Leila’s Hair Museum lives on

Leila’s Hair Museum lives on

From AD FREE - PHKC - YOUTUBE - RSS by KCUR Studios

December 17, 2025 · 27 min · Season 6 · Episode 13

About this episode

The episode explores the legacy of Leila Cohoon's hair museum and its future after her passing.

Since 1956, Leila Cohoon had amassed the world’s largest collection of hair art and jewelry — intricate works made of human hair. Her museum in Independence, Missouri, was the only one of its kind. But when Cohoon died last year, the future of this Kansas City institution -- and the unusual tradition it preserved -- was suddenly an open question. Suzanne Hogan speaks to KCUR’s Julie Denesha to find the answer. This episode of A People's History of Kansas City was reported by Suzanne Hogan and Julie Denesha, and produced and mixed by Jacob Smollen, with editing by Mackenzie Martin and Gabe Rosenberg. Support this podcast by becoming a KCUR member!: https://kcurwebdonate.umkc.edu/alleg/WebModule/Donate.aspx?P=F13SOCIAL&PAGETYPE=PLG&CHECK=8cudlVFocLfjxn40cNGmMa1gzMC6uhq5nDjkJobrCdg%3d

People in this episode

Hosts: Suzanne Hogan, Mackenzie Martin

Guest: Julie Denesha

Topics covered

  • hair art
  • museum
  • Kansas City
  • history

Keywords

  • Leila Cohoon
  • hair jewelry
  • Independence Missouri

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: A People's History of Kansas City

Places: Independence, Missouri, Kansas City

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