Jackson County Historical Society
Speakers’ Bureau (updated 4 August 2009) The Jackson
County Historical Society believes that it is important for people to learn
about the history of their community, about the lives and legacies of those
who have gone before us, and about the rich, diverse history that encircles
our lives on a daily basis. To that end, the Society strives to be an
educational resource for individuals, youths and adults, as well as for area
service clubs, social clubs, business associations, schools, or cultural
groups. This Speakers’ Bureau is intended to offer useful, educational
information about Jackson Countys history and its
preservation. Programs preceded with an
asterisk (*) are those offered by
the Society’s staff. Evening and weekend presentation times are available to
organizations and clubs in Jackson County, Missouri. Programs may be
formatted for up to one-hour segments. Advanced registration is required. A
$75 stipend payable to the “Jackson County Historical Society,” due at the
time of scheduling, recognizes the Society’s staff time and travel
commitments. Programs preceded with a dot (h) are those offered by
other presenters; each presenter must be contacted individually to discuss
rates, availability, and scheduling. The following presentation topics are
currently available: h Prisoners of World War II in Jackson County,
Missouri? Jim Beckner unlocks the secrets to a time in the
1940s when 15,000 of the 564,000 German and Italian POWs in the U.S. were in
Missouri when they were transported to the heart of our nation for
internment. What did these unexpected visitors do while in Jackson County?
Where were the camps? How were they treated? Where did they go after World
War II? Answers to these questions and more are revealed in a fascinating
presentation. This presentation is a special
engagement, and is scheduled directly with the presenter, Jim Beckner, by
calling 816-322-3736 or E-mail.
Additional fees may apply. h Elmwood Cemetery: Unknown and Lost Kansas City
History! ‘Former Elmwood Cemetery
historian Richard Stewart provides a fascinating presentation guaranteed to
reveal surprising, shocking and unbelievable facts and history long lost or
forgotten through time. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover interesting
connections between Elmwood Cemetery and Kansas City, Missouri, and United
States history that transcends the typical history of our city fathers that
includes quirky relationships to Tippecanoe
and Tyler Too; Texaco Star Theater with Milton Berle;
Madam Clara Schumann; Abraham Lincoln’s Assassination; NBCs Laugh-In; Abbott and Costello; the
1927 New York Yankees; Walt Disney’s start at Laugh-O-Grams Studio; Honus Wagner and
Rabbit Maranville, CBSs You are There; RMS Titanic;
Sitting Bull; and, many more! This presentation is a special engagement, and
is scheduled directly with the presenter, Richard Stewart. Additional fees
may apply. Contact Stewart at 816-833-7071 or by E-mail. h Louis Curtiss (1865-1924), Kansas City's Eccentric Architect. Slide program features archival photos of buildings created by this
fascinating turn-of-the century Kansas City designer and architect.’ Only 32
of his 200 buildings still exist (19 in Kansas City) including the Folly
Theater, Boley Building, Quality Hill YMCA
(formerly Progress Club), and the Corrigan/Sutherland mansion on Ward
Parkway, one of the most distinctive houses in Kansas City.’ The program also
features his work for the Santa Fe Railway and the Fred Harvey Company.’
Tom's presentation includes artifacts from Curtiss' Baltimore Hotel, torn
down in 1939. Tom's presentation will appeal to people interested in
architecture, Kansas City history, and railroad history. Contact Tom Taylor at 913-362-4493.’ Tom is a
member of the Jackson County Historic Society, The John Wornall House Museum,
the Lee's Summit Historic Society, the National Historic Trust, and the Heart
of America Postcard Collectors.’ He lives in Westwood, Kansas. h The Battle
of Westport: The Gettysburg of the West. It was the largest battle west
of the Mississippi. Tours of the many local battle sites are available. This
presentation is a special engagement, and is scheduled directly with the
presenter, Jim Beckner, by calling 816-322-3736 or E-mail.
Additional fees may apply. hNarcissa Whitman. She was a missionary
who went to the Oregon Territory in the 1830s, and was the first white woman
to travel the Oregon Trail. She was massacred by Cayuse Indians. Historical
vignette with Barbara Hughes. Additional fees may apply. Contact Barbara at
816.229.0978; info@americanhistorywomen.com. h History of Grandview, Missouri. This presentation is a special engagement, and is scheduled
directly with the presenter, Jim Beckner, by calling 816-322-3736 or E-mail.
Additional fees may apply. h Meet Mathew Brady, Civil War Photographer. Thanks in large part to Mr. Brady, the we have available to us today a tremendous visual
record of our nation’s greatest trial. The Civil War. Grant. Lee. Lincoln. He
met them all, and he can tell you all about it. Come to listen to his
fascinating stories about the early days of photography, and the behind the
scenes tales of some of America's greatest portraits. This presentation is a
special engagement available only on weeknights and weekends, and is scheduled
directly with the presenter, Mark Armato. Additional fees may apply. Contact
Armato at 816-734-1745 or by E-mail. hAlexander Majors and the Santa Fe Trail. Meet Majors, one of the most colorful characters to
travel on the Santa Fe Trail, as impersonated by Mark Armato. A
successful businessman and pious Christian, Majors built a freighting
empire while insisting that his employees refrain from cursing and other
frontier vices. Come to listen to his rousing stories of the trail
and he might even tell you the secret to his great success. This
presentation is a special engagement available only on weeknights and
weekends, and is scheduled directly with the presenter, Mark Armato.
Additional fees may apply. Contact Armato at 816-734-1745 or by E-mail. h Meet Jesse
James! Who was Jesse really? Was
he a hero and southern patriot or just a villain and a bandit? Jesse is
getting ready to retire from his life of crime and is in the mood to tell a
few stories. Come to listen to his tales of the Civil War and the
outlaw trail and make up your own mind as to what kind of man he was. As
interpreted by Mark Armato. This presentation is a special engagement
available only on weeknights and weekends, and is scheduled directly with the
presenter, Mark Armato. Additional fees may apply. Contact Armato at
816-734-1745 or by E-mail. hBattle
of Lone Jack Barbara Hughes impersonates Elizabeth Pilcher, who experienced the Battle of Lone Jack.
Sixteen-year-old Buck Fields of
Independence saw action in several battles. He said, "The Lone Jack
battle was hardest of them all. It was knock down
and drag out, from start to finish." This
presentation is a special engagement, and is scheduled directly with the
presenter at 816.229.0978; info@americanhistorywomen.com. h Missouri in the Civil War. Before, during and
after. Legislation penalized returning Confederates and set the stage for the
arrival of the James Gang. This presentation is a
special engagement, and is scheduled directly with the presenter, Jim
Beckner, by calling 816-322-3736 or E-mail.
Additional fees may apply. hFort Osage. This
historical vignette with Barbara Hughes covers Lewis & Clark, the Osage
Indians, Missouri River, as seen through the eyes of Sarah Dodge Morris,
missionary to the Osage in the 1820s. Additional fees may apply. Contact
Barbara at 816.229.0978; info@americanhistorywomen.com. hJackson County at the
crossroads of American History during Slavery, Border Wars, and Civil War. Dressed in costume, storyteller Barbara Hughes,
in costume, describes the tumultuous years between 1850 and 1865. Meet
Ann Everett who experienced tragedy at her doorstep during the Civil
War. An in-depth look at the events and people will make this era
"come alive" for participants. The presentation can be
tailored to meet the needs of your group. Contact Hughes by E-mail. hUnity Village: One of
Jackson County's Best Kept Secrets.’ Local
historian Tom Taylor presents a slide presentation about Unity Village, which
began in 1919 and was incorporated as a Missouri city in 1953.’ This unique
Mediterranean-styled village is nestled in the Missouri countryside and
cornfields, near Lee's Summit, just southeast of Kansas City. Tom's
presentation focuses on the old English and Mediterranean architecture of
this National Historic Register site and the famous farm and orchard
operations. It features rare photographs and real-photo postcards from the
Unity Library and Archives.’ Tom is the author of a 2009 Arcadia Publishing
pictorial history book, "Images of America -- Unity Village. He is the
retired manager of community relations and the welcome center at Unity
Village. Through this presentation Tom hopes to acquaint Kansas City area
residents with the rich historical legacy and architectural treasures of
Unity Village. Contact Tom Taylor at
913-362-4493.’ Tom is a member of the Jackson County Historic Society,
The John Wornall House Museum, the Lee's Summit Historic Society, the
National Historic Trust, and the Heart of America Postcard Collectors.’ He
lives in Westwood, Kansas.’ * Practical Preservation: Preserving Documents
and Heirlooms: Discover simple, practical, and inexpensive
steps you can take to preserve your family’s heirlooms, and how the Jackson
County Historical Society works to preserve its rare and valuable 19th
and 20th Century collections. A helpful 12-page booklet
by the same title is also available. E-mail
us or call 816.252.7454 for more information, or to schedule a
speaking engagement. hTales of Lewis and Clark. Meet
John Shields one of the members of the Corps of Discovery. Like he says
you won't see his name in the history books but he was with Lewis and Clark
every step of the way, and he's got a few stories to tell. He'll tell
you stories of loyal dogs and desperate men, the kind of stories the history
books forgot. This presentation is a special engagement available only
on weeknights and weekends, and is scheduled directly with the presenter, Mark
Armato. Additional fees may apply. Contact Armato at 816-734-1745 or by E-mail. h Kansas City's Union Station: America's 3rd Largest Train Station. This slide presentation by historian and railroad fan Tom Taylor
includes archival photographs from the station's beginning in 1914, through
its glory years, as well as its decline in the 1950s and 60s, and its
majestic restoration in 1999.’ Since the reopening, Tom has volunteered
nearly 1,000 hours at the station. Contact Tom Taylor at 913-362-4493.’ Tom
is a member of the Jackson County Historic Society, The John Wornall House
Museum, the Lee's Summit Historic Society, the National Historic Trust, and
the Heart of America Postcard Collectors.’ He lives in Westwood, Kansas.’ Contact
Tom Taylor at 913-362-4493. Tom is a member of the Jackson County Historic
Society, The John Wornall House Museum, the Lee's Summit Historic Society,
the National Historic Trust, and the Heart of America Postcard Collectors.’
He lives in Westwood, Kansas. hJackson County History, Part I. ‘Explore
early Jackson County history through the eyes of Ann Everett. Topics include
slavery, the Border Wars, and the Civil War. Historical vignette with Barbara
Hughes. Additional fees may apply. Contact Barbara at 816.229.0978; info@americanhistorywomen.com. hJackson County History, Part II. ‘Explore early Jackson
County history through the eyes of Mary Lobb and
Rebecca Hawkins. Topics include the early 1800s, Lewis & Clark, pioneers,
and the Santa Fe, California and Oregon Trails. Historical vignette with
Barbara Hughes. Additional fees may apply. Contact Barbara at 816.229.0978; info@americanhistorywomen.com. h Connecting the Dots . . .
Westport and the Shawnee Indian Mission. There were close ties between the early missionaries and
teachers at the Mission with prominent Westport families, such as the McCoys,
Wornalls, Chicks, Scarritts and Bernards. Help us connect the dots as our
presenter relays interesting details about pioneer life on the frontier. Contact Howard Ziegenhorn
913.432.3198 for more information. * Fast Facts
About Jackson County Historical Society. Learn
about the work of the nonprofit Jackson County Historical Society to see how
a dedicated staff vigorously pursues its mission to collect, preserve, and
promote the study, appreciation and interpretation of our local and regional
history. E-mail us or call
816.252.7454 for more information, or to schedule a speaking engagement. h Religion in the Civil War. A presentation on the role of religion, with an
emphasis on the faith of the Confederate side. This presentation is a special
engagement, and is scheduled directly with the presenter, Jim Beckner, by
calling 816-322-3736 or E-mail.
Additional fees may apply. h Mary Jane Colter: One of Kansas City,
America's First Women Architects. Colter was the architect and chief interior designer for
the Santa Fe Railroad and the Fred Harvey Company for decades.’ She lived and
worked in Kansas City for more than 30 years.’ Today, her buildings at Grand
Canyon are national historic landmarks.’ Her office was at Union Station,
where she designed the shops and restaurants, including the famous Westport
Room.’ The slide presentation includes archival photographs and Fred Harvey
Company postcards from Tom's collection. Contact
Tom Taylor at 913-362-4493.’ Tom is a member of the Jackson County
Historic Society, The John Wornall House Museum, the Lee's Summit Historic
Society, the National Historic Trust, and the Heart of America Postcard
Collectors.’ He lives in Westwood, Kansas. h Clothing, Accoutrements &
Weapons of the 1863 Union Cavalryman. As an 1863 cavalryman, Jim Beckner
shows items, gives details and insights rarely found elsewhere. Suitable for
all ages. This presentation is a special engagement, and is scheduled
directly with the presenter, Jim Beckner, by calling 816-322-3736 or E-mail.
Additional fees may apply. *A River Runs By It: The Story of Jackson County’s
175-Year History: Travel through time over
more than 175 years of Jackson County history as you examine the challenging
and triumphant events that residents have met and overcome. Enjoy a lively
discussion about some highlights of our history from 1826 through to the present,
and gain insights into the wealth of area history and heritage sites that are
preserved for your enjoyment. An informative 16-page booklet by a similar
title is also available. E-mail us
or call 816.252.7454 for more information, or to schedule a speaking
engagement. * How to Research Your House’s History: Ever wanted to learn more about the house you live in, or the
property you own? Unlock the door to a number of possibilities in this
informative session. The presenter will share tips on what kinds of records
are available at the Jackson County Historical Society’s Archives as well as
other local government and archival repositories. A helpful 12-page
booklet by the same title is also available. E-mail us or call 816.252.7454 for more
information, or to schedule a speaking engagement. h The Confederate States of America Hunley. A history of the famous Confederate
submarine, and Jim Beckner’s experiences at the
re-burial of the crew. This presentation is a special
engagement, and is scheduled directly with the presenter, Jim Beckner, by
calling 816-322-3736 or E-mail.
Additional fees may apply. h Motion Picture Movie Shows and Local History. Over the years, speaker, historian re-enactor and educator, Jim
Beckner, has acted in, or helped produce, close to
30 movies. He talks briefly about each film. This presentation is a special engagement, and is scheduled
directly with the presenter, Jim Beckner, by calling 816-322-3736 or E-mail.
Additional fees may apply. * Kansas
City Women of Independent Minds. They
are recognizable Kansas City personalities. Some famous. Some infamous. Some
more vividly remembered than others. Their influence was broad and varied.
Some helped shape policy by participating in the political system, while
others made their presence known in areas such as business, education,
medicine, law, entertainment, volunteer work, sports, and philanthropy. They
are "Kansas City Women of Independent Minds," as local historian
and preservationist Jane Fifield Flynn called them. This presentation
discusses the importance of collecting and preserving local history resources
in the context of the women’s' history (or HERstory)
collections of the Jackson County (Mo.) Historical Society that Flynn, with
the help of former Independence Mayor Barbara Potts, helped to invigorate in
the early 1990s. Today, the Society boasts upwards of 80 collections about
individual local women or women’s' organizations, a listing of which is
posted on the Society's website at: www.jchs.org/archives/archhives.html.
E-mail us
or call 816.252.7454 for more information, or to schedule a speaking
engagement. h Meet Jeremiah Piper, Civil War
Soldier. Ever wonder what it was like
to fight as a soldier in the Civil War? Well Jeremiah Piper can tell
you all about it. Learn about his uniform, equipment, and
experiences. He'll tell you the stories the history books leave out.
This presentation is a special engagement available only on weeknights and
weekends, and is scheduled directly with the presenter, Mark Armato. Additional
fees may apply. Contact Armato at 816-734-1745 or by E-mail. h The Fred Harvey Company: Trains, Plains, and Automobiles. This is the company that introduced fine food and dining and the
Harvey Girls to the wild western frontier beginning in the late 1800s. The
company has headquartered in Kansas City for decades, and continued at Union
Station until the famous Westport Room was closed in 1968.’ The presentation
also features the Harvey Company's partnership with Santa Fe and Kansas
City's hometown airline, TWA (predecessor T-A-T Airline), for the first
coast-to-coast trips by plane in daylight and train at night in 1928.’ Tom's
presentation includes a display collection of china and menus from Fred
Harvey restaurants and Union Station. Contact
Tom Taylor at 913-362-4493.’ Tom is a member of the Jackson County
Historic Society, The John Wornall House Museum, the Lee's Summit Historic
Society, the National Historic Trust, and the Heart of America Postcard
Collectors.’ He lives in Westwood, Kansas.’ h Irish & German Ethnic
Civil War Regiment. Hear about Father Bannon,
an outspoken St. Louis Confederate Irish Priest, how new immigrants won the
Civil War for the Union and the history of the 1st Missouri
Brigade at its zenith. This presentation is a special engagement, and is
scheduled directly with the presenter, Jim Beckner, by calling 816-322-3736
or E-mail.
Additional fees may apply. * Historic Preservation Laboratory, A
Twenty-First Century History Experiment in Progress: Learn a little about the four components of a historic preservation
program, and how the Jackson County Historical Society accomplishes its work
in these four areas. E-mail us or call
816.252.7454 for more information, or to schedule a speaking engagement. * Was it Murder? Re-Tracing Events Surrounding the Swope Murder Trial:
It rocked a community and made headline news
around the country. Retrace the events leading up to and surrounding the
mysterious deaths that occurred in the Swope family. E-mail us or call 816.252.7454 for more
information, or to schedule a speaking engagement. hSongs and Stories of the Civil War. The Civil War produced a lot of memorable music and
it can tell us a lot about that terrible time. Come to listen to Mark
as he gets out his guitar and sings some of the well known and not so well
known songs of the war. Be prepared to reflect, laugh and be moved by
the songs and stories of those dark days. This presentation is a special
engagement available only on weeknights and weekends, and is scheduled
directly with the presenter, Mark Armato. Additional fees may apply. Contact
Armato at 816-734-1745 or by E-mail. hMeet Moses Hopkins, Continental Soldier of the
American Revolutionary War.
Are you looking for a great program for a Fourth of July event? Or
maybe you would simply like to learn more about the American
Revolution. Well Moses Hopkins can tell you all about what it was like
to fight for America's independence. You will discover that the
continental soldier was no summer soldier or sunshine patriot. Learn
more about America's beginnings by someone who was there. This presentation
is a special engagement available only on weeknights and weekends, and is
scheduled directly with the presenter, Mark Armato. Additional fees may
apply. Contact Armato at 816-734-1745 or by E-mail. hCaptain Charles Woodson. This central Missourian led the 1st
Missouri Cavalry, Army of Northern Virginia, in two battles with General Lee.
His role at the Battle of New market was as vital as that of the Virginia
Military Institute Cadets. This presentation is a
special engagement, and is scheduled directly with the presenter, Jim
Beckner, by calling 816-322-3736 or E-mail.
Additional fees may apply. * How Jackson County's History
Relates to American History: Each
and every one of us with every thought and action are participating in local
history. But how does local history relate--or even contribute to United
States history that students read in textbooks? The vibrant history of
Jackson County, Missouri, has been significantly impacting American history
for nearly 200 years . . . from the trails that led people west to the Truman
years. E-mail us
or call 816.252.7454 for more information, or to schedule a speaking
engagement. *Jackson County Counts: Counting Our Stories One
at a Time: Lean about the importance of recording your own
memories and stories for future generations to learn from. This program is
based on, and helps promote our campaign Jackson
County Counts-Counting Our Stories One at a Time, that is designed to
encourage individuals to document their own contributions to local history. E-mail us or call 816.252.7454 for more
information, or to schedule a speaking engagement. h Dr. McPheeters,
Physician for General Sterling Price. This St. Louis doctor was driven
out of town for his Southern loyalties and then became General Sterling
Prices’ personal physician. Following the Civil War, he hosted Jefferson
Davis in St. Louis. This presentation is a special engagement, and is
scheduled directly with the presenter, Jim Beckner, by calling 816-322-3736
or E-mail.
Additional fees may apply. * Veteran’s History Project: Preserving Stories
of Service for Future Generations: A one-hour
workshop designed to teach individuals how to conduct oral history interviews
of war veterans from World War I. World War II, and the Korean, Vietnam, and
Persian Gulf Wars. The Library of Congress and its American Folklife Center
sponsor the Veteran’s History Project. The memories, accounts and documents
of our local war veterans that are collected as part of the Veteran’s History
Project will be preserved at the Jackson County Historical Society for future
generations to learn from. Further, cataloging information will be added to
the Library’s comprehensive, searchable national catalog of all oral
histories and documents collected as part of the Veteran’s History Project. E-mail us or call 816.252.7454 for more
information, or to schedule a speaking engagement. |
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