm, and 10pm – links to each are HERE

This is a tour and brief investigation but feel free to bring your own EMF meters, recorders, and cameras if you would like. Apex will also provide ghost hunting equipment to use. For the 1st hour, we’ll leave the lights on and give a history and ghost tour of the location, during the final 30 mins, lights go out and we’ll lead attendees on a mini ghost hunt. Tours will be led by real paranormal investigators who will also share their experiences hunting for ghosts inside both buildings. This is an all ages event so bring the whole family for some spooky fun!

Oct 25th, 26th, 27th: 5-hour Ghost Hunt @ 8:00 pm – 1:00 am – links to each are HERE

This is a full on ghost hunt so feel free to bring your own EMF meters, recorders, and cameras if you would like. Apex will also provide ghost hunting equipment to use. We’ll start the night with a brief tour and ghost hunting 101 then it’s lights out as we look for the spirits still lurking the halls. This event will be led by real paranormal investigators who will also share their experiences hunting for ghosts inside the building. This is an 18+ age event.

Ghost Tours at the 1855 Harris-Kearney Home (every Fri, Sat & Sun in Oct.)
2024-10-04 19:00 - 2024-10-07 23:00 | 1855 Harris-Kearney Museum House, 4000 Baltimore Ave., Kansas City, MO, 64111, United States
Come join Apex Paranormal and enjoy the spooky October season with a walking ghost tour of the insanely haunted 1855 Harris Kearney Museum Home! Only 1 out of 4 Civil War Era homes still standing in Kansas City, this place is incredible! Each weekend offers different degrees of tours and ghost investigations. Full on hunts are offered the last weekend of October and attendees must be 18+ years old.
Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing as you will be walking, including stairs and be on your feet for the duration
Refunds may be issued up to 2 weeks ahead of the scheduled event.
PURCHASE YOUR Tickets for the dates and times below on Eventbrite
Oct 4th, 5th, 6th : 1-hour Ghost Tour and Mini Investigations @ 7pm, 9pm, and 11pm – links to these dates are HERE
Oct 11th, 12th: 1-hour Ghost Tour and Mini Investigations @ 7pm, 9pm, and 11pm – links to these dates are HERE

Oct 4th, 5th, 6th 11th & 12th are tours only with no investigating but feel free to bring your own EMF meters, recorders, and cameras if you would like. This 1-hour tour will keep the lights on for the faint of heart and learn the history and the stories of ghosts lurking around and inside the location. Tours will be led by real paranormal investigators who will also share their experiences hunting for ghosts inside the building.

Oct 18th, 19th, 20th: 1 1/2-hour Ghost Tour and Mini Investigations @ 6pm, 8pm, and 10pm – links to each are HERE

This is a tour and brief investigation but feel free to bring your own EMF meters, recorders, and cameras if you would like. Apex will also provide ghost hunting equipment to use. For the 1st hour, we’ll leave the lights on and give a history and ghost tour of the location, during the final 30 mins, lights go out and we’ll lead attendees on a mini ghost hunt. Tours will be led by real paranormal investigators who will also share their experiences hunting for ghosts inside both buildings. This is an all ages event so bring the whole family for some spooky fun!

Oct 25th, 26th, 27th: 5-hour Ghost Hunt @ 8:00 pm – 1:00 am – links to each are HERE

This is a full on ghost hunt so feel free to bring your own EMF meters, recorders, and cameras if you would like. Apex will also provide ghost hunting equipment to use. We’ll start the night with a brief tour and ghost hunting 101 then it’s lights out as we look for the spirits still lurking the halls. This event will be led by real paranormal investigators who will also share their experiences hunting for ghosts inside the building. This is an 18+ age event.

KC History Trivia Night
2024-09-26 18:30 - 22:00 | Kelly’s Westport Inn, 500 Westport Rd, Kansas City, MO, 64111, United States
Do you think you know Kansas City and Westport history? Do you love soaking in the nostalgia at Kansas City’s oldest building, Kelly’s Westport Inn? Then we have the event for you!
Join us Thursday, September 26 at 6:30p.m. at Kelly’s for a KC History Trivia Night hosted by 610 Sports Radio’s Bob Fescoe and historian, writer, and WHS board member, Diane Euston! Teams of 3 to 6 people will put their brains together to see who reigns supreme! Even if you don’t know a ton about our history, this will be a fun event for all.
No team? No problem! Sign up solo, and we’ll pair you with a team!
Your $25 ticket (per participant) includes admission to KC trivia, a snack from Guy’s Deli, and awesome drink specials from our friends at Kelly’s. Please join us at this fundraiser benefiting the Westport Historical Society and the 1855 Harris-Kearney House!
Check in by 6:30; Trivia begins at 7:00. Or, come earlier and have a pint!
**Please note: Space is limited to 65 participants 21 years and older.**

Poetry, Paintings & Pinot Noir ... a TLWms Session
2024-09-14 16:00 - 19:00 | 1855 Harris-Kearney Museum House, 4000 Baltimore Ave., Kansas City, MO, 64111, United States
Everyone is invited to join us for a delightful outdoor afternoon through early evening, as various artists invited by Westport Historical Society board member Terance Williams perform or display their paintings. A genre of spoken poetry will be presented by Rob Iza. “Spoken word” poetry is an amalgamation between literary art and performance art: poetry written specifically for the performance, and has been promoted by Terance through his Music & More Foundation.
Artists and performers include: Rob Iza, poet, Brey Harris, Claude Harris III, Jorge Alexander Fuller, Jose Faus, Ladi Jane, Malissa Hinton, Mary Silwance, and it is hosted by Tyrone Gethers Jr.
Terance has championed Kansas City poets for many years, believing the art is good for the community. He has performed everywhere from bars to the Unicorn Theater, the Atkins Auditorium at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, to the capitol rotunda in Jefferson City, Missouri, and routinely at Shawniece and Chris Nicholson’s Corner Bar & Grill at 18th & Vine.
This event will be outside on the Harris-Kearney House Museum’s front porch, or south veranda and lawn areas. Please register by reserving a FREE ticket, to help us provide enough seating for everyone, and provide us a way to reach you in the event of severe weather.

KC History Trivia: Raffle Tickets on Sale NOW!
2024-09-06 12:00 - 2024-09-26 19:00 | Kelly’s Westport Inn, 500 Westport Rd, Kansas City, MO, 64111, United States
You have the chance to win a piece of the ongoing legacy of our great city while supporting Westport Historical Society’s mission to continue historic education and preservation at the 1855 Harris Kearney House by purchasing raffle tickets!

One top winner will receive an Andy Reid autographed Chiefs football
A second winner will receive a Bill Self autographed KU Basketball
A third winner will enjoy a one-night stay at the Raphael Hotel, one of Kansas City’s most celebrated historical landmarks. Dating back to 1928 and on the Country Club Plaza, the Raphael is a Kansas City staple in luxury hotels and is a proud member of the Historic Hotels of America.

Tickets can be purchased with just $20 for one entry or $50 for three entries!
Everyone can participate in the RAFFLE even if you’re not attending our trivia event!
Raffle tickets go on sale Friday, September 6th. After all raffle tickets have been sold, three people will be our lucky winners and announced Thursday, September 26th at Kelly’s Westport Inn during the Kansas City History Trivia Night event (Trivia Night Registration HERE)!
*Winners not present will be notified by email and have two weeks to pick up their prize or forfeit it to the runner-ups.

A Night of Music on the Chickering, the Oldest Piano in Kansas City
2024-08-28 18:30 - 19:30 | 1855 Harris-Kearney Museum House, 4000 Baltimore Ave., Kansas City, MO, 64111, United States
Join us for a casual evening of socializing as you listen to the sound of our beautiful 1830s Chickering Piano played by Catherine “Kaydee” Gabel, a very talented Kansas City musician. Kaydee is excited for the opportunity to play the oldest piano in Kansas City, or so we’ve been told, and we are sure to enjoy the evening with her. Experienced with piano, violin and voice, piano is closest to Kaydee’s heart. She enjoys music from all periods, but especially loves the Romantic and Contemporary Periods. Learn more about her HERE.

EXHIBIT 2024 July 19 – December: Westport’s Steptoe Neighborhood
2024-08-19 13:00 - 2024-09-30 17:00 | MO
Many people don’t realize that a thriving community of Black families once existed just south of the Westport business district, and just north of the Plaza. This exhibit has been created for the Westport Historical Society by a group of individuals devoted to keeping and honoring Steptoe’s history. It introduces their history with photos and stories of homes and descendants of the neighborhood, and their current project to establish a park in honor of Steptoe.
The exhibit is open to the public during our normal museum hours (Friday & Saturday 1-5pm or Sunday 1-4pm) or by appointment through October. Museum fees apply.
The area began attracting families in the 1860s, including many newly freed from slavery. Several settled in Pate’s Addition, an area some historians believe was set aside for them. The earliest Black residents farmed the land.
By the early 1900s, Steptoe had become a unique family place – “a little island” – physically separated yet still connected to other Black neighborhoods through community events and work. Steptoe was home to the Penn School, the first school west of the Mississippi to solely educate Black children. Two churches, St. Luke and St. James, also served the neighborhood.
Descendants of the Black settlers in the area became educated, created a flourishing community, and went on to make their marks in Kansas City and beyond.
Since the 19060s, many of the homes and institutions have been lost but it is important to keep the memory of Steptoe alive to celebrate the courage and sacrifices of those who built the neighborhood.

EXHIBIT 2024 July 19 - Sept 19: R. Greg Summers' Interpretations of History in Oil Paintings
2024-08-19 13:00 - 2024-09-18 17:00 | 1855 Harris-Kearney Museum House, 4000 Baltimore Ave., Kansas City, MO, 64111, United States
In our upper gallery you will find the most exciting collection of oil painting inspired by historic photographs of Kansas City dating back to the early 1800s. Worthy of being compared to an impressionist master painter, Greg Summers paints like with details making the life in the painting come alive with brush strokes of colors and fine details.
The exhibit is available during our normal museum house hours (Friday & Saturday 1-5pm or Sunday 1-4pm) or by appointment. Museum house fees apply.

1855 Harris-Kearney House Museum Reopens to the Public
2024-07-21 13:00 - 17:00 | MO
Join Us for the Public Grand Reopening of the 1855 Harris-Kearney Historical House Museum!
After an eagerly awaited 18 months, the Westport Historical Society Board of Directors is thrilled to announce the grand reopening of the 1855 Harris-Kearney Historical House Museum to the public on Sunday, July 21st.
Explore the stunning first-floor renovations and enjoy a major exhibit featuring the magnificent oil paintings of local artist R. Greg Summers. His works include interpretations of historic photographs of Westport and Kansas City, along with some of his newest pieces from this year’s travels. Discover an introductory exhibit highlighting Westport’s history related to the Steptoe Neighborhood and updated exhibits throughout the museum.
The refreshed grounds, lawn, and newly-planted flower gardens will also be unveiled, featuring a unique artifact: the wheels and axle from an 1838 Conestoga-style Covered Wagon, generously donated by Cooper Weeks. This artifact, once displayed at the Westport Shopping Center, will now have a permanent home at the museum.
Want to get an exclusive sneak-peak before everyone else? Become a member and attend our VIP member’s reopening event on Friday, July 19th!
Join us and step into history at the 1855 Harris-Kearney Historical House Museum!
