May 2008

Posted May 14, 2008

Display of Science Fair Entries at Linda Hall Library

(Kansas City, MO)—Future scientists, engineers, and inventors are being recognized at the Linda Hall Library of Science, Engineering & Technology in Kansas City. Several participants from the recent Greater Kansas City Science and Engineering Fair sponsored by Science Pioneers have been given the opportunity to display their work in the library’s Main Reading Room until June 2, 2008. Staff from Linda Hall Library chose projects for display based on scientific content, unique approaches to problem solving and visual composition. The students represented range in age from fourth graders to high school.

In addition to the project display, Linda Hall Library also gives the Shipman Award annually for mastery of scientific writing demonstrated in either a project or paper. The award is given in memory of the library’s first director, Joseph C. Shipman. This year’s winner is Emily Dellwig, from Blue Valley North High School. Her sponsoring teacher is Jan Cyr.

The projects on display are indicative of scientific curiosity, good understanding of the scientific process, and visually arresting. Parents and their children as well as people interested in our future scientists are encouraged to visit this engaging exhibit.

The Linda Hall Library, the world’s largest privately funded library of science, engineering and technology, is open to the public. It is located at 5109 Cherry Street, Kansas City, Missouri. Library hours are Monday, 9:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

For more information about this exhibit or other upcoming events at Linda Hall Library, please contact Kathy Alshouse at 816-926-8727.

Posted May 5, 2008

The Kansas Cities' Levees: Their Past, Present and Future

May 5th, 2008
Kathy Alshouse, Development Officer
816-926-8727


The Kansas Cities’ Levees: Past, Present & Future

We know what happened in New Orleans when the levees broke after Hurricane Katrina. In a city that is below sea level, the levees serve to keep the Mississippi River in its river channel and out of the city. What would happen in Kansas City if our levees were to break?

In a talk on Thursday, May 15, Paul Barber, Chief of Engineering (retired), Kansas City District and Headquarters, and Lamar McKissick, Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, present the history of the settlement in the Kansas City area and why levees were needed. Included in the discussion are timing and ownership of the levees; local, state and federal involvement in flood control development in the area; and the impact of major floods. The effectiveness of various flood control facilities (levees and upstream reservoirs) will be addressed regarding the 1903, 1951 and 1993 flood events. Discussion on the impact of the changes on the Kansas River levees (authorized in 1962) on the 1993 flood is also featured. Finally, the reasons for an eighth levee being added to the system, and what is needed in the future to maintain the integrity of the levees will also be addressed. The talk, which is free and open to the public, starts at 5:30 p.m. at Linda Hall Library, 5109 Cherry.

The Linda Hall Library, the world’s largest privately funded library of science, engineering and technology, is open to the public. It is located at 5109 Cherry Street, Kansas City, Missouri. Library hours are Monday, 9:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
-30-

Posted May 2, 2008

Harrison Schmitt

April 30, 2008
Kathy Alshouse, Development Officer
816-926-8727

MEDIA ALERT

Harrison H. Schmitt, Ph.D., scientist, author, Apollo astronaut, and former U.S. senator, will be holding a press conference on Friday, May 16, 2008, at 5:30 p.m. at the Linda Hall Library of Science, Engineering & Technology. Joining him will be William B. Ashworth, Jr., Ph.D., of the Linda Hall Library and author of The Face of the Moon: Galileo to Apollo.

Dr. Schmitt is in town for the Kansas City Literary Festival, Saturday, May 17, 2008, on the Country Club Plaza. This press conference will give local media contacts the opportunity ask Dr. Schmitt about his experiences in the space program, his thoughts on the future of space exploration and the importance of science education.%0

This event is scheduled for Friday, May 16, 2008, in the Spencer Room of the Linda Hall Library of Science, Engineering & Technology at 5:30 p.m. The press conference precedes a private author’s reception at the library. Please contact Kathy Alshouse, development officer, at 816-926-8727 if you are interesting in participating in this opportunity to interview one of only 12 NASA astronauts to walk on the Moon.

The Linda Hall Library, the world’s largest privately funded library of science, engineering and technology, is open to the public. It is located at 5109 Cherry Street, Kansas City, Missouri. Library hours are Monday, 9:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
-30-