Local History Blog
KCQ rapid response: Swope Park edition
Spring has arrived, and winter-weary Kansas Citians have once again turned their attention to the great outdoors. The What’s Your KCQ? team, a collaboration between the Kansas City Public Library and The Kansas City Star, have been inundated with…
‘Reasonably safe’: KCQ investigates Kansas City’s 1954 nuclear attack drill
A tale of two hospitals: KCQ investigates the end of Kansas City's segregated hospital system
A reader recalling her mother’s experience as a nurse during the integration of Kansas City’s hospital system in the 1950s, asked “What’s Your KCQ?” — a partnership between the Kansas City Public Library and The Kansas City Star — to investigate…
The Grand Old Lady of 12th Street: The Folly Theater
We are pleased to announce a new addition to our archives! The Folly Theater Collection (SC223), which contains over 300 boxes full of vintage burlesque and performing arts history, is now available to researchers in the Missouri Valley Room. As…
Paperclip City: KCQ investigates Kansas City’s municipal seals
A reader recently came across a Twitter post showing the evolution of Kansas City’s municipal seal over time. Two of the three emblems seemed self-explanatory, but one, a red and blue geometric design didn’t seem to have much to do with Kansas…
What Happened to Kansas City’s Christmas Crowns?
A Hole with a Story - KCQ Investigages the Kessler Park Reservoir
During a recent visit to Cliff Drive in Kessler Park, a reader said, he noticed a turnoff near the west entrance to the scenic byway. He followed the road up a hill and was treated to a spectacular view stretching across the Missouri River into…
The Plaza Flood — KCQ Investigates a 1977 Disaster
Strings of colored lights have been going up on the Country Club Plaza in preparation for the annual Evergy Plaza Lighting Ceremony, and on Thanksgiving night, the holiday season will officially get underway with the flip of a switch. Seasonal…
How long has Kansas City had a Mayor’s Christmas Tree?
Each year, the Mayor’s Christmas Tree is displayed at Crown Center through the holiday shopping season. Its arrival, sometimes as early as November 3, is a harbinger of the season. A new resident and What’s Your KCQ? reader asked how long the…
The Most Dangerous Game: KCQ Explores KC's Football Ban
Cool, crisp weather. Cheerleaders and marching bands. Big games, big plays, and occasional big hits. For many across the Kansas City metro area, fall wouldn’t be the same without high school football. The thought prompted a reader to ask What’s…