Restorative practices is a social science that studies how to build healthy, sustainable communities and how to prevent and address conflict and wrongdoing by strengthening relationships between individuals as well as social connections within communities.  This is achieved through acknowledging and repairing harm and restoring trust.

Restore KC (#RestoreKC) was launched by the Kansas City Museum in July 2020 as a year-long series of virtual conversations and programs for Kansas Citians to connect, process, and heal during the global pandemic, economic crisis, and social awakening about the realities of systemic racism permeating every level of our existence.

In 2022 and 2023, the Kansas City Museum will continue the Restore KC initiative by working with the International Institute of Restorative Practices to:

–embed a restorative ethos into its work culture and organizational practices;

–develop staff expertise to implement restorative practices for the development and implementation of education and public programs;

–strengthen cross-agency collaboration, prioritizing elementary and high schools, and achieve collective impact across systems; and

–build a coalition among City-owned or City-operated museums in Kansas City to understand the collective needs, share and mobilize resources, and ensure the long-term sustainability of these institutions.

The Kansas City Museum endeavors to create a more just and unified city through exhibits, programs, and experiences that illuminate the often untold stories of individuals who have contributed to the city’s growth, vibrancy, and creativity.  Through programs and exhibits, the Museum strives to connect people, encourage collaborations, acknowledge and honor all histories, foster understanding, strengthen relationships, repair harm, restore trust, and embrace our shared humanity.

To view past virtual Restore KC programs visit: kansascitymuseum.org/restorekc/.