Kansas City History

Reading The Rocks In Kansas City

Susan B. Wilson — Mon, 13 May 2013 16:37:17 +0000

Imagine a Kansas City covered by ice sheets, oceans that ebb and flow, or lush rain forests with soaring ferns and palm trees.

These were some of the different landscapes that covered this area millions of years ago. UMKC geosciences professor emeritus Richard Gentile says we learn all this by “reading the rocks” beneath our feet.

Lawyers, Lawmen & Outlaws: The Irish In KC

Steve Kraske and Danie Alexander — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

The Irish played a crucial role in the development of Kansas City. While their labor helped to literally build the city, their community found members on both sides of the law.

Book Explores Life And Legacy Of Pioneering Political Leader Leon Jordan

Sylvia Maria Gross and Susan B. Wilson — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 22:41:59 +0000

Three years ago, Kansas City police re-opened one of the most vexing cold cases in local history. It was the 1970 murder of politician and civil rights leader Leon Jordan. The case was re-opened after an investigation by Kansas City Star reporters Mike McGraw and Glenn Rice. McGraw told us what one of the original detectives told him about the 40-year-old case.

KC History: Wornall/Majors House Museums

Laurie Arbore and Monroe Dodd — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 23:00:00 +0000

You've driven past those historic houses in Kansas City, and no doubt they've piqued your curiosity. What's inside? Who once lived there? And how do these places figure into our area's history?

How Discriminatory Real Estate Practices Led To A Divided KC

Susan B. Wilson — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 22:13:29 +0000

Author Tanner Colby wondered why almost none of his friends were black. His curiosity led him to explore racial integration in America, and his search led him right to Kansas City where J.C. Nichols once enjoyed the dubious distinction of being a national leader in developing and maintaining all-white communities.

Tom & Harry: The Boss And The President

Stephen Steigman and Steve Kraske — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 15:21:38 +0000

In two weeks, attorney and film maker Terence O'Malley will release his third Kansas City-centered documentary titled "Tom and Harry: The Boss and the President."

KC History: Waldo & The Westport Presbyterian Church

Andrea Silenzi — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 21:26:22 +0000

Next time on Central Standard Friday, join historian Monroe Dodd for the history of the Waldo neighborhood with LaDene Morton, author of The Waldo Story.

The Son Of A Bandit: Jesse James, Jr.

Stephen Steigman and Steve Kraske and Greta Wendelin — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 22:36:26 +0000

Jesse James’s son may have been a lawyer, but he was no stranger to the long arm of the law.

Reconsidering The Legacy Of KC's Champion Cakewalker

Sylvia Maria Gross — Mon, 21 May 2012 19:45:32 +0000

Every month, the staff of the Kansas City Museum asks a local expert in some field to talk about a piece from the museum's collection for its Community Curator program. This month's talk is by Glenn North, the poet-in-residence at the American Jazz Museum, and it focuses on a painting that made North uncomfortable at first.

Walt's 'Loveable Joints' On KMBC

Charlie Upchurch — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:45:13 +0000

Walt Bodine has been a ubiquitous voice for Kansas City over the years, but he's also been a face as well. In these human-interest shorts that he did for KMBC starting in 1982, Walt reaches out to Kansas City by doing what he does best: telling stories and sharing information.

KC History: Mobsters In Our Midst

Andrea Silenzi — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 22:45:17 +0000

On this Friday's Walt Bodine Show, co-host Monroe Dodd will be joined by longtime FBI Agent William Ouseley for a look at how the mob emerged into the public eye, as told in his book Mobsters in our Midst.