John Dawson Library Dedication & Grand Veranda Party

About this event

You’re Invited!

Join the Westport Historical Society for a special celebration as we dedicate our Historical Research Library in honor of John Dawson and celebrate the completion of the major restoration of our historic Grand Veranda.

The Harris-Kearney House is the oldest two-story brick home in Kansas City and Westport’s only museum and visitor center. We are dedicating the library to John because of the way he shared what he learned. He traced his roots to two of Kansas City’s first pioneer families, the Shannons and the Jarboes, and he was the first Kansas City researcher to study the city’s 1940 tax photographs in depth. Most of those images had never been seen by the public, and his work uncovered the stories behind them. He also helped countless people research their own family history. In 2016, he founded the Facebook group Old Town Kansas City 1850s to 1900s to share fact-based history with the public.

Enjoy this memorable occasion as we honor the past, celebrate preservation, and look forward to the future of the Harris-Kearney House Museum. Gifts toward the House’s needs are welcome, but not required. Please RSVP below so our hospitality team can plan.