Built in 1858, the John Wornall House Museum is a unique Kansas City landmark and a significant educational institution. As only one of five remaining Kansas City Antebellum homes, this magnificent Greek Revival structure is listed on the National Historic Register. Most famous for its use as a field hospital for both sides during the Civil War’s Battle of Westport, the Museum also tells the stories of domestic life, culture, traditions, and key economic developments in the mid-to-late 19th century. The home remained in the Wornall family until 1964 whereupon the Jackson County Historical Society meticulously restored the home to its 1858 grandeur. Since opening its doors in 1972, the John Wornall House Museum has become synonymous with tradition, prestigious, and bringing history to life.
In 2011, the John Wornall House and the Alexander Majors House merged to form The Wornall/Majors House Museums, a nonprofit organization with a mission to “engage our community by bringing history to life through innovative, hands-on programs and experiences.” The Museums boast an impressive record of achievement, reaching thousands of visitors and program participants annually with an operating budget of nearly $300,000. Each historic House features hands-on tours, including popular “ghost” tours and Holiday festivities. Field trips by dozens of local schools introduce thousands of students to history and what it means to them. The grounds of both Houses are filled with children’s laughter during sold-out summer camp sessions and often bustle with activity as history buffs and educators reenact the lives of Civil War soldiers and civilians. Concerts and readings by regional authors and reenactors round out the Houses’ programs. For information about the hours, summer camp, or upcoming programs and events, please visit www.wornallhouse.org.
Admission: Adults $8; Student/Senior: $6; Children (5-12) $5; Children under 5 are free.
John Wornall House
6115 Wornall Road
Kansas City, MO 64113
Phone: (816) 444-1858
Alexander Majors House
8201 State Line Road
Kansas City, MO 64114
Phone: (816) 444-1858