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Born in Lebanon, Adam Sharp presented himself as a “traveling evangelist.” He was never very successful though, and in 1908 was living in Kansas City on a houseboat with less than 30 followers.  The group, which included several children, was out proselytizing in Kansas City when a police officer asked why the children were not …

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The Electirc Park theme park, dubbed “Kansas City’s Coney Island,” was the brainchild of the Heim family, who operated the massive Heim Brewing Company. The park opened near 46th and Paseo, boasting 100,000 lights illuminating attractions like a roller coaster, carousel, swimming pool, skating rink, dance halls, arcades, and even an alligator farm! It remained …

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Harry S. Truman

The only president from Missouri was born on this date in 1884.

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These are no ordinary french fries. Across Missouri, chefs are putting a hot new spin on the humble spud. Sure, you could dip ’em in ketchup, but these restaurants are bringing something much more exciting than that to the table.

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Sometimes it’s fun to wonder “what if?” An exhibit at the Special Collections Gallery at the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Miller Nichols Library imagines how a number of proposed projects might have reshaped the Kansas City experience.

Tom Pendergast

Democrat political boss, Tom Pendergast, was indicted on income tax charges. Prior to this he had almost complete control of Kansas City and the state Capitol was known as “Uncle Tom’s Cabin

Bennie Moten with the Bennie Moten Orchestra

Bennie Moten, a legendary figure in the development of jazz, passed away on this date in 1935 just his trademark ‘Kansas City sound’ was taking off.

Jim Bridger

Mountain man Jim Bridger was born on this date.

Robert Altman

The influential Filmmaker Robert Altman, known for films such as M*A*S*H and Nashville was born on this date in Kansas City, Missouri.

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Original art adds pizzazz to your home. You’ll discover exquisite art at the annual Kansas City Artists Coalition’s auction. The online preview will get you revved up to bid, and there’s a feature for those who require instant gratification.

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A recent renovation brings technology to the National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City. The new interactive touch tables engage adults and children and help spark the desire to learn more about the history of WWI. The exhibit featuring the importance of mules and other animals is not to be missed.

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You’ve probably heard the phrase, “A Sea of Lights.” It’s especially appropriate this time of year. And we have a literal sea of lights for you to enjoy! Now through Jan. 1, 2024, enjoy a “waterful” holiday treat. Can you say, “HO-HO-HO-H20?”

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Missouri History Today December 2, 1897: Westport Joins Kansas City

November 30 Kansas City Business District via Library of Congress

Missouri History Today November 30, 1956: Clay County Introduces New Health Facility For Kansas City Area

November 15 Ed Asner via Wikimedia Commons

Missouri History Today November 15, 1929: Ed Asner, Missouri’s Emmy-Winning Star, Makes His Debut

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Did you ever want to run away and join the circus as a kid? Good news: While you can’t actually join the circus, you can run away and enjoy it! The reimagined Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is coming to Missouri Nov.10–12, 2023!

October 22 Kansas City Snowstorm Meteorology Charts Low Pressure System via National Weather Service

Missouri History Today October 22, 1996: Winter Fury: Power Outage Hits Kansas City

October 4 Rainfall Analysis Kansas City via National Weather Service

Missouri History Today October 4, 1998: Kansas City Deluge: Flash Flooding Shocks Chiefs-Seahawks Game

September 19 Flash Flooding Kansas City via National Weather Service Credit National Weather Service

Missouri History Today September 19, 2013: Sudden Deluge Strikes Kansas City

General View of Skylab I Blast Off

Ten years ago, Missouri Life took a look back to what was happening in 1973 across our state, in the nation, and around the world. Take a trip back in time and remember when these things were happening as Missouri Life wrote about them in 2013.

August 17 Charles Lindbergh and Spirit of St. Louis Library of Congress

Missouri History Today August 17, 1927: Lindbergh Memorializes New Kansas City Airport

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The moment George Brett charged out of the dugout will be forever etched in the minds of baseball fans. Brett just hit a two-run home run against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium in the ninth inning to give the Royals the lead. The Yankees challenged the play, claiming the slugger had used too …

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Hillary Clinton’s choice of a running mate was closely watched. She selected Tim Kaine on this day in 2016. Kaine attended Rockhurst High School in Kansas City and the University of Missouri-Columbia before launching his political career. Although he never served as Vice President, Kaine became a United States senator in Virginia. Based upon content …

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Are you a big Beatles fan? Maybe the Brit band was part of the soundtrack of your youth. Or maybe you’re a younger fan of the Fab Four. Either way, “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Don’t “ miss your chance to see an amazing Beatles tribute that’s a theatrical thrill.

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There have historically been many Missourians who’ve championed civil rights: Grace Bumbry, Elizabeth Keckley, Frankie Freeman, James Beckwourth, and others. But one in particular is the focus of a significant celebration worth attending.

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Those of a certain age are familiar with the Western Heritage Award-winning TV series Rawhide. Every Friday night for six years, a crew of seasoned cowboys drove herds of Texas cattle toward the railhead at Sedalia, Missouri.

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Electric Park was an amusement park in Kansas City constructed by Joseph Heim and his brothers Michael and Ferdinand Jr. in the early 1900s. Dubbed “Kansas City’s Coney Island,” Electric Park became the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Disney World.  The circle swing was a new attraction in 1907. After the accident in its first season …

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Jerry Lieber and Mike Stoller wrote “Kansas City” 13 years before the Beatles’ release. Neither of them had ever been to Kansas City, but they were so inspired by the works of Kansas City blues legend Big Joe Turner they felt compelled to write the song. It first became a hit in 1952 when Little …

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Do you get jazzed about jazz? Hopped up about history? Thrilled by theater? Here’s a great chance to indulge all of these passions. One Missouri city’s celebrating its playwriting talent in a Theatre Lab Festival starting May 18.