Historic Kansas City Foundation Records (KC207)

The Historic Kansas City Foundation was founded in 1974 by Joan Dillon, Day Kerr, and Hal Sandy to support and organize preservation efforts in the Kansas City area. Started as a volunteer organization, the Foundation's goals were to educate the public about the city's architectural and cultural heritage; and to preserve, develop and promote the continued use of older buildings. Along with lectures, educational tours, books, brochures, workshops and consultation, the Foundation purchased, renovated and sold historic buildings, including the Coates House Hotel, Bunker Building, Orient Hotel and Lyceum Theatre Building, along with various houses.

As the Foundation's activities became more involved, a small paid staff was added. It was governed by a Board of Directors and elected officers. The Foundation sponsored several events to promote historical awareness and interest, such as Possum Trot, a fundraising festival with an old West and early Kansas City theme; several Rehabilitation Fairs to give information on fixing up older homes; and tours of historically significant areas in the Kansas City and surrounding areas. The Volunteers in Preservation Program, founded in 1982, gave members a chance to get experience in the Foundation's activities such as tours, education, Possum Trot, and preservation.

The collection includes office files; general information on rehabilitating buildings and specific information on several buildings the Foundation restored; a survey the Foundation did in the mid-1970's on houses in the Northeast district of Kansas City showing photographs of and information about the condition of the houses; and photographs of various Foundation functions. ca. 1921-1993

54 cubic feet

© WHMC-KC, University of Missouri

updated: Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Western Historical Manuscript Collection-Kansas City
(816) 235-1543 WHMCKC@umkc.edu