Westport Historical Society KC - 1855 Harris-Kearney House Museum

Westport Historical Society KC - 1855 Harris-Kearney House Museum Welcome to the Westport Historical Society in Kansas City! Community Engagement: We believe history is best shared and celebrated together.

Our mission is to preserve, promote, and protect the history of Westport, the Town of Kansas, and early Kansas City. Welcome to the official NEW 2024 FACEBOOK page of the Westport Historical Society located in a vibrant and historic neighborhood in the heart of Kansas City! Who We Are:
Founded in 1950, the Westport Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is a dedicated group of his

torians, enthusiasts, and community members who are passionate about keeping Westport's heritage alive. We strive to educate and share the stories that make our neighborhood unique, from its founding days to its modern evolution. What We Do:
Historical Preservation: We actively work to protect and maintain the historic 1855 Harris-Kearney House Museum, ensuring its stories continue to be told for generations to come. Educational Programs: We offer a variety of programs and events designed to educate the public about Westport's history, including lectures, walking tours, and school programs. See what is coming up here: westporthistoricalkc.org/events

Exhibits and Collections: Our museum features rotating exhibits that showcase artifacts, photographs, and documents from Kansas City and Westport's pasts. Our collections are a treasure trove for anyone interested in the rich tapestry of our community's history. Our events, from historical trivia to neighborhood activities, are designed to appeal to our diverse community. By bringing the community together, we celebrate our shared heritage and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Westport's unique history. Let us hear your ideas and suggestions of how we can best serve our community. [email protected]

Our Commitment:
We are dedicated to creating inclusive and welcoming spaces and events where everyone feels safe and valued. To uphold this commitment, we strictly enforce our Code of Conduct:

"WHS KC is a safe place for visiting, learning, and sharing. To foster a positive environment, we have zero tolerance for unfriendly, unkind, or aggressive behavior." To ensure a respectful and supportive community, anyone who violates the Code of Conduct will be removed from this page. Join Us:
Whether you're a lifelong resident, a new neighbor, or just passing through, we invite you to explore Westport's history with us. Follow our FACEBOOK page for updates on events, historical tidbits, and opportunities to get involved. Your support enables us to preserve history, enhance our educational programs, tours, and events for all ages, and keep the rich heritage of Westport and early Kansas City alive and vibrant. We invite you to become a member and get to know others who have a common love of Westport and our history. westporthistoricalkc.org/memberships/

Visit Us:
Museum Hours & Guided Tours (Closed winter months: Jan & Feb)
Friday & Saturday: 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. | Sunday: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. | (Or by Appointment)
Changes to our regular hours are based upon availability of volunteers. Before you come, double check for messages announcing any changes on Facebook or in our WEBSITE BLOG at westporthistoricalkc.org/blog

Appointments are available M-Th for individual tours, or groups, visiting our research library, special occasions, meeting space, and event small weddings. Contact [email protected] or call 913-787-1707 to discuss ideas, and schedule your plans. Museum Fees:
Admission includes a guided tour, with or without an appointment, and donations are always welcome. We accept cash, checks, and online we accept PayPal and credit cards
$8.00 Adults
$6.00 Seniors/Students
$5.00 Children 6-12
FREE Children 0-5
FREE Westport Historical Society members

Contact Us:
EMAIL [email protected]
MOBILE: 913-787-1707
Have a question or want to learn more about the Westport Historical Society? Send us a message or visit our website at westporthistoricalkc.org. We’d love to hear from you and we are always open to suggestions and new ideas. Help Us:
Interested in getting involved but don't have a clue what you can do? Check out our VOLUNTEER Page at https://westporthistoricalkc.org/volunteer/ or give us a call to discuss your available time and personal interests for a win-win experience. Without volunteers, we are limited in what we can accomplish or offer in services. Together, we can keep the spirit of Westport's history alive for future generations.

🎉 Congratulations to WHS Board Member Diane Euston on receiving this very prestigious honor!Diane’s dedication to resear...
06/24/2026

🎉 Congratulations to WHS Board Member Diane Euston on receiving this very prestigious honor!

Diane’s dedication to researching, preserving, and teaching the history of Westport and Kansas City is truly extraordinary. Through her passion and creativity, she has introduced high school students—and many others—to the rich stories of our community’s past.

What makes Diane’s achievement especially remarkable is her ability to take two subjects rarely taught in high schools—local history and broadcast journalism—and transform them into some of her students’ favorite classes. Her enthusiasm, knowledge, and commitment to education inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation for our shared heritage.

We are proud to have Diane serving on the Westport Historical Society Board and grateful for the lasting impact she continues to make on our community and future generations.

Grandview High School teacher Diane Euston has been named a 2026 Kansas City Regional Teacher of the Year.

Selected by a regional committee of educators, Ms. Euston was recognized as an exceptional teacher, role model, and champion for student success. Through her work in both history and broadcasting, she inspires students to think critically, tell meaningful stories, and find their voice.

Her passion for education, commitment to excellence, and dedication to building strong relationships with students have made a lasting impact on the Grandview C-4 community.

As a Regional Teacher of the Year, Ms. Euston will now advance in the Missouri Teacher of the Year selection process.

Please join us in congratulating Ms. Euston on this outstanding and well-deserved achievement!

"HAPPY FATHERS DAY"The 1855 Harris Kearney House in historic Westport welcomes all to come visit us today. Feel free to ...
06/21/2026

"HAPPY FATHERS DAY"

The 1855 Harris Kearney House in historic Westport welcomes all to come visit us today. Feel free to bring Dad and the family for an awesome time touring this stunning old home and hearing the history and stories of old Westport from long ago. We have a very nice collection of antiques and artifacts on display as well.

World Cup Visitors looking for something to do? Please come and learn about this historic home and surrounding area which was important to the Sante Fe, Oregon and California Trails during the U.S. westward expansion in the 1800's.

We are open for tours today from 1:00pm-4:00pm.
Harris Kearney House 4000 Baltimore St. Kansas City, Mo. 64111

https://westporthistoricalkc.org/tours/

The 1855 Harris-Kearney House Museum is a hidden gem, many know nothing about. The house is open for tours Saturdays and...
06/20/2026

The 1855 Harris-Kearney House Museum is a hidden gem, many know nothing about. The house is open for tours Saturdays and Sundays from 1pm to 4pm. Our gardens are full of colorful blooms and textures that are absolutely stunning! Please come visit, see the beauty of our grounds/gardens and enjoy yourself as you step back in history for a short time!

https://westporthistoricalkc.org/tours/

New to Kansas City? Visiting for the World Cup? Or simply love local history?Step back in time and discover the stories ...
06/19/2026

New to Kansas City? Visiting for the World Cup? Or simply love local history?

Step back in time and discover the stories of Old Westport through the lives of the settlers, travelers, soldiers, merchants, and notable historical figures who helped shape this community and leave their mark on Kansas City’s history.

Join us for a guided tour of the Harris-Kearney House, located at 4000 Baltimore St. in historic Westport. Explore fascinating artifacts, hear stories from the era of westward expansion, and learn about the people who called this frontier town home.

Tours are offered this Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

We hope you’ll stop by and experience a piece of Kansas City’s past with us!

Learn more: https://westporthistoricalkc.org/tours/

In the 1850s, Cyprian Chouteau, of the famous Chouteau family of Kansas City, arrived in Westport and constructed a buil...
06/14/2026

In the 1850s, Cyprian Chouteau, of the famous Chouteau family of Kansas City, arrived in Westport and constructed a building at 504 Westport Road that was connected to the A.G. Boone Supply Store at 500 Westport Road. There, Mr. Chouteau operated a business supplying settlers heading west on the trails.

In 1866, he sold the building to the famed mountain man Jim Bridger, who also ran a trail supply business from the location.

Today, artifacts belonging to Mr. Bridger are on display at the Harris-Kearney House in historic Westport.

We will be hosting tours today from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Harris-Kearney House, located at 4000 Baltimore Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri.

We hope to see you there!

https://westporthistoricalkc.org/tours/

What could be better than spending time with a puppy in a house full of history?Join us at the historic Harris-Kearney H...
06/13/2026

What could be better than spending time with a puppy in a house full of history?

Join us at the historic Harris-Kearney House TODAY for Paws for History from 1 PM- 4 PM, a special partnership with Made A Promise Rescue. Meet an adoptable pup, learn about volunteer opportunities, and explore one of Kansas City’s treasured historic landmarks.

Take a seat, turn a page, pet a puppy, and discover how preserving the past and creating brighter futures for rescue dogs can go hand in hand.

We can’t wait to welcome you!

Thank you, David Trowbridge, for this outstanding and thoughtfully written history of Westport before Kansas City. We ar...
06/12/2026

Thank you, David Trowbridge, for this outstanding and thoughtfully written history of Westport before Kansas City. We are honored that you included the Harris-Kearney House Museum and highlighted our efforts to raise funds for the restoration and preservation of this important historic landmark through our capital campaign.

David serves as the William T. Kemper Associate Research Professor in Digital and Public Humanities in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at UMKC. He is also the creator of Clio, the free website and mobile app that connects people to thousands of nearby historical and cultural sites, complete with historical information, walking tours, and opportunities to explore the stories that shaped our communities.

We are grateful for David’s support and for helping share the rich history of Westport with a wider audience.

YouTube video:

Explore the history of Westport and go inside the Harris-Kearney Ho...

06/08/2026

There was a time when front porches were where neighbors gathered, stories were shared, and evenings slowed down just enough to enjoy the breeze.

At the Harris-Kearney House, that spirit is still alive.

This weekend, we invite you to step away from the endless scrolling, put your phone in your pocket, and spend a little time enjoying one of Kansas City’s oldest homes. Sit in a rocking chair, take in the view from the porch, and imagine the generations who have crossed this threshold since the 1850s.

History isn’t something that only lives in textbooks—it’s right here in your backyard.

Join us for a guided tour every Saturday and Sunday from 1:00–4:00 PM and discover the stories, people, and places that helped shape Westport and Kansas City.

Sometimes the best way to move forward is to slow down for a moment and look back.

https://westporthistoricalkc.org/tours/

06/08/2026

Westport used to be so wild that in 1882 an alligator just showed up on the front porch of a brothel.

The Kansas City Journal, Friday, September 11, 1885: reported: Mr. George A. Crush, proprietor of the Park Hotel, on the Westport road, reported he had found an alligator about three feet long in front of his hotel. It was not a domesticated alligator, but on the contrary was quite savage and chewed up several sticks with evident relish. Mr. Crush has the animal safely confined and will exhibit it to any one who chooses to call. He is at a loss to explain where the brute came from, but avers that it is a genuine alligator.

Learn about this, other brothels, and historic murders on the Wicked Westport Walk. View all upcoming dates: https://wornallmajors.org/events/

Address

4000 Baltimore Avenue
Kansas City, MO
MISSOURI

Opening Hours

Saturday 1pm - 4pm
Sunday 1pm - 4pm

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