The Charles N. Kimball Lecture Series

is a tribute to our late friend and civic leader, Dr. Charles N. Kimball, President Emeritus of the Midwest Research Institute, to acknowledge his support of the Western Historical Manuscript Collection-Kansas City and his enduring interest in the exchange of ideas.

Charlie Kimball was a consummate networker bringing together people and ideas because he knew that ideas move people to action. His credo, "Chance favors a prepared mind," reflects the belief that the truest form of creativity requires that we look two directions at once – to the past for guidance and inspiration, and to the future with hope and purpose. The study of experiences, both individual and communal – that is to say history – prepares us to understand and articulate the present, and to create our future – to face challenges and to seize opportunities.

Sponsored by the Western Historical Manuscript Collection-Kansas City, the Series is not intended to be a continuation of Charlie’s popular Midcontinent Perspectives, but does share his primary goal: to encourage reflection and discourse on issues vitally important to our region. The topic of the lectures may vary, but our particular focus is on understanding how historical developments affect and inform our region’s present and future. The Lectures will be presented by persons from the Kansas City region semi-annually in April, near the anniversary of Charlie’s birth, and in October. Additionally, presentations may occur at other times of the year, if opportunities present themselves.

WHMC-KC appreciates the substantial financial underwriting and support for this Series provided by the Charles N. Kimball Fund of the Midwest Research Institute and by other friends of Charlie Kimball.

1911-1994

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April 20, 1995 — Mr. Robert A. Kipp, Crown Center: an Emerging Vision for Urban Development

April 22, 1996 — Mr. Albert P. Mauro, The Realization of a Dream: the Development of Hospital Hill

April 21, 1997 — Dr. Robert H. Freilich, To Sprawl or Not to Sprawl: A National Perspective for Kansas City

April 21, 1998 — Mr. James M. Kemper, Community Banks and Their Role in Civic Planning

October 21, 1998 — Mr. Donald H. Chisholm, The Philanthropic Philosophy of Arthur Mag

April 21, 1999 — Ms. Vicki Noteis, Visions of a City: Kansas City's Planning Legacy

October 21, 1999 — Mr. John A. Dillingham, It's All About Eating: Kansas City's History and Opportunity

April 24, 2000 — Mr. Gerald W. Gorman, Ilus Davis: Exemplar of "The Greatest Generation"

October 23, 2000 — Rabbi Michael Zedek, One Man Views the Heartland:  A Critical Study of Character and Community

April 23, 2001 — Dr. Kala M. Stroup, Kansas City and Higher Education:  A Partnership for Prosperous Citizens and Cities

October 22, 2001 — Mr. Robert R. Wheeler, A Review of Education in 2001: And a Look Forward   

April 30, 2002 — Dr. Charles J. Carlsen and Dr. Wayne E. Giles, The People’s College - Community Colleges in Kansas City  

October 22, 2002 — Dr. Carol Mickett, The History Speaks Project: Visions and Voices of Kansas City’s Past  

April 21, 2003 — Mr. Andres M. Dominguez, A Latino Presence in the Heartland: Challenges and Opportunities

October 27, 2003 — Mr. Landon H. Rowland, Arthur E. Stilwell: The Legacy of an Entrepreneur

April 21, 2004 — Mr. Carl J. Schramm, Kansas City: Its Past and Future as a Cradle for Entrepreneurs 

October 20, 2004 — Mr. John Madgett, "Old Miserable:" A History of the Missouri River in Kansas City

May 2, 2005 — Dr. Elson S. Floyd , UMKC: A Great University for a Great City

October 20, 2005 — Ms. Carol Marinovich, Consolidation:  A Green Flag, Not a Checkered Flag

April 19, 2006 — Mr. Jeffrey C. Borchardt, Kansas City Board of Trade: 150 Years of Commodity Markets Evolution

October 16, 2006 — Dr. Richard Coleman, The Establishment in Kansas City: A Historical View

April 10, 2007 — Mr. Sidney L. Willens, Hell-raising with Humor: Lorraine, Mayo, and Me

October 18, 2007 — Dr. Felicia Hardison Londré, The Kansas City Stage: A Personal View of Our Theatre

April 10, 2008 — Mr. Harry Haskell, City of the Future: Kansas City's Progressive Utopia

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© WHMC-KC, University of Missouri

Western Historical Manuscript Collection-Kansas City
302 Newcomb Hall, University of Missouri-Kansas City
5100 Rockhill Road, Kansas City, MO 64110-2499
(816) 235-1543 WHMCKC@umkc.edu

Last revised: Friday, September 12, 2008