Kansas City Irish Center facts for kids
The Kansas City Irish Center is a special place in Kansas City, Missouri. It used to be called the Irish Center of Kansas City. This organization is a non-profit, which means it works to help the community. It opened on March 17, 2007, which is Saint Patrick's Day. The Center is located inside Union Station. Its main goal is to help people learn about and enjoy Irish and Irish-American culture. This includes their history, traditions, and heritage in the greater Kansas City area.
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What Happens at the Center?
The Kansas City Irish Center hosts many fun and educational events. These activities help people connect with Irish culture.
Learning About Irish Culture
The Center offers various programs to teach about Irish and Irish-American topics. These include:
- Irish culture, arts, and history
- Different types of art
- Traditional music
- Exciting Irish dance
- Irish literature and heritage
Music and Language Classes
You can also join in on musical fun and language learning.
- Monthly Irish Music jam sessions where musicians play together
- Classes to learn how to play Irish music
- Classes to learn the Irish language
Creative Workshops and Research
The Center provides hands-on activities and help for those interested in their family history.
- Classes for Irish knitting, crochet, and lace making
- Workshops to help you research your family's history
- Individual help for your family research
Concerts featuring local Irish musicians are very popular events at the Center.
Discovering Irish History and Resources
The Center has special exhibits and collections for visitors to explore. These resources help people learn even more about Ireland.
Exhibits and Collections
You can find interesting displays and materials at the Center.
- A small exhibit about the history of Kansas City's Irish community
- The John Forest Resource Library, which has about 4,000 books
- This library covers many topics about Irish culture and history
- You can read the books at the Center, but they cannot be taken home
- Information and resources for planning trips to Ireland
Future Spaces for Events
The building is undergoing some updates. A small cafe and a stage are being added. Drexel Hall, which is part of the Center, has a large event space. This space can hold up to 500 people. The Center uses this area for concerts, speakers, theater shows, and other activities.
