Our History

A Small Beginning

At Wyandotte County Museum function started by Carolyn Walden, a historical society member, and Jim Wroblewski, caretaker of the Loose Park Rose Garden; a cart on wheels with plants whose “ancestors” were in Wyandotte County prior to 1924.

Twenty-three Volunteers

Twenty-three volunteers meet to build a garden with the garden mission: To introduce the history of flowers and vegetables indigenous to Wyandotte County prior to 1924 and to educate children as well as adults in recognizing, nurturing, and learning the value and significance of heirloom plants. (A slightly different version exists, today.)

Garden Plot Drawing

Garden volunteers convinced a local KCK architect to draw a version of the anticipated garden plot behind the museum.

Local Brick Repurpose

Garden volunteers convinced wrecking contractor to deliver brick from the razed KCK Huron office building and stone from the razed Security Bank at 7th & Minnesota Avenue.

Sidewalk & Garden Perimeter

Garden volunteers convinced the Brick Layers Union Locals 4 & 18 to build a brick sidewalk and lay stone around the proposed garden perimeter.

1920's Lamp Post

Kansas City Board of Public Utilities donated and installed a 1920’s lamp and post at the garden entrance (another successful request by the volunteers).

Planting Began

Sole Funder

Retired school teacher, Esther Foreman, asked to be the sole funder to the garden.

Garden Recognition

The Unified Government Commissioners recognized the garden for its beauty and for the volunteers’ efforts toward its mission.

Garden Moved to KCKCC Campus

The garden is moved to the KCKCC campus at the invitation of the College Trustees. Assisting in the move: Unified Government Parks & Recreation, street department, city engineering, two Unified Government commissioners, and KCKCC grounds crew (Jeff Sixta, Shawn Schavee and others).

501(c)(3) Approval

The garden is approved as a 501(c)(3) charity and is incorporated as the Cooper-Foreman Heirloom Garden and is assigned an EIN.

Garden Donations

Through the years – Esther Foreman donated to the Garden and was the sole contributor. She also made a substantial donation to Kansas City Kansas Community College Foundation.

New Garden Club

KCKCC launched a Garden Club and local civic organizations began volunteering, hoping to help take the garden into a new season of thriving.