Activity Overview
The John Wornall House is one of few houses which are still standing from the Civil War era in Kansas City. As such it acts as a powerful connection with the area's past. It was originally built by Richard Wornall, John's father, who bought a large expanse of land here in Westport after moving from Shelbyville, Kentucky. During the war the house was used as a field hospital by both the Union and Confederate forces after the Battle of Westport nearby. Today it is open to the public as a museum with many period details faithfully restored and maintained.
Things to Do
- Though the John Wornall House has lived through various epochs of American History since its construction in 1858, the museum as it is presented to the public today focuses on what the house may have looked like in the time of the Civil War. The aim of this is to show visitors the realities of life during the late 1850s through the 1860s.
- One fun way to get an idea of the routines of life at the time is to go along to an Open Hearth Demonstration. Every second and fourth Saturday of the month from 10 am 'til 2 pm there are demonstrations of this old style of cooking held in the kitchen of the house.
John Wornall House Insider Tips
- Admission is free for children under 5.
- The House is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. There are five tours of the house organized per day from Wednesday to Saturday and three on a Sunday seeing as the House opens at the later time of 1:00 pm on that day.
