Kansas City Project Wins Prestigious Award for Local History Exploration

Kansas City Project Wins Prestigious Award for Local History Exploration

In the heart of Kansas City, a unique project has been making waves since 2018, connecting residents with their local history while answering some of their burning questions. What’s Your KCQ? is an initiative that merges the curiosity of the public with the expertise of local journalists and researchers, and recently, it was honored with the George Ehrlich Award for its outstanding contribution to the preservation of history.

What is What’s Your KCQ?

So, what exactly is this project? Well, it’s quite simple and engaging! Anyone interested in learning more about Kansas City can submit questions through an online form. While a lot of the inquiries revolve around local history, there’s no restriction—you can ask about anything! Once the questions roll in, talented journalists from the city’s star newsroom or resourceful researchers from the Missouri Valley Special Collections jump into action, exploring archives and speaking to sources to deliver insightful articles. It’s like having a research buddy at your fingertips!

A Wealth of Knowledge

In the past six years, the project has grown tremendously, publishing over 130 articles that delve into all sorts of fascinating topics. Curious minds have uncovered stories about everything from quirky neighborhood sculptures and the bells on the Plaza to the historical Riverside race tracks and even the notorious mob bosses of the Prohibition era! The articles not only satisfy the curiosity of Kansas City residents but also serve as a bridge connecting them to the city’s architectural and cultural heritage.

Recognizing Excellence

The recent accolade from Historic Kansas City is a testament to the valuable impact of the What’s Your KCQ? project. The George Ehrlich Award, named after a notable art history professor who dedicated much of his work to Kansas City’s architecture, highlights materials that contribute significantly to the preservation of local history. The award has a history of recognizing quality works, and this year, the What’s Your KCQ? project proudly joins that ranks.

Words from the Experts

Michael Wells, the senior special collections librarian, emphasized the project’s significance in his award submission: “The project not only serves as an educational tool but also as a bridge connecting residents with the architectural and cultural heritage of Kansas City.” A sentiment echoed by the newsroom’s managing editor, who noted the importance of interacting with readers. Andale Gross shared, “Being able to interact with readers is important to our newsroom, and this project allows us to engage with them on a variety of topics. They often end up learning a lot, and so do our journalists.”

Join the Conversation!

If you’ve got questions about Kansas City, you’re in luck! The What’s Your KCQ? project is still ongoing and actively seeking more inquiries. It’s your chance to dig deeper into the vibrant history of your community. Interested individuals can submit a question anytime at kclibrary.org/kcq or simply shoot an email to kcq@kcstar.com. Who knows—your question might uncover some hidden gem of history!

Looking Ahead

As we look forward, the excitement surrounding the What’s Your KCQ? project only seems to be growing. With so much local curiosity and a dedicated team ready to explore, there’s no limit to the knowledge that can be uncovered. So, if you’ve ever wondered about the stories tied to the places you pass by every day, now is the perfect time to dive in and ask. Kansas City is full of surprises, and the journey of discovery awaits you!