Join us for Drop-In History, a free event series hosted by Wornall/Majors House Museums that invites you to explore the rich past of Kansas City in a relaxed, interactive setting. Designed to remove barriers to experiencing history, this series offers six unique events where history comes to life through storytelling, hands-on activities, and engaging discussions at two of the city’s most iconic historic house museums.
Wornall/Majors House Museums is committed to making history accessible to all, and Drop-In History is a reflection of that mission. Each event will take place at either the Wornall House or the Majors House, offering participants the chance to engage directly with the spaces, artifacts, and stories that shape our community’s past.
Whether you’re a lifelong history buff or just curious about local heritage, this series is perfect for all ages and interests. Come drop in, learn something new, and connect with your local history in a welcoming, informal environment.
Black History Month – Feb. 1
President’s Day – Feb. 17
Buffalo Bill Day – April 9
Frontier Faiths – TBD
Civil War Day – TBD
En Plein Air – TBD
Black History Month
On the first day of Black History Month, join us for a meaningful and reflective event at the John Wornall House Museum as we remember the lives of the Black individuals who were enslaved in Jackson County.
Explore our Black Experience audio guide, see artifacts related to enslavement, and engage in open discussions about the history of slavery in Missouri. While this topic is part of our ongoing programming, Black History Month provides a special moment to deepen our understanding and acknowledge the legacies of those who were denied freedom.
This event is suitable for all ages, with conversation guides provided to encourage meaningful discussions for families and visitors of all backgrounds. It’s also an exciting opportunity to preview our upcoming research on enslaved individuals in Jackson County, shedding new light on this vital part of our shared history.
Join us in honoring the resilience and strength of those whose stories have been too long overlooked. Together, we’ll learn, reflect, and remember.
The event will take place on Saturday, February 1st, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Advanced registration is not required but is appreciated.
President’s Day
Celebrate Presidents Day in a whole new way at the John Wornall House Museum! For one day only, we’re opening our doors to showcase presidential memorabilia and artifacts not typically on display. It’s the perfect opportunity for history buffs and families alike to get up close with fascinating pieces of American history—right in the heart of a historic 1858 home.
Don’t miss this exclusive chance to step back in time, learn about the legacies of our nation’s leaders, and make Presidents Day memorable in a truly historic setting!
Doors Wednesday, February 17 at 10:00 a.m. and the event closes at 4:00 p.m.
Advanced registration is not required but is appreciated.
Buffalo Bill Day
Buffalo Bill Cody wasn’t just a frontiersman—he was a master showman and storyteller, captivating audiences across the world with larger-than-life tales of the American West. Join us at the historic home of his first employer, Alexander Majors, founder of the Pony Express, for a unique, hands-on exploration of Buffalo Bill’s life and legacy.
This free event will transport you back to the days of the Wild West, featuring fascinating artifacts from the legendary Pony Express, a real Conestoga wagon, and intriguing insights into the parts of Buffalo Bill’s story that were woven from myth and imagination.
Don’t miss this chance to step into history and experience the real and the fictional sides of one of the most iconic figures of the American frontier!
The event will take place on Wednesday, April 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
While advanced registration is not required, it is appreciated.