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Clay County Archives and Historical Library ~ Liberty, Missouri

Preserving the Past for the Present

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Cardinal on frosty branch w text inset

Closed - Wednesday, November 27, 2024, the day before the Thanksgiving holiday.

Closed - December 23, 2024 through January 5, 2025.

The Archives will reopen to the public on Monday, January 6, 2025.

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Clay County Museum Self-Guided Tours

The Clay County Museum has three self-guided tours of Historic Clay County available for sale at the museum. Each volume contains a book and a CD which gives information about county homes, buildings and sites built between 1800 and 1890. Both media (book and CD) feature GPS coordinates, photos, and the history of each site.

While you are at the museum, you can peruse three floors of Local History in Artifacts and Displays.

The Museum location is 14 N Main St, Liberty, Missouri and it is open in the afternoons (1 to 4 pm) Monday through Friday and from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday.

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1882 note to a teacher.

"My Dear Teacher: When days are dark and friend's are few. Remember me for I will you. Your's Truly: Wm. Gaw."

A note to a teacher in 1882 is among the many records reflecting school records in the Archives' collections.  From yearbooks to school rosters, from photos to newspaper articles - Clay County schools are documented through the years at the Clay County Archives.

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The Clay County Archives & Historical Library has received a $2,500 grant from Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area. This resource supports the Archives' historic preservation and research activities. The grant will be used to purchase equipment and supplies, enabling Archives' volunteers to improve on documentation activities, resulting in an even higher level of service for visitors.  The Archives' Board and Volunteers greatly appreciate this contribution.
                                                                Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area Logo                  
Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area (FFNHA) is a federally funded nonprofit organization and affiliate of the National Park Service dedicated to building awareness of the struggle for freedom along the Missouri-Kansas border. Established by Congress in 2006, its nationally significant themes are the settlement of the frontier, the Missouri-Kansas Border War and Civil War, and the enduring struggle for freedom. These diverse, interwoven, and nationally important stories grew from a unique physical and cultural landscape. FFNHA inspires respect for multiple perspectives and empowers residents to preserve and share these stories -- achieving organization goals through interpretation, preservation, conservation, and education for all residents and visitors. 

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A new sign has been secured in front of the Archives, replacing one in need of frequent repair.

New Archives Sign

New Archives Sign

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CCARCH Bicentennial Moments title screen

2022 marked the 200th anniversary of the formation of Clay County, Missouri, which was formally organized on January 2, 1822.  Throughout the year the Clay County Archives and Historical Library shared a series of Bicentennial Moments... brief videos that  celebrate the Bicentennial and provide information about the early history of the county.

Episode 1 - Formation of Clay County.

Episode 2 - Early Clay County Pioneers

Episode 3 - The State Road from Indian Trail to Wagon Road

Episode 4 - A brief history of Smithville in northern Clay County

Episode 5 - Indigenous People of Clay County

Episode 6 - Founding of the Town of Liberty

Episode 7 - Land and Wildlife of Early Clay County

Episode 8 - Clay County and Fort Leavenworth on the Western Frontier

Episode 9 - The Liberty Arsenal

Episode 10 - Alexander Doniphan's March

Episode 11 - 1972 Clay County Sesquicentennial Time Capsule

Episode 12 - The Story of the Seybold Tavern

Episode 13 - Alexander Doniphan and David Rice Atchison

Episode 14 - Founding of William Jewell College

Episode 15 - Professor James Love

Episode 16 - The Tanner's Wheel

Episode 17 - Clay County's 1859 Greek Revival Courthouse

Episode 18 - The Isaac Neff Log Cabin

Episode 19 - Missouri City, Missouri

Episode 20 - History of Oak Ridge Farm

Episode 21 - Steamboats, Rivers and Landings

 

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Records and photographs from many schools in Clay County are available at the Archives.  From one room schools to large seminaries and colleges, information about the buildings and people are part of the history preserved here.  Though many of the group school photos from early years have students and teachers who are not yet identified, the images reveal information about the period and what it was like to get an early education.

Clay County schools such as Garrison High School 1932, Liberty High School 1909, Nebo School, Ruth Ewing School, Estes School 1905, First Avendale School 1916

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Liberty Forever Changing Front Cover

Since its founding in the 1820's, Liberty, Missouri has continually changed. Photography was not around to document those changes until the middle and Iater portions of that century. This book Iooks at historical photographs, that have survived the years, and compares them to contemporary examples for perspective.  Purchase a copy here.

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History Of Smithville Mo book cover

When Humphrey and Nancy Smith brought their family to settle on the Little Platte River, then the western boundary of the United States, they would experience the growing pains and conflicts of a nation eager for expansion but torn apart by the issue of slavery. The 1800's were a time of progress and upheaval. It created the foundation on which the town of Smithville was able to thrive in the 20th and 21st centuries. Events covered include Indian removal, adventurers bound for the Mexican War and California Gold Rush, the Border War, the Civil War, local crimes, culture, economic growth, and much more.  Purchase a copy here.

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The Clay County Archives is currently operating on a limited schedule. 

Open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:00AM - 4:00PM. 

 

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Two Shots By A Stranger book cover

Kathleen Bird's book, Two Shots By A Stranger, is about a crime officially unsolved to this day.  Historic documentation that has survived since the end of the Civil War leaves gaps in reporting the full story.  This true crime account re-tells the story of the 1866 double homicide from the viewpoint of those involved in an unsuccessful prosecution. 

Purchase your own copy here.

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History of the Clay County Missouri Circuit Court book cover

Among recently published books now available for purchase through the Archives is Stephen Haymes' book chronicling the history of the Clay County, Missouri, Circuit Court.

Purchase your own copy here.

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Renewal of membership in the Clay County Archives is always appreciated.  Dues and donations provide funding to continue the work preserving and cataloguing the rich history of Clay County, Missouri.  Membership for individuals and families (at the same address) is $15.00 per calendar year.  If you're interested in continuing to support the Archives and haven't yet done so, please consider renewing your membership today.  Dues may be paid, using the website (click HERE) or by sending a check, made payable to the Clay County Archives.  Thank you all who provide support to this effort with annual membership and donations.

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To view availability and to purchase lithographs click here

Liberty's Living Legacy front cover
Liberty's Living Legacy front cover

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The popular and long out-of-print book, "Liberty's Living Legacy" is available again for sale.  The City of Liberty first published this book in 2004 and copies of it sold briskly.  Even after 14 years, we still get queries about how to purchase it.  After getting permission from the City to re-print it, we now proudly offer this book for sale.

You can purchase your own copy by clicking here.

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Volunteers and Interns for summer help are earnestly sought. We would love to have extra help with our work here at the Archives. Please contact Joyce Pollock by calling 816.781.3611 Monday through Wednesday or emailing us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Thanks so much!

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We have reprinted the 1922 book, "The Covered Wagon" and it is ready to be purchased on our website or at the Archives.

This classic American novel was written by Emerson Hough tells the story of a group of pioneers who made their way from Missouri, across the plains, through the mountains to Oregon and California. Real life and fictional characters from Clay County, Missouri are central to the story.

You can order it by clicking here.

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Today - August 12, 2016

As of August 12, 2016, a new addendum of the Divided Loyalties book has been released.  Please refer to this web page for information.

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Our newest book, "History of Clay County, Missouri", is now hot off the presses!   You can find it on our Merchandise page here.

The History of Clay County, Missouri was originally published in 1885 by the National Historical Company of St. Louis.  Over the years, this comprehensive work has proven to be an important resource for anyone wanting to explore the fascinating history of the frontier days in Clay County and northwest Missouri.  We have now reprinted it so that you can have your own copy of this essential work.


The book sells for $25 (on site) and $30 (mailed).  Please come by to pick up your copy or order it from us by a phone call (816-781-3611) or email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).