Link: Historypin

Historypin is an extremely cool, user-generated archive of historical photos and stories. The website combines Google Maps with photos and stories uploaded by the public to act as a virtual time machine. You can even use Streetview to take a tour of places with historic images overlaid. 

The site is relatively new, so some areas are lacking for photos, but it's worth a look. You might even want to help the cause by uploading some of your own photos or stories.

[update]

Historypin is currently featuring several Clay County Historic Sites photos. Head over to their twitter feed to see links and some kind words! 

Thanks to Emily Doolan for adding so many great photos to the site. 

Trumpeter swans at Smithville Lake

These beautiful trumpeter swans were photographed by Trails and Prairie Manager Jasen Ballenger near the Camp Branch marina (map).





Learn more about trumpeter swans here.

True Grit

Have you seen the new Coen brothers' new movie, True Grit yet? Our own Frank James and Cole Younger played a small role at the end of the film. The main character, Mattie Ross seeks out Younger and James at a Wild West show. Though Mattie converses with Cole, Frank has no lines. As she leaves, Mattie says something to the effect of “Keep your seat, trash” in reference to his reluctance to stand in the presence of a lady, as Cole did.

Missouri's abolition of slavery

On this day in 1865 Missouri's slaves were granted their freedom. Because Missouri was a Union state, it was not affected by the national Emancipation Proclamation signed by Lincoln two years earlier therefore; the state had to carry out its own emancipation program. Reportedly, when the ordinance passed, spectators in the room went wild with applause, swung their hats, waved their handkerchiefs, stamped, clapped, and cheered.

The James-Samuel family, like many Clay County families, did own slaves and this would have meant changes for them and their farm. They may have owned between 7 and 11 slaves in 1865. We can't be entirely sure because slave schedules (like a census that only includes age, sex and race) were taken only every 10 years, the last being 1860.

Eagle Days 2011

The Army Corps of Engineers, Missouri Department of Conservation and Clay County Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites present Eagle Days 2011.

This is your chance to see live eagles up close and personal. Diane Johnson of Operation Wildlife will present Saturday, Jan. 8 and Sunday, Jan. 9.

Other events include kid's crafts, informational booths and bus trips to eagle viewing stations.
For more information on event dates and times, see below: