Dedicated. It not only celebrates kansas citys pioneer history, but is also a tribute to those who suffer great hardship and loss while traveling across the plains in search of a better life. In her new book, constructing cultural identity, the storian Cynthia Prescott rediscovers Pioneer Monuments erected across the nation, including those in the kansas city region. We are honored to have her here today to discuss her research. Dr. Prescott is an associate professor of history at the niversity of north dakota. Her research focuses on gender in the american west, specifically intersections of gender, social class and historical memory. Her work in these areas have been published in journal of the west and other ublications. Prescotts first book was published in 2007. It traces changing gender roles and ideology among early white settlers in oregon between 1845 nd 1900. While our academic focus and training are in social history, dr. Prescott has a strong background in several areas of