BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Kansas City - ECPv6.8.3//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Kansas City
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Chicago
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20260308T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20261101T070000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260301T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260301T160000
DTSTAMP:20260501T005837
CREATED:20251109T190208Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251109T190211Z
UID:1524-1772373600-1772380800@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:2026 Shakespeare Competition
DESCRIPTION:2026 National Shakespeare Competition \n\n\n\nKansas City Branch Finals \n\n\n\nMarch 1\,2026 • 2:00 – 4:00 pm CST \n\n\n\nJoin us for our 42nd annual Shakespeare Competition in Kansas City as KC metro area high school students compete for First Place with the winner advancing to the National Finals in New York City in April 2026. Students perform Shakespeare monologues and recite sonnets in three qualifying stages: school\, branch\, and National levels. \n\n\n\nThis Competition helps students develop speaking and critical-thinking skills while they explore the beauty of the language and the timeless themes in Shakespeare’s works. By preparing a monologue and sonnet for public presentation\, students bring Shakespeare to life in their own way and learn to express his works with understanding\, clarity\, and feeling. Approximately 2\,500 teachers\, 15\,000 students\, and 750+ schools in nearly 50 ESU branches participate each year. \n\n\n\nFor your high school to participate in the Kansas City Branch Competition\, a sponsoring teacher will need to organize a competition at your school. The sponsoring teacher also needs to register your school’s competition with the ESU. The deadline to submit the School Registration Form is February 10\, 2026. The deadline to hold your school competition and report your school’s winner to the ESU is February 20\, 2026. \n\n\n\nAll materials including the online School Registration Form\, teacher and student handbooks\, and packets of monologues and sonnets are located here. \n\n\n\nContact Kansas City Branch Competition Coordinator Dan Bukovac for questions: dan.bukovac@gmail.com
URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/event/2026-shakespeare-competition/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/11/Shakespeare_2026-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260305T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260307T170000
DTSTAMP:20260501T005837
CREATED:20260208T192353Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260208T192354Z
UID:1607-1772697600-1772902800@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:The 80th Anniversary of Churchill's "Sinews of Peace" Speech
DESCRIPTION:Eighty years ago\, on March 5\, 1946\, history was made when Winston Churchill delivered his iconic “The Sinews of Peace” address\, also known as the Churchill Iron Curtain Speech\, on the campus of Westminster College in Fulton\, Missouri. To honor this landmark anniversary\, America’s National Churchill Museum (ANCM) invites you to a series of special events exploring Churchill’s enduring legacy and modern relevance\, culminating in our Fellows Weekend and the Enid and R. Crosby Kemper Lecture on March 5–7\, 2026. \n\n\n\nFor those ESU members who would be interested in a day trip to Fulton\, MO to attend one or more of the events planned for this momentous occasion\, click here for a list of events\, dates\, and price of tickets where applicable. Many of the events during the 3-day program are free or nominal charge. You can create your own selection of events you choose to attend on which day(s). If you choose a 2-day event schedule\, discounted hotel rates are offered if you want to stay overnight. \n\n\n\nClick here to watch a short video describing the background for this historic occasion moderated by Timothy Riley\, the Sandra L. and Monroe E. Trout Director and Chief Curator of America’s National Churchill Museum in Fulton\, MO.
URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/event/the-80th-anniversary-of-churchills-sinews-of-peace-speech/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/02/Iron_Curtain.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260305T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260305T150000
DTSTAMP:20260501T005837
CREATED:20260208T191032Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260222T182141Z
UID:1602-1772719200-1772722800@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Happy Hour ESU Mongolia: How English Was Introduced in an East Asian Country
DESCRIPTION:Sponsored by the ESU Mongolia and Central Pennsylvania Branches \n\n\n\nThe English-Speaking Union is a worldwide nonprofit education-based organization spanning the globe with international branches in 66 countries from Albania to Yemen. \n\n\n\nAll ESUs worldwide are connected through the ESU International Council. The President of the ESU International Council is Professor Bolormaa also known as Bella from Mongolia. This ESU Happy Hour is honored to welcome Bella to present the history of how the English language was first introduced into the East Asian country of Mongolia and its impact on the country. While the official language is Mongolian\, English is taught as a second language in schools and is spoken by a growing percentage of the population. Bella will also tell us the fascinating story of when and how the ESU Mongolia Branch was launched. \n\n\n\nWe invite you to be a part of this special ESU Happy Hour to learn about ESU’s connections and influence worldwide with a focus on the ESU Mongolia Branch. ESU members and Friends of ESU from international branches around the globe will be joining this Happy Hour. \n\n\n\nThis ESU Happy Hour is sponsored by the ESU Mongolia and Central Pennsylvania Branches. ESU Happy Hour programs are online\, free to attend\, and open to all members and the public. Registration is required to receive the webinar link.  \n\n\n\n\n\nAbout Prof. Bolormaa “Bella” \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nBella was the first ESU National winner of the 1st Public Speaking Competition in Mongolia and four-time National & International Debate Champion. She is an acclaimed coach\, mentor\, professor of economics\, and founder of Dayan Academy\, and Nest Center for Journalism Innovation & Development in Mongolia. Bella has a broad range of expertise across finance\, banking\, aviation\, and telecommunications industries. She is the President of the ESU International Council\, and the Chairperson of the ESU Mongolia Branch. She has a PhD and MA in Economics from the University of Minnesota and an MBA and BBA in finance from the National University of Mongolia. \n\n\n\nHappy HourCocktail:The most popular and iconic alcoholic beverage in Mongolia is not a Western-style cocktail\, but Airag (or Kumis)\, a lightly alcoholic\, tangy\, fermented mare’s milk drink\, symbolizing hospitality and deeply embedded in nomadic culture\, especially during summer festivals like Naadam. While other drinks like vodka and milk tea (Suutei Tsai) are common\, Airag is the quintessential national drink.Ingredients: Mare’s milk\, fermented with natural yeasts and bacteria\, sometimes mixed with previous year’s ferment.Flavor: Sour\, tangy\, with a yogurt-like taste.Alcohol Content: Low\, typically 2-3%.Cultural Significance: A symbol of hospitality\, unity\, and refreshment\, consumed in large quantities during summer.  \n\n\n\nHow it’s Made (Traditional Method):Fresh mare’s milk is collected and poured into a leather sack (khökhüür) or wooden barrel.The mixture ferments over time\, often stirred with a wooden paddle (buluur).It’s ready for consumption during the summer months (mid-June to mid-September). 
URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/event/happy-hour-esu-mongolia-how-english-was-introduced-in-an-east-asian-country/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/02/ESU_Mongolia.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260305T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260305T190000
DTSTAMP:20260501T005837
CREATED:20260222T184318Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260301T185802Z
UID:1625-1772733600-1772737200@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Think & Drink: Distilling the Alchemy: The Research & Finding that Shaped Linda Hall Library's New Exhibit
DESCRIPTION:On March 13\, the Linda Hall Library will debut Alchemy of Knowledge\, the largest exhibition in the organization’s history. Presented as the Library celebrates its 80th anniversary\, the exhibition takes us on a journey through the powerful intersections of literature\, art\, the humanities\, and science across centuries\, revealing how these disciplines have continually shaped and transformed society. Alchemy of Knowledge reflects the Library’s enduring work to protect\, preserve\, and advance STEM scholarship and literature while illuminating its relevance for future generations.Moderated by Linda Hall Library’s Olivia Tigges\, this panel discussion will bring together three of the leading voices behind the exhibition: Dr. Eric Dorfman\, President & CEO of the Linda Hall Library; Dr. Laurie Ellinghausen\, Professor of Humanities & Social Sciences at UMKC; and local artist Ali Bustos. Together\, they will discuss the ideas\, research\, and creative vision that guided the development of this landmark exhibition. \n\n\n\nDon’t miss this free Think & Drink lecture which is open to all ESU members and the public\, but registration is required. You will also receive at least one reminder email about the event when you register. \n\n\n\nWhen: Thursday\, March 5\, 2026\, 6:00 pm \n\n\n\nLocation: Casual Animal Brewing\, 1721-1725 McGee Street Kansas City\, MO \n\n\n\nTickets: Admission is free but registration is required. \n\n\n\nTo register and learn more about this Think & Drink program\, Click here. \n\n\n\nAbout Think & Drink Lecture Series: Think & Drink is an exciting new kind of event that combines educational topics with social gatherings. This one-hour lecture program was launched in July of 2025 by Casual Animal Brewing Company\, a microbrewery in the East Crossroads area\, south of downtown Kansas City. The lectures are held on the first and third Thursday of every month and bring together experts\, academics\, and curious minds for evening talks on topics that generate fresh perspectives\, ideas\, and discussion. No topic is off the table.
URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/event/think-drink-distilling-the-alchemy-the-research-finding-that-shaped-linda-hall-librarys-new-exhibit/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/02/tad_march5.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260319T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260319T190000
DTSTAMP:20260501T005837
CREATED:20260222T184609Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260301T190055Z
UID:1626-1773943200-1773946800@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Think & Drink: The Myth of  the Artist: How Kanas City Creatives Really Make a Living
DESCRIPTION:A thriving arts community isn’t built on individual genius alone—it’s built on networks\, partnerships\, and shared investment\, and Kansas City’s creative ecosystem depends on all of us. Kansas City has a long history of artists building careers through collaboration\, resourcefulness\, and community—not just working alone in studios. \n\n\n\nThis talk traces the evolution of the KC art scene from its early artist-run spaces and civic roots to today’s dynamic ecosystem\, where artists move between independent studio practice\, institutional partnerships\, and unexpected settings like hospitals\, theaters\, and civic organizations. Drawing on examples from the Kansas City Art Institute—including innovative partnerships like Sponsored Studio with Children’s Mercy and insights from alumni career outcomes—the presentation challenges the myth of the “solo artist” and reveals how creatives actually sustain their work today. Through storytelling and real-world examples\, the talk explores how artists shape Kansas City—and how the city\, in turn\, shapes its artists. \n\n\n\nDon’t miss this Think & Drink lecture with guest speaker Cory Imig. These lectures are free to attend and open to all ESU members and the public\, but registration is required. You will receive at least one reminder email about the event when you register. \n\n\n\nRegister here \n\n\n\nWhen: Thursday\, March 19\, 2026\, 6:00 pm \n\n\n\nLocation: Casual Animal Brewing\, 1721-1725 McGee Street Kansas City\, MO \n\n\n\nTickets: Admission is free but registration is required. \n\n\n\nAbout Cory Imig \n\n\n\nCory Imig is an artist and arts leader based in Kansas City. She serves as Director of Alumni Relations and the Professional Practice Center at the Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI)\, where she works at the intersection of career development\, alumni engagement\, and community partnerships. Cory has led innovative initiatives that connect artists to real-world opportunities\, including mentorship programs\, experiential learning partnerships\, and cross-sector collaborations with local organizations and other cultural institutions.As a practicing artist and educator\, Cory is deeply interested in how artists build sustainable\, meaningful careers while contributing to the cultural life of their communities. Her work focuses on demystifying creative career paths and strengthening Kansas City’s arts ecosystem through collaboration and strategic partnership. \n\n\n\nAbout Think & Drink Lecture Series: \n\n\n\nThink & Drink is an exciting new kind of event that combines educational topics with social gatherings. This one-hour lecture program was launched in July of 2025 by Casual Animal Brewing Company\, a microbrewery in the East Crossroads area\, south of downtown Kansas City. The lectures are held on the first and third Thursday of every month and bring together experts\, academics\, and curious minds for evening talks on topics that generate fresh perspectives\, ideas\, and discussion. No topic is off the table.
URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/event/think-drink-the-myth-of-the-artist-how-kanas-city-creatives-really-make-a-living/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/02/tad_march19.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260325T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260325T160000
DTSTAMP:20260501T005837
CREATED:20260222T183458Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T220653Z
UID:1622-1774450800-1774454400@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:Happy Hour: Churchill's D-Day
DESCRIPTION:Operation Overlord was the code name for the Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied Western Europe during World War II\, launched on June 6\, 1944 (D-Day). It was the largest amphibious invasion in history\, involving 160\,000 troops landing across five Normandy beaches. Winston Churchill\, while cautiously supportive\, initially held reservations about potential heavy losses but ultimately ensured its success as a key strategic architect.Allen Packwood\, Director of the Churchill Archives Centre\, will explore Churchill’s often neglected role in the planning and execution of Operation Overlord. He will use key documents from Churchill’s papers to tell the inside story.ESU members and guests are invited to this Happy Hour which gives an in-depth look at this pivotal moment in history as allied forces opened a “Second Front” in Europe\, ultimately liberating France.This ESU Happy Hour is sponsored by the Central Pennsylvania Branch. ESU Happy Hour programs are online\, free to attend\, and open to all members and the public. Registration is required to receive the webinar link. \n\n\n\n\n\nAbout Allen Packwood OBE \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs Director of the Churchill Archives Centre at Churchill College at the University of Cambridge since 2002\, Allen has dedicated his career to preserving and illuminating history. A qualified archivist and Fellow of the Royal Historical Society\, he oversees one of the world’s most significant collections of modern political\, diplomatic\, and scientific papers\, including those of Sir Winston Churchill and Baroness Thatcher.His expertise has taken him from curating exhibitions at the Library of Congress to organizing international conferences on the Cold War\, and from Bermuda to Hong Kong\, sharing Churchill’s life story and legacy.Packwood has a BA\, and MPhil (Cantab) and is a Fellow of Churchill College at the University of Cambridge. He was awarded an OBE for services to archives and scholarship in the 2016 Queen’s Birthday Honours. His latest book\, Churchill’s D-Day\, The Inside Story co-authored with General Lord Dannatt\, was published for the eightieth anniversary of Operation Overlord in June 2024. \n\n\n\nCocktail:ManhattanIngredients Whiskey: 2 oz Rye or BourbonSweet Vermouth: 1 ozAngostura Bitters: 2 dashesGarnish: Maraschino cherry or lemon twistInstructions:Combine the whiskey\, sweet vermouth\, and bitters in a mixing glass filled with ice.Stir until well-chilled.Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.Garnish with a brandied cherry or a lemon twist.Like so many cocktails\, their origins and history are lost to the vagaries of time\, leading to intriguing theories\, one including the mother of Prime Minister Winston Churchill as its possible inventor.A widely shared story suggests that the cocktail dates to the 1870s\, and despite being named after the New York City borough\, there’s a connection to the United Kingdom. This story has it that one Dr. Iain Marshall came up with the classic Manhattan recipe while attending a party that was held at the Manhattan Club for Lady Randolph Churchill\, the mother-to-be of the not-yet-born Winston Churchill.Of course\, as most legends do\, this story has been called into question because there are indications that Churchill’s mother was in either France or England at this time. Some dispute this and believe that a bartender going by the name of ‘Black’ invented the cocktail at the famed Hoffman House in New York City
URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/event/happy-hour-churchills-d-day/
CATEGORIES:Virtual Happy Hours
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/02/hhr_churchill_dday.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260326T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260326T200000
DTSTAMP:20260501T005837
CREATED:20260208T190639Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260301T185954Z
UID:1600-1774551600-1774555200@www.esuus.org
SUMMARY:The Science of Shakespeare
DESCRIPTION:Dan Falk\, award-winning author of The Science of Shakespeare: A New Look at the Playwright’s Universe\, joins Dr. Eric Dorfman\, President of the Linda Hall Library\, for a lively conversation on the connections between the famous playwright and the beginnings of the Scientific Revolution—and how\, together\, they changed the world forever. \n\n\n\nWilliam Shakespeare lived at a remarkable time―a period we now recognize as the first phase of the Scientific Revolution. New ideas were transforming Western thought\, the medieval was giving way to the modern\, and the work of a few key figures hinted at the brave new world to come: the methodical and rational Galileo\, the skeptical Montaigne\, and―as Falk convincingly argues―Shakespeare\, who observed human nature just as intently as the astronomers who studied the night sky. \n\n\n\nESU members and Friends of ESU are invited to attend this fascinating free lecture at Linda Hall Library either in-person or virtually. Note: in-person registration begins February 12 at 9:00 am. \n\n\n\nWhen: Thursday\, March 26\, 2026\, at 7:00 PM CT \n\n\n\nWhere: Linda Hall Library\, 5109 Cherry St.\, Kansas City\, MO \n\n\n\nTickets: Free lecture but registration required. Registration opens on February 12\, 2026 at 9:00 AM CT. Click this link on February 12 to register for the in-person lecture. In-person registrations cannot be made before February 12. \n\n\n\nVirtual Lecture: If you prefer to watch this program virtually via Zoom\, you may register now. Please click here to register for the virtual program. \n\n\n\nParking: Free parking at the library \n\n\n\nAbout Dan Falk \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nDan Falk is a journalist and author with a particular interest in science\, especially physics and astronomy. His freelance writing credits include Smithsonian\, New Scientist\, Scientific American\, Astronomy\, and many other publications. The Science of Shakespeare is his third book; his two previous books are In Search of Time and Universe on a T-Shirt. \n\n\n\nThe Toronto native is a regular contributor to Canadian public radio\, and he has won several international awards for his radio documentaries. He also hosts a podcast called BookLab\, which reviews popular science books. Falk was a 2011-12 Knight Science Journalism Fellow at MIT. \n\n\n\nAbout Eric Dorfman\, PhD \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nDr. Dorfman is the President of Linda Hall Library. He is the author of several popular books on New Zealand natural history and climate change\, as well as scholarly papers on museum education\, public programming\, Egyptology\, and the ecology of wetland birds. His most recent book\, The Future of Natural History Museums\, is currently being translated into Chinese and Japanese. He earned a doctorate at the University of Sydney on scale-dependent habitat use of waterbirds in eastern and central Australia. Prior to his current position\, Dr. Dorfman was CEO of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and a Research Professor at North Carolina State University
URL:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/event/the-science-of-shakespeare/
CATEGORIES:Kansas City,Online Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.esuus.org/kansascity/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/02/science_shakespeare.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR