Founded in 1909

The Jackson County Historical Society can trace its history back to July 6, 1909, on the front lawn of the Wornall House in Kansas City. Nearly 200 Jackson Countians gathered for the first meeting. The Society reorganized into the modern organization that we know today in 1958.

Our Mission

The Jackson County (Missouri) Historical Society is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving the written, oral, and physical legacy of this county. We do this by maintaining physical collections and promoting the study, appreciation, and interpretation of local and regional history.

Statement on Inclusive Minority History in Jackson County

The Jackson County Historical Society stands with our community against inequality and injustice and acknowledges the long damaging history of racism in Jackson County. An honest accounting of the past can help build a better future. JCHS will intensify its efforts to that end.

Cultural institutions are often exclusionary spaces. We fully commit to setting a new precedent of diversity, equity, access and inclusion for our collections, archives, and programming.

This vial work must happen now. We hold ourselves accountable with a CALL TO ACTION: our first immediate initiative is to educate the community about Black history in Jackson County. We will research and share comprehensive histories of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) in Jackson County through programming, social media content, research, and exhibits. Secondly, JCHS will begin an inititiatve devoted to collecting items and oral histories centered on BIPOC history and stories in Jackson County. We will expand diversity and inclusivity within our collections and archives with disproportionately and historically do not reflect the full range of experiences in the Black community. Will will strengthen our relationships through partnerships and join efforts with other local organizations.

Together we can gather, record and preserve a truer reflection of Jackson County’s evolving history.

Jackson County Historical Society

2025 Board of Directors

Officers

• Gloria Smith, President

  Community Volunteer

• Brad Pace, President-Elect

  Attorney | Chair of Publications Committee

• Mark Eubank, Treasurer

  HCA Midwest | Chair of Finance Committee

• Melanie Moentmann, Assistant Treasurer

  SS&C Technologies

• Irene Baltrusaitis, Vice President of Special Events

  Retired Journalist/Newspaper Publisher

• Katie Cowan, Secretary

  Community Volunteer

• David Ross, Vice President of Fundraising
  Community Volunteer | Chair of Fundraising Committee

Directors

• James McGee, Sr. Manager, Artis, and Chairman & CEO

• Mark Carrick, Retired, Independence Fire Department | Chair of Building Committee

• Christie A. Geier-Pratt, Community Volunteer

• Charles Foudree, Independent Management Consulting Professional

• Matt Mallinson, Doctor of Pharmacy

• Ralph Monaco II, Attorney & Author

• Jason Wade, Community Volunteer & Textile Expert

• Rick Debusk, Community Volunteer

• Audrey Elder, Historian & Community Volunteer

• Scott Cauger, Attorney & Community Volunteer

• Charles Jones, Community Volunteer

• David Barker, Community Volunteer

• Larry R. Smith II, Owner-L&K Hardwoods, Community Volunteer

Organization Information

JCHS files an annual IRS Form 990 to show its income and expenses. These are reviewed annually by the Board of Directors. Public inspection copies for most recent years are below.

2019 Form 990

Prior Years

2018 Form 990 | 2017 Form 990 | 2016 Form 990 | 2015 Form 990 | 2014 Form 990 | 2013 Form 990 | 

More organizational and financial information are available through our GuideStar profile.

Historical Information

Past Presidents
The Jackson County Historical Society has been led over the years by many talented and committed volunteers. See a list of past JCHS Presidents.

JCHS Awards
JCHS has recognized the achievements of individuals, organizations and institutions that have help preserve, interpret and share the history of Jackson County. See a list of past winners.

Jackson County (Missouri) Historical Society

Privacy Policy and Copyright Information

Privacy Statement

The Jackson County Historical Society respects the privacy of those with whom we have established relationships. The Society gathers basic contact information from patrons, website visitors, and members to serve them efficiently. Concerning personal information obtained by JCHS, it is protected in the strictest confidence; therefore, any information shared with us will not be communicated with third parties.

Copyright Information

The Jackson County Historical Society has, where possible, obtained copyright permission for the use of documents and photographs in our custody and on this website. Some materials posted on this site may be protected by the U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.) and/or by the copyright or neighboring-rights laws of other nations. Transmission or reproduction of protected items beyond that allowed by fair use may require the written permission of the copyright owners.