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Bridging Art & Nature at Martha LaFite Thompson Nature Sanctuary

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Published: 01 April 2025

Join in some fun at the Nature Sanctuary.

Clay County Museum ~ A Step Back in Time

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Published: 17 October 2023

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.

Read more: Clay County Museum ~ A Step Back in Time

Celebrating Teachers

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Published: 03 October 2023

"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.

Grant Awarded to Clay County Archives

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Published: 27 June 2023

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A Sign of the Times

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Published: 15 June 2023

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

School history at the Archives

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Published: 18 October 2022

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.

Liberty: Forever Changing

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Published: 21 June 2022

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.

The History of Smithville Missouri 1800-1899

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Published: 21 June 2022

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.

Bicentennial Moments

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Published: 10 January 2023

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.

Read more: Bicentennial Moments

Two Shots By A Stranger

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Published: 11 July 2021

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.

History of the Clay County Missouri Circuit Court

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Published: 11 July 2021

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.

Archives Hours of Operation

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Published: 29 April 2025

The Clay County Archives is open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:00AM - 4:00PM.  With fewer volunteers on Monday, it is suggested it's better to visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday.  Call Monday (816.781.3611), before stopping by, to confirm there are volunteers available.

Consider Archives Membership Today

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Published: 20 February 2020

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.

Beautiful Original Historic Land Atlas Lithographs

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Published: 12 July 2018

Refer to our Merchandise page for pricing and online purchase.

We now offer the popular book, "Liberty's Living Legacy" for sale

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Published: 04 April 2018

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.

Volunteers and Interns Needed

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Published: 15 February 2018

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!

Divided Loyalties Addendum Update

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Published: 12 August 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.

"History of Clay County Missouri" Published

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Published: 12 April 2016

Our newest book, "History of Clay County, Missouri", is now hot off the presses!

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.

Refer to our Merchandise page for current pricing and online purchase.  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.).

"The Covered Wagon" Has Been Reprinted

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Published: 08 November 2016

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.