ABOUT THE TRAIL

The African American Heritage Trail of Kansas City project was born out the concern of the Kansas City community by the loss of significant African American sites throughout the city, including the Armour building at the Western Baptist Bible College, a historically African American religious college.  The City Planning & Development Department of Kansas City, MO led this community process to highlight and document these sites through a virtual heritage trail.  Since the initial community meeting, more than 160 people and 17 partners have contributed to the development of the trail. The trail project was funded by a historic preservation fund grant from the Missouri State Historic Preservation Office. We hope that this exploration of Kansas City’s African American history continues through discovering of new sites and documenting the experiences of the of all these sites through written and oral histories. We also hope that recognition of these sites will encourage their rehabilitation and preservation for future generations.  As you explore the sites, please tell us about your experience and enjoy Kansas City’s rich history.