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The Gordon Parks Museum, in partnership with photojournalist and documentary filmmaker D. Michael Cheers, 2025 Choice of Weapons Award recipient, proudly presents a special two-volume book - Fort Scott Stories and I Needed Paris, celebrating the 75th anniversary of Gordon Parks’ "Back to Fort Scott."

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This 244-page photo essay book contains wonderful story telling images by various photographers, along with some of Gordon Parks iconic photos he took in 1950.

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Fort Scott Stories, is the first volume, that is inspired by Parks’ 1950-Fort Scott photo essay assignment for Life Magazine. This book offers a powerful glimpse into the heartbeat of Fort Scott, through vivid portraits and authentic storytelling. It captures the voices of residents across generations, business owners, church members, and everyday citizens reflecting the city’s spirit, diversity, and resilience.

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I Needed Paris, is the second volume of the book that follows a group of student-photographers through Paris, retracing Gordon Parks’ path while he worked for LIFE magazine (1950–52). The book reimagines his fashion, portrait, and documentary work, featuring African American expats, emerging Black designers, and intimate portraits of migrant and refugee communities.

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The two-volume coffee-table set, Fort Scott Stories, will be available with limited copies that can be purchased online or at the museum. The cost of the book is $65.00 per book. There is also additional cost for tax and shipping. 

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     Limited Copies Available!  Click the book cover below to purchase your copy