The Brian Thurn Collection was formed by various purchases from Brian Thurn Antiques of Kansas City, beginning with the initial acquisition in January 2006. The collection consists of photographs, posters and miscellaneous material that primarily reflect aspects of the African-American cultural experience during the 20th century, particularly in and around Kansas City. Some material has been removed from this collection to form discrete collections: Ernest Daniels Collection (jazz percussionist), Leon M. Jordan Collection (political leader/activist) and Dr. Milton C. Lewis Collection (doctor).

Miscellaneous series: purchased January 2006.

Photograph series: photos #1-31 purchased January 2006; photos #32-37 purchased August 2007.

Poster series: posters #1-14 purchased Summer 2010 (from Norman Saks, on behalf of Special Collections, who bought items through an online auction posted by Thurn); posters #15-34 purchased Fall 2010.

Lucile Bluford series: purchased Fall 2010.