Irish immigrants were the first large ethnic group to settle in Kansas City and literally helped carve out its skyline, cutting roads into the limestone bluffs at the edge of the Missouri River. They laid miles of bricks and rails, butchered livestock, and kicked down barriers at City Hall and the courthouse for themselves and generations to come.

Pat O’Neill, a fifth-generation Kansas Citian and champion of all things Irish, chronicled their history in From the Bottom Up: The Story of the Irish in Kansas City. He discusses the book, focusing in particular on its illuminating account of the postcards received by immigrants in KC from their families across the Atlantic.

The presentation coincides with the exhibit A Photo Album of Ireland, on display at the Central Library through March 17, 2017.