Kansas City Athenaeum

Kansas City Athenaeum A tradition of study and service. Initial efforts of the civic club were promoting kindergartens and Mothers Unions (later PTA) in Kansas City public schools.

The Kansas City Athenaeum was organized in 1894 by 71 charter members aiming to increase women's influence in our growing city by advocating for educational and community improvements. A 1907 fire in the downtown Pepper Building forced the Athenaeum members to flee their meeting. The Club now had an incentive to establish a permanent home. A site at the corner of Linwood Boulevard and Campbell Str

eet was chosen for the proximity of two streetcar routes that made it easily accessible. Through various fundraisers, the women accumulated half the necessary funds to build. They even convinced a reluctant male business community to back a ten-year note to finance construction. The Greek Revival Club House was completed in 1914 and a celebration held there in 1922, when the loan was paid off two years early. The Athenaeum’s focus evolved from a study society to a literary and philanthropic organization. The club became a dynamic advocate for educational, community and other civic causes. A membership of over 900 in the 1920s made the Athenaeum a positive agent for advances in health, education and family issues in Kansas City. The Kansas City Athenaeum building was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Athenaeum members sold the magnificent building to the Delta Sigma Theta sorority in 2015.

We had a great time Wednesday Scraps KC sorting thread, shoulder pads,fabric, binding and more. Great organization.  Tea...
05/01/2024

We had a great time Wednesday Scraps KC sorting thread, shoulder pads,fabric, binding and more. Great organization. Teachers extend your dollars for school supplies!

We have had a busy summer of volunteering at:  ,  ,   and  .
10/19/2023

We have had a busy summer of volunteering at: , , and .

10/19/2023

Our own Joyce got to rappel the 14 story of the Overland Park Marriott Hotel after we donated to .

Today 16 of us went to Literacy KC. We learned about their programs of helping Kansas City people raise themselves up by...
11/10/2022

Today 16 of us went to Literacy KC. We learned about their programs of helping Kansas City people raise themselves up by learning many, many skills and knowledge. They can always use volunteers! Thank you

Our latest trip to University Health Truman Hospital delivery of newborn hats, burp cloths, afghans and receiving blanke...
11/01/2022

Our latest trip to University Health Truman Hospital delivery of newborn hats, burp cloths, afghans and receiving blankets. Cathrine, Director of Volunteer Services, Tamara and Lisa from the gift shop admiring the three bags of handiwork from many ladies in the club. Thank you to for the Christmas flannel.

The KC Athenaeum is proud to belong to the General Federation of Women's Clubs. Congratulations to our member Donna Calv...
07/11/2022

The KC Athenaeum is proud to belong to the General Federation of Women's Clubs. Congratulations to our member Donna Calvin, honored as a 2022 Jennie June Award Winner at the GFWC International Convention. Donna was one of eight GFWC members nationwide who received the award for their extensive volunteer service. Each received a brooch with a portrait of GFWC founder Jane Cunningham Croley, who wrote for 19th century national newspapers under the “Jennie June” pseudonym.

05/19/2022

As we end our Club Year, we are thankful that we have been able to contribute to our community. Donation recipients this year included Missouri Girls Town Foundation, Inc., Literacy KC. MOCSA, the Veterans Community Project, Jewish Vocational Service (JVS), Kansas City, Westport Historical Society, Amethyst Place, KC Pet Project, Mothers In Charge and The Sewing Labs.

We will reconvene in September to pursue our educational, philanthropic and social endeavors. If you're interested in joining us, leave a message here.

Congratulations to the Kansas City, Missouri Alumnae Chapter - Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. on their recent mortgage...
05/12/2022

Congratulations to the Kansas City, Missouri Alumnae Chapter - Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. on their recent mortgage burning ceremony! We recognize and honor your accomplishment. Our president, Carol Bachhuber, was invited to say a few words to this crowd of amazing women. The Athenaeum building is under the very best stewardship!

In honor of Women's History Month, the Athenaeum is co-sponsoring an online program with the Kansas City Public Library ...
02/16/2022

In honor of Women's History Month, the Athenaeum is co-sponsoring an online program with the Kansas City Public Library at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 6, 2022. The presentation by Dr. Tai S. Edwards will focus on her research on the roles of women in the Osage empire. Follow the link below to register for this virtual program.

Before the Lewis and Clark Expedition arrived at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri rivers in 1804 and a young St. Louis couple, Francois and Berenice Chouteau, established a trading post in what would become of the Town of Kansas, the region was the domain of the Osage.

02/16/2022

In January we were pleased to make a significant donation to Supporting Our Veterans at the Veterans Community Project.
This donation continues the Athenaeum's participation in Team 49 for a second year by sponsoring one of the 49 tiny homes in the VCP village in Kansas City. Support covers the costs of a veteran's case management, health care, furnishings, utilities and household goods for one year. We appreciates the Veterans Community Project.

In our quest to learn more about Kansas City's history, we toured the J. Rieger & Co. Distillery last week. The distille...
12/15/2021

In our quest to learn more about Kansas City's history, we toured the J. Rieger & Co. Distillery last week. The distillery process and blending methods were explained by our guide. The original J. Rieger & Co. was founded by European immigrant Jacob Rieger in 1887 and was extremely successful until the business was closed with the 1919 Prohibition enactment. The legacy of J. Rieger & Co. was resurrected in 2010 by Ryan Mabee and Andy Rieger. Cheers and Happy Holidays from the Kansas City Athenaeum!

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Kansas City, MO

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