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Events Calendar

Party Like it's 1843 - 175th Anniversary of the Great Migration on the Oregon Trail
From Fri, MAY 18, 2018
To Sun, MAY 20, 2018

Party Like it's 1843
on the
Historic Independence Square
May 18-20!

Party Like its 1843

Party Like it’s 1843 celebrates the 175th Anniversary of the Great Migration on the Oregon Trail.  The Great Migration left from the Independence Square on May 20th, 1843.  The three day festival includes the following:

Friday, May 18th 6:30PM-9PM - Westward Ho! Down:
National Frontier Trails Museum lawn, 318 W Pacific, Independence, MO.  This event that will showcase pioneer dancing and music. There will be beer and wine served, as well as appetizers.  Tickets are $20.

Saturday, May 19th 10:00AM-4:00PM - Live Action Oregon Trail Game:
Teams of 4 will try their luck on the Oregon Trail.  There will be 10 stops along the trail each with its own activity, including but not limited to trivia, puzzles, and physical challenges.  The event will take place in Hiram Young Park, 405 N Dodgion Ave, Independence, MO.  Team registration is $20.

Saturday, May 19th 10:30AM- 4:30PM - Oregon Trail Lecture Series:
Brady Courtroom, 2nd floor of the Historic Truman Courthouse, 112 W Lexington, Independence, MO. The topics will focus on the Trails and the 1840s. This is a free event, but you must RSVP to attend.

  • 10:30am - Jon Boursaw: Potawatomi Trail of Tears
  • 11:45am - Theresa Hupp: Historical Fiction
  • 1:00pm - David Jackson: Independence in 1843
  • 2:15pm - Ross Marshall: KC's Historic Trails in 1843
  • 3:30pm - Travis Boley: KC's Historic Trails in the 21st Century

Saturday, May 19th 5:30PM - Pioneer Fashion Show:
Guests will learn about the fashions on the Oregon Trail with a narrated fashion show.  Truman Memorial Building Auditorium, 416 W Maple Ave, Independence, MO.  Tickets are $15.

Sunday, May 20th 2:00PM - Sounds from the Oregon Trail:
National Frontier Trails Museum auditorium, 318 W Pacific, Independence, MO.  Dana Mengel of the Mengel Bros. Duo has written an Oregon Trail Soundtrack inspired by diaries and letters from the trails.  Guests will enjoy a preview of this amazing composition.  Light refreshments will be served as well.  Tickets are $10.

There is also a combo ticket option:  $40 for a ticket to the Westward Ho! Down, the Pioneer Fashion Show, and Sounds from the Oregon Trail.

Purchase your tickets here!  On the new screen, scroll down to whichever event you want and click the poster.  This will take you to Eventbrite to order tickets.

Location Historic Independence Square