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."

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.

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.

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.

The two-volume coffee-table set, Fort Scott Stories, will be available for $65 per book (plus tax) and is planned for release during the 22nd Annual Gordon Parks Celebration, October 2–4, 2025. With a limited number of copies being printed, pre-orders are highly recommended.

To place your order or for more information, contact the Gordon Parks Museum at 620-223-2700 ext. 5850 or email gordonparkscenter@fortscott.edu.