KANSAS CITY, MO, September 5, 2025 – Today, Union Station officials unveiled the newest installment of Union Station Stories history exhibit, “Connecting Kansas City – Past and Future.” This exhibit is free and open to the public and highlights Kansas City’s transportation, beginning with the horse car in 1870 to today’s newest addition of the streetcar with the extension of the line to Westport, Country Club Plaza, and UMKC.
“The Kansas City Streetcar has been an integral part of our collective history for more than 150 years, but over the past nine years, its rebirth and expansion have transformed how our community connects,” said George Guastello, president and CEO of Union Station Kansas City. “Not only does this exhibit honor the rich history of the streetcar, but it also celebrates the way it makes Kansas City more accessible to everyone.”
From the horse-drawn carriages of the 19th century to today’s modern electric streetcars, this mode of transportation has evolved alongside the city it serves. The spirit of community—captured in the saying “it takes a village”—has played a vital role in shaping and sustaining the streetcar system. Over 155 years later, innovation and improvement continue to move forward. The streetcar remains not just a way to travel, but a symbol of shared progress.
“We are excited to see where the streetcar will take our community,” said Tom Gerend, Executive Director of the KC Streetcar Authority. “We appreciate all the support from the community, including Union Station. The streetcar is eager to continue serving the downtown area with the new 3.5-mile expansion connecting the southern terminus at Union Station to 51st Street and Brookside Boulevard on the UMKC campus.”
Local Kansas City organizations and historians played a vital role in preserving and presenting the story of the Kansas City Streetcar. Their efforts ensured that the historical narrative was both accurate and engaging for future generations. Together, these individuals and institutions helped bring the legacy of the Kansas City Streetcar to life.
Special recognition goes to:
- Diane Euston, Kansas City historian, for her significant contributions to preserving and sharing the streetcar’s history.
- Denise Morrison, Kansas City historian and curatorial consultant, for her expertise and dedication to local history.
Key institutional contributors include:
- Kansas City Streetcar Authority
- The Museum of Kansas City
- Kansas City Public Library – Missouri Valley Special Collections
- Terence W. Cassidy Collection (K0302), The State Historical Society of Missouri Research Center–Kansas City
- Johnson County Museums
- Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA)
- Roy Inman Photographs
“It’s a privilege to take part in a celebration that unites our community,” said Ray Kowalik, Chairman of the Union Station Board. “We’re not only preserving history but also making it—right here in the heart of downtown.”
Union Station wishes to thank our sponsors, The City of Kansas City, Missouri Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund, Missouri Humanities with support from the Missouri Humanities Trust Fund and the National Endowment for Humanities, Victor E. and Caroline E. Schutte Foundation Trust E, David W. Frantze and Bank of America, N.A., Trustees.
“Connecting Kansas City – Past and Future” is part of Union Station Stories – a free, historical exhibit located throughout the building. Guests can find other installments of the exhibit in Grand Hall as well as the third and fourth floor balconies. Union Station Stories is dedicated to showcasing 100 plus years of history and is free and open to the public daily from 6AM – 11PM.
About Union Station Kansas City
Union Station Kansas City — a 501(c)3 non-profit organization – is a 111-year-old historical landmark and celebrated civic asset renovated and reopened to the public in 1999. Known as Kansas City’s Visual Voice, the Station has been designated “Favorite Attraction”, “Favorite Family-Friendly Attraction” and “Favorite Historic Attraction”, dedicated to science education, celebration of community and preservation of history. Union Station is home to Kansas City’s internationally-awarded Science City; the new Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium; the Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre; the popular free Model Railroad Experience; City Stage featuring live theater, and a selection of unique shops and restaurants. Union Station is also home to prominent area civic organizations and businesses, and regularly hosts world-class traveling exhibitions as was proud to host the 2015 Royals World Series Championship Parade/Rally and the 2020 and 2023 Chiefs Super Bowl Parades/Rallies plus the recent 2023 NFL Draft. Awarded “Top Banquet Facilities in KC” by KC Business Journal, the facility annually hosts hundreds of community events and private celebrations of all sizes. Visit unionstation.org for details. Also, follow us on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and YOUTUBE.