The Black Archives of Mid-America, Inc. - Kansas City

06/09/2026

📜 Discover Your Family's Story Through History

Genealogy researchers, family historians, and curious community members now have access to a valuable collection of historical records through FamilySearch.

The Black Archives of Mid-America encourages you to explore these records and uncover the names, stories, and connections that help tell the history of our families and communities.

🔎 Access the records here:
https://www.familysearch.org/en/records/images/search-results?projectId=M9PX-1JK&page=1

A few important notes:

✅ You will need a FamilySearch account to view the records.
✅ Creating an account is completely FREE.
✅ FamilySearch never charges users to access its historical records.
✅ Millions of records are available to help you trace your family history and learn more about your ancestors.

Whether you're beginning your genealogy journey or adding new chapters to an existing family tree, these records may provide valuable clues and connections to the past.

Every name has a story. Every record preserves a legacy.

06/01/2026

📖✨ Honoring the Founder of the Black Archives ✨📖

The Black Archives of Mid-America is proud to share that Executive Director and CEO Dr. Carmaletta Williams contributed to the newly released book Hill Calvary Cemetery: Lessons for Living by author Bruce Mathews and fellow contributors.

Among her contributions, Dr. Williams authored the entry on Horace M. Peterson III, the visionary founder of the The Black Archives of Mid-America, Inc. - Kansas City, whose life's work ensured that the stories, achievements, and contributions of African Americans in Kansas City would be preserved for future generations.

In addition to writing Peterson's profile, Dr. Williams also assisted in editing several other entries featured in the book. Her contribution reflects the ongoing mission of the Black Archives: preserving history, honoring legacy, and sharing stories that might otherwise be forgotten.

Forest Hill Calvary Cemetery: Lessons for Living serves as a reminder that we honor those who came before us not only by remembering them, but by telling their stories, preserving their contributions, and ensuring their legacies continue to inspire future generations.

Because history matters. Because legacy matters. Because the stories of our loved ones deserve to live on.

05/29/2026

Proud to Be a Blue Star Museum

The Black Archives of Mid-America is honored to participate in the Blue Star Museums Program, offering free admission to active-duty military personnel and their families throughout the summer.

As a museum dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history, culture, and contributions of African Americans, we are proud to welcome the men and women who serve our country and the families who serve alongside them.

Whether you're visiting Kansas City, exploring the Historic 18th & Vine District, or looking for a meaningful cultural experience this summer, we invite you to stop by and discover the stories that have shaped our community and our nation.

📍 Black Archives of Mid-America
1722 E. 17th Terrace
Kansas City, MO 64108

🕘 Summer Hours:
Tuesday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Thank you to all who serve. We look forward to welcoming you this summer.

05/28/2026

☀️ New Summer Hours at the Black Archives ☀️

As Kansas City prepares for an exciting summer filled with Juneteenth celebrations, World Cup activities, festivals, tourism, and community events, the Black Archives of Mid-America is excited to welcome both familiar and new faces to the Historic 18th & Vine District.

Beginning June 1, our updated business hours will be:

🕘 Tuesday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🕘 Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

With so much energy building throughout the city, we are thrilled to be part of what is shaping up to be an unforgettable summer in Kansas City.

🎷 18th & Vine is booming.
From cultural events and tourism to music, history, and community engagement, the district continues to grow as one of Kansas City’s most vibrant destinations.

Whether you are:
✔ Visiting for the first time
✔ Exploring our exhibits
✔ Attending an event
✔ Taking a tour
✔ Researching local history

—we look forward to welcoming you through our doors this summer.

Thank you for your continued support of the Black Archives of Mid-America in Kansas City. We cannot wait to celebrate history, culture, and community with you all summer long.

📍1722 E. 17th Terrace
Kansas City, MO
18th & Vine Jazz District, Kansas City

05/28/2026

Here is a video we pulled from the archives, that explains what the Black Archives are all about.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAbRH4zhuJI

This is a brief video of what we have to offer at the Black Archives of Mid America. The video is narrated by the director Dr. Carmaletta Williamshttps://bla...

05/26/2026

🎷 The Historic 18th & Vine District is entering an exciting new era. 🚧✨

Major infrastructure improvements, new business opportunities, and community investments continue to reshape one of Kansas City’s most historic cultural districts.

This week marked a major milestone with the official opening of the new Jazz District Parking Garage! Community leaders gathered for the ribbon cutting ceremony, including Dr. Carmaletta Williams, Executive Director and CEO of the Black Archives of Mid-America, celebrating continued progress and investment in the Historic 18th & Vine District.

🅿️ Parking will be FREE for the first two weeks of operation!

Beginning June 8:
• Daily Parking — $5
• Event Parking — $10
• Monthly Parking — $65

⚽ Looking ahead to the FIFA World Cup, the Jazz District Garage will also serve as an official Park & Ride location through RideKC, helping transport visitors to and from FIFA Fan Fest.

Stay connected through the Revive the Vine newsletter for updates on:
✔ Construction progress
✔ Pedestrian access
✔ Grand opening dates
✔ New business opportunities
✔ District improvements and more

The future of 18th & Vine is taking shape right now — and the Black Archives is proud to be part of that future.

05/26/2026

📚 Reminder: Join Us This Wednesday for a Special Evening of Kansas City History 📚

There’s still time to register for the official book launch of Forest Hill Calvary Cemetery: Lessons for Living — a moving evening of storytelling, reflection, and local history.

🗓 Wednesday, May 27, 2026
⏰ 6:00 – 8:00 PM
📍 Linda Hall Library
5109 Cherry Street, Kansas City, MO

This powerful new work by Bruce Mathews, Jamie Oberfoell, and Tina Laasater-Sladek honors the lives, legacies, and lessons of individuals who helped shape Kansas City’s history.

Featuring contributing authors and special insights into the stories behind the book, this event promises to be both educational and inspiring.

💬 “The greatest gift we can give is learning from history as it was lived…”

🎟 Admission is free, but registration is encouraged.

👉 Register at lindahall.org
(Click “Events” → “Calendar”)

Come be part of an unforgettable evening celebrating history, community, and the enduring spirit of Kansas City.

05/25/2026

🇺🇸 Memorial Day 🇺🇸

Today, the honors and remembers the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

Memorial Day is more than a long weekend—it is a time to reflect on sacrifice, courage, and the enduring legacy of those who fought for freedoms many would never live to fully enjoy themselves.

We also recognize the generations of African American service members whose patriotism, resilience, and contributions helped shape the history of this nation, often while overcoming injustice at home.

May we never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

05/19/2026

Congratulations to all the Omega Psi Phi Omicron XI chapter scholarship awardees. You gentlemen are doing great work helping our young folks. Thank you for having your program at the Black Archives.

05/18/2026

🎷✨ A New Chapter for the Historic 18th & Vine District ✨🎷

Join the celebration as Kansas City officially unveils the new 18th Street Pedestrian Mall in the heart of the Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District!

🗓 Wednesday, May 27, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM (Seating begins at 10:30 AM)
📍 18th Street between Vine Street and Highland Avenue
In front of the American Jazz Museum and Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

This exciting new space is designed to bring the community together through music, culture, history, art, and entertainment while continuing to honor the rich legacy of one of Kansas City’s most iconic districts.

Come celebrate this major milestone with community leaders, businesses, residents, and visitors as we open a vibrant new gathering place for the city.

🎶 Culture. Community. History. Jazz.
All coming together at 18th & Vine.

🚗 Parking available at:
• Zhou B Art Center – 1801 E. 18th St.
• Jazz District Garage – 1819 Lydia Ave.