WHS Reopens 1855 Harris-Kearney House with New Exhibits
After 18 months of renovations and a revamping of the Board of Directors, the Westport Historical Society (WHS) will open its doors for members and guests on Friday, July 19 from 6-7:30 p.m. with exciting new programming and a celebratory gala reception.
In addition to new wallpaper and painting on the first floor donated by board member Tammy Reid and husband Andy, the grounds have been completely revamped to include native flowers, garden beds and a brand-new outdoor exhibit, the front wagon wheels and axle recently removed from the iconic Conestoga Wagon that had graced the Westport Shopping Center for the last sixty-plus years. The axle and font wheels, date-stamped in 1838, will be dedicated at 6:30 p.m. by Kansas City Councilwoman Melissa Patterson-Hazley and former Councilwoman and Historic Kansas City Foundation President, Katheryn Shields.
New “Steptoe Lives” Exhibit
Additional New Exhibits include the first Black history exhibit in Westport. This exhibit features the Steptoe Neighborhood. After the Civil War, a neighborhood south of Westport filled up with emancipated slaves who rented and owned houses in the Steptoe community. Although most of the buildings in Midtown Kansas City’s former African American Steptoe neighborhood have been demolished, a newly-formed coalition of groups came together to keep its memory alive. “Steptoe Lives” was created to preserve the memory of this neighborhood that was bounded roughly by and 43rd Street to 44th, from Jefferson St. to Summit St. was renamed back to “Steptoe” in 2023 thanks to a city ordinance introduced by 4th District Councilman Eric Bunch and Katheryn Shields.
R. Gregory Summers Exhibit
Additionally, over 30 paintings of historic Kansas City and Westport by local artist R. Gregory Summers will be displayed throughout the historic home with descriptions of the history of the scenes written by Historian and published Author Diane Euston.
In addition to the Member-Guest Reopening Reception, there will be an Open House Sunday, July 21 from 1-5 p.m. open to the public. Regular hours of operation will be Friday-Sunday from 1-5 p.m.
About Westport Historical Society & 1855 Harris-Kearney House
Westport Historical Society, founded in 1950, a 501c3 charitable organization, owns and maintains the Harris-Kearney House and Museum, built in 1855 by John and Henrietta Harris. The “L” addition in the back was added in the mid-1870s by the Harris’ son-in-law, Charles E. Kearney. The house is the oldest two-story brick home in Kansas City, Mo. In 1922, the home was moved from its original location on the southwest corner of Main St. and Westport Rd. and moved to its permanent home at 4000 Baltimore. In order to save the house from demolition, WHS worked with the city to purchase the home and restore it to the appearance seen today. It opened to visitors in 1982.
WHS believes there were more people who lived and worked in Westport that have a history to be told. We believe everyone’s story matters; if we are to advance into a more equitable, just, and inclusive future, we must embrace the truths of history. Everyone had involvement in our American story.
