Past Programs and Events

Irish History and the Holiday through Music, 2 pm, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2007

Sandy Jackson shares Irish history and heritage through songs and instruments, with a special part about the Celtic and Irish traditions of the Christmas season. Bring your family and make learning about and sharing your heritage part of your holiday

2007 Annual Irish Museum and Cultural Gala March 23, 2007

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Honoring Michael R. Haverty with the John J. Sullivan Jr. Foundation Humanitarian award, with featured musical entertainment Ciaran Sheehan.

Grand Opening March 17, 2007 - St Patrick's Day 

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The exciting day is here!

Come join us at the Irish Center in Kansas City's Union Station for...

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• Ribbon Cutting, 10 am

Winners of an essay contest (250 words or less) open to all age 16 and younger and age 61 and older on the topic “My Irish American Family” will be our ribbon cutters and ride in the IMCC car in the 35th annual Kansas City St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The two winners represent linking the generations and heritage the IMCC seeks to serve through the Irish Center. Email info@irishmuseum.org for form.

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• Opening Day Celebration, all day, free open house and opening exhibit

The Irish Center will be open for browsing, genealogy lookups, refreshments and an inaugural exhibit of the Kansas City Irish throughout the day.

• Opening Day Celebration, 1 - 4 pm (after parade), free family activities

The traditional Irish band Kelly, Irish dancers, an Irish storyteller, an inter-generational family history project, and Irish children’s crafts will fill the afternoon after the parade...

1916 Easter Rising presentation, 7:30, Oct. 10, 2006, Rockhurst University

By Dublin native, author/historian Lorcan Collins. All invited. Free. The Irish history and political expert leads walking tours in Dublin based on the Rebellion. Copies of his book were available for purchase and signing.

Irish Center Celebration, Aug. 25, 2006, Union Station

An evening of member appreciation, volunteer recognition and celebration of signing the Irish Center's 10-year lease with Union Station. Free food and drink and the band Trinity.

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Stories, folk tales and music of Ireland, Kings and Queens and Fairies, June 4, 2006
Through her Irish character, shares the heritage, tales, legends and music of the old country with our youngest generation. Her program included stories and music of Ireland, Kings and Queens, and Fairies. Some children came dressed as their favorite King or Queen, princess or, of course, leprechaun which truly made them part of the stories. Irish Museum and Cultural Center's Little People Celebration Series sponsored by the McCullough Family Foundation.

2006 Annual Irish Museum and Cultural Gala

April 21, 2006

The IMCC’s Annual Gala 6 pm, March 23 at the Westin Crown Center honored the Jean and William H. Dunn, Sr. Family as the John J. Sullivan Jr. Foundation Humanitarian Award recipients for the whole family’s service in the community. The evening featured Irish comedian George Casey, local singer Sean McNown, Celtic Crossings radio program host Peter Adams as MC, and an update on the Irish Center.

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Announces Plans for Museum and Cultural Center in Union Station

Irish Center creating a space to share and celebrate

our heritage year 'round in the heart of Kansas City

Sept. 1, 2005, the Irish Museum and Cultural announced plans to create a home for a museum, cultural center and activities in Kansas City's Union Station. Space for permanent and traveling exhibits, genealogy, educational and cultural programs, administrative offices, storage and a gift shop are under negotiations, according to Irish Center board president Les Griffin.

Union Station's current Zephyr meeting room and ticketing area, on the west wing theater district level, are the areas likely to become the future museum and cultural center, according to initial concepts. Visitors are invited to the organization's current genealogy center in Union Station, down the hall from the future site, to see and hear more about plans. There is no date set for the opening of the new space at this time.

Union Station officials also announced plans to convert the previous Fitz's restaurant, also down the hall from the future Irish Center site, into an Irish pub.

The decision by the Irish Museum and Cultural Center's board means the organization will not renew its five-year option with the city of Kansas City, Missouri, to begin construction of a building by fall of 2006 at 47th and Woodland along Brush Creek. "The decision to go with Union Station comes after much consideration of what provides the most cost-effective, flexible options for the organization," said Griffin. In Union Station, the Center commits to less space but will have access to additional exhibit and event venues and resources as needed.

"This move allows us to focus our resources on programming and exhibits that promote our mission to celebrate the history, heritage and culture of the Irish, our Celtic friends and other cultural organizations." Griffin added.