Corinthian Hall, the Beaux-Arts mansion Robert A. Long built in 1910 as his family estate, became the center of Kansas City’s history museum after his daughters donated the property in 1939. Designed by Henry F. Hoit on a three-acre site overlooking what became Kessler Park, the large house and its outbuildings reflected Long’s wealth and civic prominence. Opened to the public in 1940 under John Ripley Forbes, the museum rapidly built major collections and adapted the former residence for exhibits. Its focus shifted over time among history, anthropology, natural history, and science before returning chiefly to history, alongside extensive restoration and renewed public stewardship.