History buffs, we’re looking at you 👀

Local Kansas City history resources

Photo of the KCPL Central Library
Don’t judge a library by its cover. | Photo by KCtoday
Kansas City is no stranger to historical institutions and national museums — and while many of these no doubt have strong ties to KC, sometimes we want a closer look at local history.

Thankfully, reader Anne S. asked where she could dig into the local past, and we aim to please.

Answered: Here are 20 resources for local history — from exhibits to special collections and published works.

18th and Vine museums, multiple locations
This district is home to the American Jazz Museum, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, and the Black Archives of Mid-America.

Jackson County Historical Society, 112 W. Lexington Ave., Independence, MO
Located inside the Historic Truman Courthouse, this group also organizes the 1859 Jail Museum.

Johnson County Museum, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS
In addition to locally focused exhibits, this museum’s expanded digital collection, called JoCoHistory, serves as a hub for Johnson County archives, historical societies, and libraries.

Kansas City Museum, 3218 Gladstone Blvd., Kansas City, MO
This organization operates the history and humanities-based exhibits at Corinthian Hall and the by-appointment exhibits at the Garment District Museumat 801 Broadway Blvd., KCMO.

KC_Garment District Museum.jpg

Located just across the street from the giant needle + button sculpture.

Photo by KCtoday


Kansas City Public Library, multiple locations
Check out special web-centered collaborations, like Missouri Valley Special Collections, Civil War on the Western Border, and The Pendergast Years.

Kansas City Kansas Public Library, multiple locations
The Kansas Collection showcases history stories based in KCK.

Mid-Continent Public Library, multiple locations
This library network serves the greater metro area, with locations in Platte, Clay, and Jackson counties. In addition to history books, this library specializes in local genealogy and offers educational sessions.

Museums at Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport, multiple locations
The Airline History Museum looks into KC’s role in modern air travel, and the TWA Museum takes a close look at this former KC-based airline.
7 MORE SPOTS

Click here to have your event featured.

Wednesday, Dec. 7
  • The Nutcracker | Wednesday, Dec. 7-Saturday, Dec. 24 | Times vary | Kauffman Center | $34-$149 | Join Clara, the Nutcracker, and the Sugar Plum Fairy on this magical experience, presented by the Kansas City Ballet. 🩰
  • Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift | Wednesday, Dec. 7 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Gem Theater, 1615 E. 18th St., Kansas City, MO | $45 | Experience this superstar’s music by candlelight with other local Swifties.
  • Pretty Woman: The Musical | Now-Sunday, Dec. 11 | 7:30 p.m. | Music Hall, 301 W. 13th St., Kansas City, MO | $38-$121 | This film-based musical is part of the PNC Broadway in Kansas City series. 🎭
Thursday, Dec. 8
  • The 1975 | Thursday, Dec. 8 | 7 p.m. | Cable Dahmer Arena | $150+ | This alternative band (one of our favorites) brings its “At Their Very Best” tour to Independence. 🎸
Friday, Dec. 9
  • TubaChristmas 2022 | Friday, Dec. 9 | 12-1 p.m. | Crown Center Square | Free | Experience the sounds of the season at this festive holiday concert.
  • KC Cornhole Tournament | Friday, Dec. 9 | 6-11:30 p.m. | Hy-Vee Arena, 1800 Genessee St., Kansas City, MO | $50 | Grab a partner and get to tossing — with the opportunity for a cash prize.
Saturday, Dec. 10

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

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Weather
  • 50º | Cloudy | 10% chance of rain
History
  • On the topic of local history — the KC Public Library announced the purchase of the Kansas City Star’s digitized archives. The wealth of information will span all the way back to 1880, unlocking thousands of articles, classified ads, and photos. 🗞
Opening
  • Strang Chef Collective at Lightwell will officially open to the public on Monday, Dec. 12. The small-scale food hall — at 1100 Main St., KCMO — will feature an eclectic bistro (Panacea) and a Latin American-inspired concept (Verde) alongside a full-service bar. Here’s a recipe from one of the chefs.
  • DIY crafts and milkshakes — what’s not to love? Creative Culture announced a Grand Opening celebration for Friday, Dec. 16at 207 Westport Rd., KCMO. The revamped space features a larger party room + a splatter studio. Join the party for discounts, a vendor pop-up, and free snacks. 🎨
Sports
  • Patrick Mahomes is KC’s nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year — awarded for excellence on and off the field. Each nominee receives $40,000 for a charity of choice, and the winner receives $250,000. An additional fan vote challenge awards $25,000. 🏈 (Arrowhead Pride)
  • If the Chiefs win the next game (it’s against the Broncos), they’ll officially clinch the AFC West division title — for the seventh-consecutive season. Therefore, the team announced they’ll begin selling playoff tickets next week beginning at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 12. 🎟 (KMBC)
Biz
  • Comets co-owner Brian Budzinski purchased the Western Missouri Soccer League facility — at 6201 NE 76th St., Gladstone, MO. The soccer aficionado will manage 99 acres of fields with plans to boost youth soccer + offer practice space for the World Cup. (Kansas City Business Journal)
Civic
  • North Kansas City is planning to bridge the I-29 divide between its eastern hotels and its downtown entertainment district, and leaders want your input. You’re invited to an open house 5-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8 at City Hall — 2010 Howell St., NKC.
Travel
  • Ready for liftoff. Build KCI announced the “substantial completion” of the new terminal’s runways, taxiways, and aircraft parking. The surface area of poured concrete totals 88+ acres. You can view other projects in the website’s gallery. ✈️
Cause
  • Hanukkah is right around the corner, and Jewish Family Services needs your help providing presents for families in need. You can volunteer for a wrapping party on Sunday, Dec. 11 at 1 p.m. to make sure the Festival of Lights is bright for everyone. 🎁
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A toast...to brunch 🥪

Photo of iced coffee and breakfast burrito with green and red sauce

Red sauce + green sauce = Christmas-style.

Photo by KCtoday


In our opinion, brunch is always a good idea. Whether it’s a spicy chicken sandwich with dill and honey brine from Rye or a quick stop at Café Corazón for a Christmas-style burrito, the combination of breakfast and lunch is something we hold very close to our hearts.

Fortunately for us, Kansas City is home to plenty of brunch options. Here are a few we’ve been loving recently:
Which one will you be going to and what classic brunch beverage will you order? Let us know.
10 MORE BRUNCH RECS

What’s your brunch beverage of choice?

A. Gimme that mimosa
B. A bloody mary is where it’s at
C. Coffee, and keep it coming
D. Tequila sunrise to start the day
E. Irish coffee wakes me up
F. Lots of water - hydration please!
G. Tea for me
SERVE US YOUR THOUGHTS
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Travis.


Editor’s pick: The KCtoday team recently got together for a co-worker Thanksmas, and our sales executive Amanda made us a traditional Sicilian feast — we’re talking pasta, red sauce with olives, a seafood bake, and even tiramisu. We love you, Amanda. ❤️

Do you have any special or cultural holiday dinner traditions? Respond to this email and let us know.


Missed yesterday’s newsletter? See how KCMO ranks in equitable civic policy.
Connect with us.

Editorial: Bella Rainey, Travis Meier, Dayten Rose, Josh Kranzberg, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea, Victoria Bardega | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Amanda Munsey | Advertise with us.

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