The Dr. Kenneth J. LaBudde Collection was received in 2000 from his estate. Dates range from 1919 to 1999, a year before his death. The bulk of the collection relates to his travels, much of which was in connection with his association with the Society of Architectural Historians (SAH). The Society would conduct an annual meeting that included historical trips or tours throughout the United States and abroad. Aside from the SAH, Dr. LaBudde took several other international trips with organized groups. Some of this history is documented within four travel journals.

There is some correspondence in the collection, mostly relating to activities with organizations he was involved in as well as library issues. There is a box with postcards, primarily of a personal nature. Included are some emotionally touching notes to and from Dr. LaBudde’s family. There are postcards to Keith, a much younger brother, from Dr. LaBudde, written while he was stationed at an Army Camp in Wisconsin. In these snippets are tones of caution, encouragement and praise from a distanced big brother “Ken.”

Contained within this collection are items relating to Dr. LaBudde’s educational ascent, beginning with his very early years. It documents his college education and holds two theses, one being The Mind of Thomas Cole, which was prepared for the fulfillment of Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Minnesota. The materials Dr. LaBudde used in researching Thomas Cole are also included in the collection.

The lightness and charm of this collection lies in a small amount of Juvenilia. There is correspondence; party invitations; an autograph book and even dance cards with an array of young ladies’ names penciled in. When one reads the autograph book it is clear Dr. LaBudde was admired by many and much involved in various activities.

Housed in the Marr Sound Archives, the audiovisual materials consist of cassette tape recordings of Dr. Kenneth J. LaBudde discussing the history of the UMKC Libraries in 1980.