Liberian Connection

The United States was instrumental in the creation of the West African state of Liberia, and a local member of the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department is responsible for the development of its police force. In the 1940s and 1950s, Leon Jordan and his wife, Orchid, lived in Liberia, and Orchid took snapshots of the exotic country. The photographic results were recovered by Robert Farnsworth, who organized the exhibition Leon and Orchid Jordan's Years in Liberia, open through February 2 at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center (3700 Blue Parkway). Around 50 black-and-white shots are on display, documenting many aspects of life in a traditional, rural nation that was making a transition to modernity. The show, curated by Farnsworth with Terry Beavers, is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. For more information, call 816-513-0700.
Dec. 8-Feb. 8, 2007