Check out Ain't Nothing But a Man! In this stunning but short book, we follow the author as he researches the truth behind the myth of John Henry. The book is filled with pictu
Mid-Continent Public Libraries has access to an overwhelming amount of databases that most of our lovely patrons know very little about. Being that MCPL's specialty is genealogy (Thank you Midwest Genealogy Center), one very useful but slightly unknown resource is the Archive Finder database.
All of the titles below are historical fiction and yes with some elements of romance. I enjoy anything written by the last three authors and Ellen Jones.
Thank you, Gary Paulsen, for bringing Bass Reeves to my attention. Reeves was an African American, born a slave, who in Paulsen’s eyes (and now mine) was a true American hero. After an argument and fight with his owner, Bass left his home in Arkansas and travelled to Oklahoma territory, home and hideout to all sorts of cowboy criminals. Reeves became one of the most successful lawmen in American history, sent into the lawless territory time after time, ultimately bringing hundreds of men to justice.
Legendary Jazz Musician, Fats Domino once wrote that he was ‘Going to Kansas City – Kansas City here I come!’ Whether you know the song or not, you probably know that Jazz is as important to Kansas City as Jack Stack Barbeque and the Christmas Lights on the Plaza every year. With summer half gone, Independence Day past, and back-to-school time just starting to appear on the horizon, you may be wondering what there is to do around town – or if there’s something you’ve never done before.
I was going to create an ongoing blog series that focused on historical figures who were famous but no one remembers why. It was going to be called "Relics of Obscurity". I decided that the first subject would be Millard Fillmore.
Millard Fillmore was President. His first and last name sort of rhyme. It seemed like a good idea, in a cut your own hair sort of way. Its not surprising that"Relics of Obscurity" ran aground.
On July 17,1938, Douglas Corrigan took off in his 1929 Curtiss Robin monoplane. His alleged destination: Los Angeles, CA. His final destination: Dublin, Ireland.
Barbara Hughes began her presentation by personifying Narcissa Whitman. “Narcissa” commenced by explaining how she was called into missionary work in 1835, and then met and married Dr. Marcus Whitman. The Whitmans, along with Henry and Eliza Spalding, traveled to Fort Walla Walla in what is now known as Washington State. Through the slide presentation, as well as the information and descriptions given by Mrs. Hughes and “Narcissa,” the audience followed Narcissa from her missionary calling to the tragic Whitman Massacre.
It’s time again for the Platte County Fair! What an exciting time for adults and children alike. The 147th Annual Platte County Fair opened on July 21st and will run through July 24th. It takes place at the fairground in Platte City (exit 18 or 20), off Interstate 29. There are lots of fun events planned including the following: demolition derby, mud-a-thon, huge carnival, fiddle and talent shows, a melodrama and nightly musical entertainment. Come visit us at Mid-Continent Public Librar
July is—perhaps—the most American of all months. Flags wave, fireworks explode, and John Phillips Sousa marches through our hearts all summer long. Here at the Lone Jack Branch, we’re doing our part to celebrate July with a book display called American Lives. The books in this display are historical fiction written for Juveniles and Young Adults, and together they present a patchwork of experience as diverse as America herself. If you are interested in a glimpse of other American Lives, we humbly recommend any of the following titles.
Check out 
