The Kansas City Museum’s Archives consist of numerous oral histories the majority of which were created for various history exhibits in the 1980s and 1990s.
For the past five years, Kansas City Museum Historian-in Residence Dr. Gene T. Chavez, Ed.D. and Kansas City Museum Educator Oralee Watkins McKinzy have been working together to prioritize expanding the collection of oral histories (audio and video) and preparing them to be experienced virtually now and in the near future through listening stations that will be located in the Museum’s Our City, Our Stories gallery on the third floor of Corinthian Hall. Most recently, Kansas City Museum Operations Coordinator Zac Laman has been video recording the interviews.
The Museum will feature oral history videos on this page, and more oral histories videos will be available on the Museum’s You Tube Channel.
Featured Oral History: Mary Williams-Neal
Interviewed in her home on October 1, 2019, by Oralee Watkins McKinzy, and video recorded by Dr. Gene T. Chavez, Ed.D. Running time 36:37.
Kansas City is celebrating the life of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Mary Williams-Neal (March 22, 1948 – April 2, 2023). She was not only known for her great leadership within the City, but also her deep dedication to its residents. Click here to learn more.