Arrowhead Presentation

49434_neo_arrow_lg.gifSunday, September 25th from 2:00pm to 4:00pm the arrowhead collection of Mr. Donald Pharis will be on display at Historic Pharis Farm, just six miles east of downtown Liberty. Local historian and arrowhead enthusiast, Dan Borthko will speak about the collection, the varied functions of the arrowheads in the collection and their cultures of origin. Mr. Bortko helped the Clay County Historic Sites Department identify items in the collection.

Donald Pharis bequeathed his home, its contents and 160 acres of farmland to the County and the County accepted his gift in 2002. Mr. Pharis collected many things, typically items related to agriculture, but he was also an avid collector of arrowheads. Some items in the collection were found on Nebo Hill, just a few miles southwest of his farm. The Nebo Hill Culture lived along Fishing River, a tributary of the Missouri River, and flourished from 3,000 to 1,000 BCE. Their distinctive spearhead and axe designs have been found as far north as Canada.

This is a free event. Historic Pharis Farm is located at 20611 EE Hwy, Liberty, MO 64068. For more information about this event, go to www.claycountymo.gov/historic or call (816)736-8503.

Lincoln/Douglass Debate

Sunday, October 23rd at 6:00pm at Historic Mt. Gilead Church - Clay County Historic Sites commemorates the sesquicentennial of the Civil War with “Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass: The Measure of Great Men”. Kansas City Actors Harvey Williams and Bill Warren assume the roles of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln in a performance that draws upon the words of both men to re-create the struggle of both men as the two wrestle with how best to abolish slavery and reunite the nation.

For more information about this free event please contact Clay County Historic Sites at 816-736-8502

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Janet Reed Book Signing

Saturday, October 15th from 10:00am to 2:00pm - Janet Reed, author of Excelsior Springs: Haunted Haven will be selling and signing copies of her book at theJesse James Farm & Museum.

Book Description: Excelsior Springs: Haunted Haven takes the reader back to a time when miracle cures were the stuff of legend. Here in the late 1800s, rumors of healing mineral water springs spread faster than wildfires, and the growth of a city was ignited by mankind’s obsession for health. Practically overnight, Excelsior Springs grew from a farming community to a luxury resort town known as “America’s Haven of Health.” Discover tales of the famous and infamous who sought out treatments for various ills of the day. Many who arrived hoping to be restored by in the waters that gushed forth from the depths may still linger on as spirits. Ghostly tales surrounding this area have been carefully researched and are presented as a legacy to the town’s founding fathers, their descendants, and current residents who still welcome visitors from around the world.

Bridal Open House

PICT3921.JPGSunday, October 2nd from 11:00am to 4:00pm - Historic Mt. Gilead Church will host a bridal open house. Tour the church and meet local wedding service providers. This is a FREE event. Call (816)736-8503 with any questions.

September Black Powder Shoot

DSCN1870.jpgSaturday, September 17th, 2011 at the Jesse James Farm and Museum - hosted by the Friends of the James Farm - Test your skills, win a prize! Cap & Ball Revolver or Cartridge Revolver, Replicas OK. Fixed sights & dueling stance only. $15 entry fee includes Friends of the James Farm membership. $5 for additional target, Jim Lane, the Jayhawker that burned Osceola.

Registration begins at 8:00am, shoot begins at 9:00am. 1st, 2nd & 3rd place winners receive prizes, special prizes for General McNeil target. Historiclly accurate costume is encouraged, but not required. Call (816)736-8500 for more information.