5th Annual Heritage Week

April 22 — May 5, 2019

This year, 2019, will be a milestone year for Heritage Week, featuring events in the three districts of Kansas City’s West Bottoms. Building on four successful years of events, we welcome partnering organizations and businesses. This year will:

• Focus on the West Bottoms as a cultural district and destination,
• Remember the area's role as an industrial district connecting the communities of the Region, and
• Highlight the area's progress and potential while recognizing those who create and enhance the built and natural environments.

The West Bottoms' place in the Region’s history and development is truly unique and began with trading among Native Americans and the French. Originally known as Kawsmouth and later the French Bottoms, the area’s centrality has been catalytic for the growth and development of the entire region.

During our Heritage Week events, we will partner with businesses, nonprofit organizations, neighborhood associations and local governments to shed light on the history of the West Bottoms, including its historical sites, businesses, and the individuals who have made notable contributions to the community. Our goal is to remind everyone of the great times, challenges and potential of the West Bottoms and to re-introduce, and introduce, our area to residents and tourists from the region and beyond.

In this milestone year, we are borrowing from recent statements by Mayor David Alvey of Kansas City, Kansas, in which he mentioned coming "back to the center." Therefore, our theme is Back To the Center, because the area known throughout our region and nation as the center of the center of the center.

More Details

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