Speakers Bureau

If you are looking for a speaker for your event or meeting, please call Henry Leonard at 816-531-7774, or click here to send email.

If you wish to be a member of this new and exciting Native Sons and Daughters group, please contact Henry Leonard at 816-531-7774, for details. This is a great opportunity to share your historical knowledge with our Kansas City community.
 

Currently Active

Mr. Dave Baumgartner - Limited Availability
Our 'Cowboy and Indian' specialist tells stories of the early days of Kansas City and the importance of the city in the expansion of the West. From early French Kansas City to Westport to the cow towns on the Kansas prairie, legends abound that make fascinating tales of our manifest destiny. Dave serves on the Board of Directors for The Native Sons and Daughters of Greater Kansas City.

Ms. Jean Christensen - Limited Availability
Represents the Native Sons and Daughters with her experiences as a "Rosy, the Riveter" during World War II. Her firsthand experiences illustrate the advances women made while serving during the war years.

Mr. John Dillingham
The Dillingham family has been instrumental in the growth of the Kansas City business environment. Mr. Dillingham is a noted expert on the cattle trade and livestock market, the transportation of commodities by rail and river, and people that made Kansas City great. John is past-president of the Native Sons and Daughters of Greater Kansas City.

Mr. Ray Elder and Mrs. Nancy Elder
Ray and Nancy are co-chairs of the NSDKC committee representing Elmwood Cemetery. One of the most beautiful areas in Kansas City where it can truly be said the famous of our hometown rest. Ray and Nancy are talented speakers, well informed as they share the life stories of people like Jim McGee and may others.

Mr. Kevin Fewell
Currently the President of the Union Cemetery Volunteers and Historic Society, Kevin specializes in stories about real people and their accomplishments before becoming residents of Union Cemetery. From a Medal of Honor recipient during the Civil War to George Calib Bingham, many are the stories Kevin presents.

Mr. Gary Hicks
Past-president of The Native Sons and Daughters of Greater Kansas City presents a panorama of the accomplishments of our organization including the historic markers throughout Kansas City the group's involvements in area historic sites and projects such as Alexander Major's House, Fort Osage, and Union Cemetery. Mr. Hicks also speaks on the career and accomplishments of Alexander Majors and his antebellum home at 83rd and State Line, in Kansas City, Missouri.  Click Here for Humanities Statement

Mr. Phil Lainhart
Skilled re-enactor representing Alexander Majors, the partner and business manager of Russell, Majors and Waddell, the most important company involved in the Santa Fe Trade and the originator of the Pony Express. The Majors' home, built in 1856 and located on State Line in Kansas City, Missouri, stands as a testament to the accomplishments of this firm.

Dr. Vern Otte - Limited Availability
Represents the Native Sons and Daughters with his experiences as a veterinarian caring for the sled dogs of the Alaskan Iditarod.

Mr. Dan Sturdevant
Life-long interest in Lewis and Clark and their exploration of the route to the Pacific, with special attention to their experiences at Kaw Point. Mr. Sturdevant has been instrumental in establishing the park and outdoor theater located at Kaw Point. Dan is past-president of The Native Sons and Daughters of Greater Kansas City.

Dr. John Wibbenhorst
Retired Kansas City psychiatrist and expert on the history and philosophy of psychology. The treatment of mental illness through many years and the social and historic enhancements that are reflected in the gradual improvement in humanistic care of patients make for challenging discussions.
 
Dr. Bill Worley
Re-enactor representing numerous important and interesting personalities who contributed to the founding and growth of our nation and Kansas. Not available for presentations on Tuesday or Thursday.