The R.CROSBY KEMPER III Award for Achievement in Historic Preservation, known as THE CROSBY, acknowledges continued accomplishments in the promotion and advancement of the National Historic Preservation goals with respect to cultural and natural heritage resources and historic preservation, especially those which add benefit to the public and the states of Kansas, Missouri.

The Westport Historical Society and R. Crosby Kemper III are pleased to announce that the recipient of the 2018 R.CROSBY KEMPER III Award for Achievement in Historic Preservation, known as THE CROSBY, is the National Frontier Trails Museum.  The presentation of the award will take place at the museum, 318 W, Pacific Ave, Independence, MO, on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at 2:00pm. The public is invited to attend the presentation and reception.  Mo­­­re details will follow at www.westporthistorical.com, or call 816-561-1821 for more information.

The National Frontier Trails Museum is a research library, museum, and interpretive center dedicated to preserving and relating the 19th century epic stories of the overland migrations across the western American wilderness by way of the Santa Fe, California, and Oregon Trails. 

“The National Frontier Trails Museum is the only museum in the nation devoted to the [these] three great western routes . . . Located in Independence, MO, the principal ‘jumping off’ point for [the] . . . trials, the museum highlights the unique features of each trial and their dramatic impact on American History.”

To enhance the 19^th century experience, the museum contains artifacts from the three trails, an authentic covered wagon, original pioneer letters and diaries, and offers an award winning introductory film.  Additionally, visitors’ can take a short walk to view an old spring used by pioneers and their animals, see 1830’s “swales” or trail ruts created by cargo-laden covered wagons, and  utilize the “largest public research library in the nation” containing vital and important information on the Santa Fe, California, and Oregon Trails. 

“The Trails museum is also the national headquarters of the Oregon-California Trails Association, the premier organization for preserving, mapping, and marking the trails, and educating the public about their impact on the development of America.”

Congratulations to the National Frontier Trails Museum for winning the prestigious 2018 “Crosby” Historic Preservation Award.

Location National Frontier Trails Museum, 318 W. Pacific, Independence, MO