Through educational programming and
exhibitions, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum will strengthen
and expand its mission to preserve the history of African American
• Crafting innovative and thought provoking activities
that appeal to the broadest of audiences.
• Building exhibitions grounded in sound research
• Establishing itself as a national center that broadens
the study of race and sports in American history.
• Continually promoting life-long learning in the community
PROGRAMS FOR SCHOOLS
Teacher's Guide to the NLBM
In partnership with Kansas State University and the Lee's Summit School district, the NLBM developed a
comprehensive guide to touring the museum for teachers. It has been well received and used by many educators in
the Kansas City area.
The guide provides a complete overview of the entire field trip experience for teachers to relay to their
students. Everything is covered, from the bus ride to the museum, tours of the 18th & Vine district and all the
exhibits inside. The guide also provides valuable research information to supplement lesson plans.
The museum will attempt to place the guide in the hands of more educators by aggressively reaching out to
teachers and administrators to visit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. To obtain a guide, just contact the
NLBM has created Project reTrace to foster new and creative approaches to learning Negro Leagues history. Area
high school art teachers are selected to bring classes to the museum. Staff facilitates a detailed tour and
discussion of the history. Students are then encouraged to interpret what they learned through art. During the
day, students are provided lunch and time to research, draw and sketch.
Once the work is completed, the museum exhibits the pieces at the NLBM or other venues in the city. Art will
also be used in various publications and products to help support the project.
Participants have produced inspiring and award winning work through Project reTrace. Schools who have
participated to this date include Paseo Academy, Spring Hill Middle School, Spring Hill High School, Lee's
Summit High School, and Lee's Summit North High School.
Reading Around the Bases:
With the support of Ford Motor Company, the NLBM launched "Reading Around the Bases" a few years ago. Here,
area grade school students are selected to sit on the famous "Field of Legends" and be read to by local
celebrities. Students and teachers receive free books and autographs. One of these events has traditionally
been held as part of "Buck" O'Neil's birthday tribute.
"Reading Around the Bases" is the museum's flagship effort to promote literacy in the Kansas City community.
Extending the program to families will further broaden the audience for Negro Leagues history.
Paige Inspiration: NLBM Adopts Satchel Paige Elementary School
With the help of Ford Motor Company, the NLBM officially adopted Satchel Paige Elementary School in Kansas City
as an education partner. The museum has developed small exhibits on the life of Satchel Paige for the school,
including a life sized wax figure of Paige on display. Paige students have also been involved in museum reading
programs and other events. Volunteers have made time to visit the school and assist teachers. The partnership
has also led to book, computer and gift donations to the school.
Even with all this activity, the partnership can be strengthened. The museum plans to improve the existing
exhibit on Paige in the school entrance. There are still plans to create a more detailed "museum classroom"
space in the building where a regular schedule of museum led programs will take place. Students will be trained
as docents for the museum and work at 18th & Vine. The museum will also encourage volunteers, staff, board
members, and business partners to make themselves available to assist the children and teachers at the school.
Night of the Harvest Moon Children's Festival
The tradition that began in 1997 continues with Night of the Harvest Moon Children's Festival. The festival
began as a community open house on Halloween during the grand opening of the NLBM's new 18th & Vine facility
and has become the museum's largest community wide outreach program, consistently drawing 1,500--3,000 visitors
Here, the museum provides a forum for several community groups to share information on health and safety
issues to children while providing a safe alternative for Halloween activities. The museum also provides
stirring family entertainment for the evening.
Night of the Harvest Moon has become one of the largest children's events in the region.
PROGRAMS FOR ADULT LEARNERS
Black Women in Sports
The NLBM strives to invite notable figures in sport during Women's History Month in March. Guests offer great
insight into how sport has changed their lives and what lessons can be learned from participation.
Jackie Robinson Memorial Lecture
In honor of Robinson's historic breaking of baseball's "color barrier," the museum seeks to invite noted
scholars each April to discuss issues of involving history, race, sports and American Society.
Fostered Spirits: The Andrew "Rube" Foster Lecture
Each September, the NLBM invites a noted public figure with connection to sports to impart wisdom about
leadership, public service and entrepreneurship. The annual lecture honors Andrew Foster, credited as the
"father of Black Baseball."
The NLBM will periodically invite authors of non-fiction and fiction baseball books to discuss their work with
The NLBM reaches out to current and former professional baseball players and coaches to discuss their history
in the game and vision for the future.