National Archives at Kansas City

Authors Joe and Michele Boeckholt to discuss Harzfeld’s: A Brief History

For More Information Contact:
Kimberlee Ried
(816) 268-8000

Kansas City, (MO)…The National Archives at Kansas City will host authors Joe and Michele Boeckholt at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 25, for a discussion of their book Harzfeld’s: A Brief History. The Boeckholts will be available to sign copies of the book after the discussion. A 6:00 p.m. reception will precede the event. In addition, a special Harzfeld’s display of memorabilia, such as an antique pin cushion, store advertisements, photographs, and clothing will be available for viewing.

In 1891, Siegmund Harzfeld and the Parisian Cloak Company introduced a new era of commerce and fashion to the residents of Kansas City. Women no longer needed to make lengthy and expensive appointments with dressmakers to maintain the latest fashion trends; the ready-to-wear movement had begun. Authors Joe and Michele Boeckholt detail the story behind Harzfeld's specialty store, from its first offering of coats, blouses, petticoats, and furs to the beloved Petticoat Lane flagship location and regional network of satellite stores. Harzfeld’s: A Brief History includes archival photographs and memorabilia, personal narratives and interviews, and a wealth of local and historical knowledge.

Joe and Michele Boeckholt are both practicing graphic designers living and working in Kansas City. Originally from Iowa, they met at Iowa State University in a foundations drawing class, and relocated to Kansas City after graduating from the College of Art and Design. The Boekholt’s share an appreciation for local history, popular culture and the visual arts, the pair can be found exploring the city's antique shops, flea markets, and other collectible outlets.

Copies of Harzfeld’s: A Brief History will be available for purchase at The Kansas City Store at the National Archives. This event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. For more information or to make a reservation call 816-268-8010 or register by e-mailing: kansascity.educate@nara.gov.

The National Archives at Kansas City is one of 13 facilities nationwide where the public has access to Federal archival records. It is home to more than 50,000 cubic feet of historical records dating from the 1820s to the 1990s created or received by nearly 100 Federal agencies. Serving the Central Plains Region, the archives holds records from the states of Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The facility is located at 400 West Pershing Road, Kansas City, MO 64108. The National Archives at Kansas City is open Tuesday–Saturday 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. for exhibits viewing and Tuesday–Saturday from 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. for research.

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NREA 10–14

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