The Kansas City area has been home to some of the nation's most recognizable names. Visitors can experience the lives of these famous figures at several attractions throughout the metro.
Harry S. Truman
This Independence, MO, native’s two terms as president are considered by historians as one of the most eventful and most studied periods in American history. To experience his life, visit the Harry S. Truman Library & Museum, the Truman Home and the Truman Office & Courtroom, which are all located in Independence, MO. Tours are also available of the Truman Farm in nearby Grandview, MO.
Amelia Earhart
Known as one of the world’s most celebrated aviators, this Atchison, Kan., native was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. The Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum in Atchison provides an insightful look at the pilot's early life, from childhood mementos to family photos, plus information about her 1937 disappearance. Oscar-winning actress Hilary Swank portrayed Earhart in the 2009 biopic, Amelia.
Charlie Parker
Legendary saxophonist and Kansas City native, Charlie “Bird” Parker, took the jazz world by storm in the 1940s. Bearing the inscription "The Bird Lives," the Charlie Parker Memorial in Kansas City's 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District is a tribute to the musician, and the nearby American Jazz Museum displays his saxophone as well as other important artifacts from the genre's history. Parker is buried in Kansas City's Lincoln Cemetery.
Walt Disney
After attending the Kansas City Art Institute, the beloved animator opened Laugh-O-Gram Studio, his first, on the corner of 31st Street and Forest Avenue in Kansas City. Disney fed a friendly rodent in the building, which was said to have inspired the character Mickey Mouse. The building has since fallen to almost complete ruin; a group is currently working to restore it and build a museum on the site. Fans also can visit his childhood home and farm just 125 miles east of Kansas City in Marceline, MO.
Jesse James
Follow in the footsteps of the famous outlaw by visiting his boyhood home at the Jesse James Farm & Museum in Kearney, MO. The Jesse James Home, located on the grounds of the Patee House Museum in St. Joseph, MO, was his final residence and features the bullet hole from his assassination. The Jesse James Bank Museum in Liberty, MO, is where the James Gang executed the first U.S. daylight bank robbery during peacetime.
Buck O'Neil
This baseball star spent most of his life in KC, where he played and managed for the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro American League. Buck is credited as the first African-American coach in Major League Baseball and played an integral role in the the establishment of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, where visitors can learn about the League’s history and stars. In 2007, he was posthumously awarded America's highest honor for a civilian—the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Thomas Hart Benton
This painter of American Regionalism was born in Neosho, MO, but spent much of his later life in Kansas City. Visitors can catch a glimpse of his life at the Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site. His studio remains just as he left it, with coffee cans full of paintbrushes and a stretched canvas waiting to become another masterpiece. The Victorian home also features several of Benton’s paintings and sculptures.
Count Basie
Known as one of the most important bandleaders of his time, Basie is considered a leading figure of jazz’s swing era that took place during the late 1920s and early 1930s. Before he climbed to international fame, Basie was discovered in KC. To fully experience Kansas City jazz, catch a late-night jam session at the Mutual Musicians Foundation in the 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District.
Satchel Paige
This legendary Negro Leagues pitcher played for the Kansas City Monarchs and pitched in two Negro World Series and five East-West All Star games. To experience the lives of Paige and other Negro League players, visit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, which recreates the look, sounds and feel of the game’s storied past through video presentations and displays of memorabilia. Paige is buried in Kansas CIty's Forest Hill Cemetery.
Joyce C. Hall
The founder of Hallmark Cards came to Kansas City in 1910 with nothing but two shoe boxes full of postcards, which marked the beginning of one of the world’s largest greeting card companies. To experience Hall’s legacy, visit Crown Center at the Hallmark’s world headquarters in downtown Kansas City. The Hallmark Visitors Center, which educates visitors about the company’s history, is located among more than 60 shops and restaurants in the complex.
Other Celebrities with Kansas City Connections:
Robert Altman — KC native and Oscar-winning director whose films included M*A*S*H, Kansas City and many othersEd Asner — KC native and Emmy-winning actor of The Mary Tyler Moore Show and RootsGeorge Caleb Bingham — Renowned painter of the American West and longtime KC resident who is buried in Kansas City’s Union Hill CemeteryGeorge Brett — Hall of Fame third baseman for the Kansas City Royals and longtime KC residentDon Cheadle — Oscar-nominated star of Hotel Rwanda and Crash who was born in KCDavid Cook — KC native and American Idol's seventh season champ from Blue Springs, MOChris Cooper — KC native and Oscar-winning actor whose films include Adaptation, American Beauty and The Bourne IdentityJoan Crawford — Legendary Oscar-winning actress who moved to Kansas City as a child. She left KC to pursue show business after winning a local dance contest.Walter Cronkite — Longtime anchorman for CBS News who was born in St. Joseph, MO, and is buried in a KC cemeteryEminem — Rapper who was born in St. Joseph, MO, and lived in KC area until age 12Melissa Etheridge — KC area native and Grammy-winning singer/songwriter from Leavenworth, Kan.Maurice Green — KC native and four-time Olympic medalist from Kansas City, Kan.Jean Harlow — KC native and film actress known as the "Original Blonde Bombshell"John Kander — KC native and composer who has written scores for popular musicals including Chicago, Cabaret and Kiss of the Spider WomanPat Metheny — KC native and Grammy-winning jazz guitarist from Lee’s Summit, MOJanelle Monae — Kansas City, Kan., native and Grammy-nominated R&B singerTom Pendergast — KC Depression-era political bossRob Riggle — Comedian and former Saturday Night Live castmate who grew up in Overland Park, Kan.Ginger Rogers — Broadway performer and Oscar-winning actress who was born in Independence, MOPaul Rudd — comedic actor in Role Models and I Love You, Man who was raised in Overland Park, Kan.Kate Spade — KC native and inspiration behind popular handbag company Kate Spade New YorkEric Stonestreet — This Kansas City native is an Emmy award-winning actor best known for his portrayal of Cameron Tucker on the ABC show Modern Family Jason Sudeikis — Saturday Night Live regular who grew up in Overland Park, Kan.Calvin Trillin — KC native, journalist, author and humorist best known for his writings on food and eatingDee Wallace-Stone — KC native and actress in 85 films including E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial and The Hills Have Eyes from Kansas City, Kan.Dianne Wiest — Oscar-winning star of Hannah and Her Sisters and Parenthood who was born in KCDorothy Vaughn — Depicted in the Oscar-nominated film, Hidden Figures, KC-born Dorothy Vaughn was NASA's first African-American manager and a widely respected mathematician Ellie Kemper — KC-born Ellie Kemper is an accomplished comedic actress whose talents have been featured in smash-hit Hollywood films and quirky television sitcomsGillian Flynn — Author and screenwriter Gillian Flynn was born and raised in Kansas City, and is known for her novels Gone Girl, Dark Places and Sharp Objects, among other film and television projects
More KC Entertainment
Amigoni Urban Winery
Region: West Bottoms, Downtown
Phone: (913) 890-3289
Visit WebsiteThe Midland Theatre
Region: Power & Light, Downtown
Phone: (816) 283-9900
Visit WebsiteCinder Block Brewery
Region: North KC
Phone: (816) 298-6555
Visit WebsiteCopaken Stage
Region: Power & Light, Downtown
Phone: (816) 235-2700
Visit WebsitePNC Plaza
Region: Power & Light, Downtown
Phone: (816) 842-1045
Visit WebsiteFolly Theater
Region: Downtown
Phone: (816) 474-4444
Visit WebsiteGem Theater
Region: 18th and Vine Neighborhood, Downtown
Phone: (816) 474-8463
Visit WebsiteGrinders KC Event Venue
Region: Downtown
Phone: (816) 666-8777
Visit WebsiteJazz, A Louisiana Kitchen
Region: West 39th St, Midtown
Phone: (816) 531-5556
Visit WebsiteKansas City Ballet
Region: Crown Center, Downtown
Phone: (816) 931-8993
Visit WebsiteKansas City Repertory Theatre
Region: South Plaza, Midtown
Phone: (816) 235-2700
Visit WebsiteLittle Theatre
Region: Crossroads, Downtown
Phone: (816) 513-5000
Visit WebsiteMosaic Ultra Lounge
Region: Power & Light, Downtown
Phone: (816) 679-0076
Visit WebsiteMusic Theater Heritage
Region: Crown Center, Downtown
Phone: (816) 221-6987
Visit WebsitePBR Big Sky Bar
Region: Power & Light, Downtown
Phone: (816) 237-0088
Visit WebsiteShark Bar
Region: Power & Light, Downtown
Phone: (816) 442-8140
Visit WebsiteSpencer Theatre
Region: South Plaza, Midtown
Phone: (816) 235-2700
Visit WebsiteStarlight Theatre
Region: South KC, Swope Park
Phone: (816) 363-7827
Visit WebsiteSwordfish Tom's
Region: Crossroads, Downtown
Phone: N/A
The Coterie Theatre
Region: Crown Center, Downtown
Phone: (816) 474-6552
Visit WebsiteWestport Regional Business League
Region: Midtown
Phone: (816) 531-4370
Visit WebsiteKansas City Power & Light District
Region: Power & Light, Downtown
Phone: (816) 842-1045
Visit WebsiteLegends Outlets Kansas City
Region: Kansas City, Kansas, Kansas
Phone: (913) 788-3700
Visit WebsiteKansas City Symphony
Region: Crossroads, Downtown
Phone: (816) 471-1100
Visit WebsiteChicken N Pickle - Kansas City
Region: North KC
Phone: (816) 537-1400
Visit WebsiteBoulevard Brewing Co.
Region: Westside/Southwest BLVD, Downtown
Phone: (816) 701-7247
Visit WebsiteJ. Rieger & Co.
Region: North East
Phone: (816) 702-7800
Visit WebsiteBar K Dog Bar
Region: Downtown
Phone: (816) 474-2275
Visit WebsiteBorder Brewing Company
Region: Downtown
Phone: (816) 469-5287
Visit WebsiteGrandview Amphitheater
Region: South KC
Phone: (816) 316-4998
Visit WebsiteMartin City Brewing Company
Region: South KC
Phone: (816) 268-2222
Visit WebsiteP.S. Speakeasy
Region: Downtown
Visit WebsiteOne East Urban Bar + Kitchen
Region: Crown Center, Downtown
Phone: (816) 474-4400
Visit WebsiteThe Monarch Cocktail Bar & Lounge
Region: Country Club Plaza, Midtown
Phone: (816) 437-7912
Visit WebsiteThe Blue Room
Region: Downtown, 18th and Vine Neighborhood
Phone: (816) 474-2929
Visit WebsiteThe Theatre in the Park
Region: Johnson County/South, Kansas
Phone: (913) 826-3012
Visit WebsiteTom's Town Distilling Company
Region: Crossroads, Downtown
Phone: (816) 541-2400
Visit WebsiteBrew Lab
Region: Overland Park, Johnson County/South, Kansas
Phone: (913) 400-2343
Visit WebsiteCooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant
Region: Country Club Plaza, Midtown
Phone: (816) 531-1500
Visit WebsiteJohnson County Arts & Heritage Center
Region: Overland Park, Johnson County/South, Kansas
Phone: (913) 826-2787
Visit WebsiteStrange Days Brewing Co.
Region: River Market, Downtown
Phone: (816) 469-5321
Visit WebsiteKansas City Irish Fest
Region: Crown Center, Downtown
Phone: (816) 561-7555
Visit WebsiteThe Monogram Lounge
Region: North East
Phone: (816) 702-7800
Visit WebsiteThe Hey! Hey! Club
Region: North East
Phone: (816) 702-7800
Visit WebsiteWaldo Area Business Association
Region: South KC
Phone: (816) 286-4523
Visit WebsiteJohn's Big Deck
Region: Downtown
Phone: (816) 255-3396
Visit WebsiteDowntown Shawnee
Region: Johnson County/South, Kansas
Phone: (913) 631-2500
Visit WebsiteAubrey Vineyards
Region: Overland Park, Johnson County/South, Kansas
Phone: (913) 909-2926
Visit WebsiteVerdigris Bar
Region: Overland Park, Johnson County/South, Kansas
Phone: (913) 626-8848
Visit WebsiteThe Mercury Room
Region: Crossroads, Downtown
Phone: (816) 966-8488
Visit WebsiteKC Jazz ALIVE
Region: Downtown
Phone: (816) 285-9045
Visit WebsiteBrookside Shopping District
Region: South KC, Swope Park
Phone: (816) 523-5553
Visit WebsiteHamburger Mary's Kansas City
Region: Midtown
Phone: (816) 842-1919
Visit WebsitePrime Social Rooftop
Region: Country Club Plaza, Midtown
Phone: 816-400-4210
Visit WebsiteRockcreek Brewing Co.
Region: Kansas, Johnson County/South
Phone: 913-218-0017
Visit WebsiteT-Mobile Center
Region: Power & Light, Downtown
Phone: (816) 949-7100
Visit WebsiteHowl at the Moon
Region: Power & Light, Downtown
Phone: (816) 471-4695
Visit WebsiteCallsign Brewing
Region: North KC
Phone: (660) 541-0420
Visit WebsiteSinkers Lounge
Region: Power & Light, Downtown
Phone: (913) 374-0105
Visit WebsiteBoulevardia
Region: Downtown
Phone: 816-561-7555
Visit WebsiteChartreuse Saloon
Region: Downtown
Phone: N/A
Visit WebsiteUptown Lounge
Region: Midtown
Phone: (816) 610-8600
Visit WebsiteDowntown Lee's Summit
Region: South KC, East
Phone: (816) 246-6598
Visit WebsiteScreenland Armour Theatre
Region: North KC
Phone: (816) 994-7380
Visit WebsiteStockyards Brewing Co.
Region: Downtown, West Bottoms
Phone: (816) 945-7729
Visit WebsiteElectric Park Garden Bar
Region: North East
Phone: (816) 702-7800
Visit WebsiteChicken N Pickle - Overland Park
Region: Johnson County/South, Kansas
Phone: (913) 703-5950
Visit WebsiteThe Majestic Restaurant
Region: Downtown
Phone: (816) 221-1888
Visit WebsiteNighthawk
Region: Downtown
Phone: (816) 685-1228
Visit WebsiteKing G Bar & Delicatessen
Region: Downtown
Phone: (816) 652-0383
Visit WebsiteRock Island Bridge
Region: Kansas City, Kansas, Kansas
Phone: (913) 620-6156
Visit WebsiteCorvino Supper Club & Tasting Room
Region: Crossroads, Downtown
Phone: (816) 832-4564
Visit WebsiteThe Conductor Club
Region: Crown Center, Downtown
Phone: (816) 221-5111
Visit WebsiteThe Friends of Chamber Music, Kansas City
Region: Country Club Plaza, Midtown
Phone: (816) 561-9999
Visit WebsiteRegnier Extreme Screen Theatre
Region: Crown Center, Downtown
Phone: (816) 460-2020
Visit WebsiteBarrel of the Bottoms
Region: Midtown
Phone: N/A
Visit WebsiteThe Phoenix
Region: Downtown
Phone: (816) 221-5299
Visit WebsiteFunny Bone Comedy Club
Region: Northland
Phone: (816) 759-5233
Visit WebsiteLarks Entertainment Kansas City
Region: West Bottoms, Downtown
Phone: (816) 832-8238
Visit Website