Humanities
The KHC Humanities catalog features presentations and
discussions that examine our shared human experience—
our innovations, culture, heritage, and conflicts.
The Kansas Humanities Council conducts and supports
community-based programs, serves as a financial resource
through an active grant-making program, and encourages
Kansans to engage in the civic and cultural life of their
communities. Visit us online at www.kansashumanities.org.
KHC Humanities catalog Page 1
KHC’s Humanities catalog features our many programs available to community
organizations across Kansas. Inside you will find listings for Speakers Bureau
presentations, followed by a summary of other humanities opportunities available for
your community. Whether through poetry, literature, readers theater scripts, short films,
exhibitions, or grant opportunities, we have the resources you need to engage your
community in the civic and cultural life of Kansas.
Nonprofit organizations within the state of Kansas are invited to participate in KHC
programs.
Speakers Bureau
The presentations in this edition are available through December 31, 2015 or as funding allows.
Booking a Program
How to Bring a KHC Speaker to Your Event
Review the Speakers Bureau catalog and select a speaker and topic.
• Contact the speaker and confirm time, date, and location.
• Apply online for a Resource Center Support Grant to bring the speaker to your
community.
• Publicize your event. Download a press release, speaker bio, photo, and KHC logo poster.
• Tell us how it went. After the event, download and fill out a Speakers Bureau Evaluation
and Cost-Share Form and email them to Leslie Von Holten ([email protected]).
Contact
Leslie Von Holten
Director of Programs
785/357-0359 or [email protected]
The opinions expressed by the speakers do not necessarily reflect those of the Kansas
Humanities Council.
Table of Contents
Created Equal ….....................................................Page 3
Our Shared World...................................................Page 6
Commemorating World War I..................................Page 9
Culture in Context.................................................Page 11
The Civil War.........................................................Page 14
Heritage & Traditions.............................................Page 16
Uniquely Kansas...................................................Page 19
Additional KHC Programs & Opportunities...........Page 22
KHC Humanities catalog Page 2
Created Equal
American Civil Rights from Hiawatha to Topeka
The American Civil Rights Struggle constituted one of the most transformative movements
in modern U.S. history, challenging a democratic government to be more responsive to the
needs of all of its constituents. Kansas has a unique history at the center of the fight against
segregation with its place in the Civil Rights cases of 1883, which established segregation, to
the beginning of its collapse with Brown v. Board in 1954. This presentation will explore the
origins of the long history of the Civil Rights Struggle in the African American experience, with a
focus on educational, political, social, and economic equality. PowerPoint. Presented by Shawn
Leigh Alexander.
Shawn is an associate professor of African & African American Studies.
Shawn Leigh Alexander
785/864-5044 (w); 413/687-7521 (h)
[email protected]
The Nicodemus Connection to a Vice President
Before homesteading as free men in the African American settlement of Nicodemus, Kansas,
Tom Johnson and John Samuels were enslaved by U.S. Vice President Richard M. Johnson
(1837-1841) and his daughter Imogene Pence. Johnson became a controversial figure when
he married Julia Chinn, a biracial woman and mother of his two daughters. This presentation
follows Tom and John’s journey from enslavement in Kentucky to freedom experienced in an all
Black town. Learn about their lives on the Johnson plantation, the tragic split of their families,
and their migration and settlement at historic Nicodemus. Presented by Angela Bates.
Angela is the executive director and past president of the Nicodemus Historical Society.
Photo by: John Noltner
Angela O. Bates
785/839-4280 (w); 785/421-3311 (h)
[email protected]
Topeka s Greatest Trial: The Brown v. Board of Education Story
In the fall of 1950, Oliver Brown tried to enroll his 7-year-old daughter, Linda, at nearby Sumner
Elementary, their neighborhood school, but she was refused entrance because she was African
American. This presentation tells the local story and events leading up to Brown’s involvement
in the class action lawsuit, including direct testimony from the 1951 trial that was first argued
in downtown Topeka. Participants will engage in a discussion about this and other events that
eventually led to the desegregation of public schools across the nation. PowerPoint. Presented
by D.W. Carter.
D.W. is a Kansas author, military historian, and educator.
D.W. Carter
316/706-3534
[email protected]
KHC Humanities catalog Page 3
Native American Civil Rights 100 Years Ago
Native Americans in the 1910s faced devastating poverty and governmental policies that
favored whites who wanted water and land resources. Prevalent racial attitudes depicted Native
Americans as a vanishing race that must assimilate or die out, or incompetent to manage their
own resources. To combat these prejudices, the Society of American Indians lobbied Congress,
promoted Native American achievements, and educated white Americans through articles and
cultural performances. The presentation discusses how activists like Charles Eastman and
Zitkala-Sa (Gertrude Bonnin) fought back with words and organizing to stop hostile policies and
attitudes toward Native Americans. Presented by Gretchen Eick.
1964: The Civil Rights Act, the War on Poverty, and Freedom Summer
In 2014 the United States will commemorate 50 years since the landmark Civil Rights Act, the
launch of President Johnson’s War on Poverty, and Freedom Summer when young Americans
worked to register voters in the South. These historic actions were met with controversy,
violence, and political resistance, but the results resonated around the globe. Federal laws
protecting Americans against discrimination, programs that helped lift families out of poverty,
and grassroots actions that educated and empowered voters strengthened the nation. This
presentation will highlight the challenges and victories of 1964, a deciding year in our nation’s
history. Presented by Gretchen Eick.
Gretchen is a historian and author of the book Dissent in Wichita: The Civil Rights Movement in
the Midwest, 1954-1972.
Gretchen Cassel Eick
316/682-8818
[email protected]
Women Rising: How Kansas Women Gained the Vote, 1859-1912
Kansas women gained the vote in 1912, eight years before Congress passed the 19th
Amendment, granting voting rights to all American women. To accomplish this feat, Kansas
women had to overcome many obstacles, including the indifference of their own sex and the
fear many had of being considered “unladylike.” This program will re-visit the women’s suffrage
campaigns of 1859, 1867, 1894, and 1912. PowerPoint. Presented by Diane Eickhoff.
Diane is an independent historian and the author of Revolutionary Heart: The Life of Clarina
Nichols and the Pioneering Crusade for Women’s Rights.
Diane Eickhoff
816/561-6693
[email protected]
KHC Humanities catalog Page 4
Legacy of an American Indian Civil Rights Law
Many museums across the United States have human remains, funeral objects, and
the sacred items of American Indians in their collections. The Native American Graves
Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) legally guaranteed American Indian tribes
the right to reclaim these items in an effort to restore the humanity of these individuals.
When the law took effect in 1990, museum staff, board members, and volunteers feared
conflict and a loss of valuable historical artifacts. However, increased collaboration
between museums and Indian tribes has been sparked by NAGPRA, which is now
appropriately viewed as American Indian Civil Rights legislation. Presented by Brice
Obermeyer.
Brice is an anthropologist and teaches at Emporia State University.
Brice Obermeyer
620/341-6699 (w); 918/335-7026 (c)
[email protected]
You Be the Judge: The United States Supreme Court in Review
Find out whether you agree with recent decisions by our nation’s highest court. Kansas
judges will lead your group in a re-creation of actual Supreme Court cases, with the
audience playing the roles of the litigants, lawyers, and judges (no preparation needed).
You’ll have fun as you gain new perspectives on the judicial process and debate rights
and responsibilities in America today. Minimum audience of 50 required. Offered in
cooperation with the Kansas Judiciary and the Kansas Bar Association. Presented by
Judge G. Joseph Pierron, Jr.
Joe enjoys sharing the drama of the legal process with Kansans, young and old.
Judge G. Joseph Pierron, Jr.
785/296-5408
[email protected]
Travel: 3 hrs from Topeka
Kansas City Jazz and the Early Civil Rights Movement
Kansas City jazz thrived on diversity: just as it melded and reshaped African and
European musical traditions, it also gained energy and vitality from the talents of
musicians of all races. KC’s jazz visionaries crossed social barriers and championed
racial integration. This presentation explores how musicians such as Charlie Parker,
Coleman Hawkins, and Lester Young drew national attention to the need for racial
harmony by integrating KC’s black musicians union, touring with integrated bands,
and writing songs that advocated equal rights in the early years of the Civil Rights
movement. Presented by Kevin Rabas.
Kevin is a poet, musician, and co-director of the creative writing program at Emporia
State University.
Kevin Rabas
620/341-5218
[email protected]
KHC Humanities catalog Page 5
our shared world
The Harvey Girls Multicultural Workforce
The Fred Harvey Company not only hired recent immigrants to work in their famous Harvey
House restaurants, they actively recruited them. Eventually African American workers became
a part of the workforce, and during World War II American Indians and Mexican Americans
were hired as well. This restaurant work along the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe railroad lines
provided reputable work for women who had few choices in the workforce. This presentation
will explore the job duties and working conditions of Harvey Girls from 1876 to the early 1950s.
Presented by Michaeline Chance-Reay.
Mickey is an author and historian who teaches at Kansas State University.
Michaeline Chance-Reay
785/776-6254
[email protected]
(Music Is My First Love)
Fleeing the turmoil of the Mexican Revolution, the González family eventually settled in the
Argentine district of Kansas City to work railroad and meatpacking jobs. As the Mexican
immigrant population grew, weddings, baptisms, birthday parties, and fiestas called for music.
Learn about Kansas Citian Lupe González, who developed his love of music by performing
in the Rio Grande Serenaders, the Gay Rancheros, and eventually the Lupe M. González
Orchestra, playing throughout the Midwest. This program is available in both English and
Spanish. PowerPoint. Presented by Gene Chávez.
Gene consults on diversity issues as president of Chávez and Associates.
Gene T. Chávez
913/486-2213
[email protected]
Where Immigration Hits the Historical Highway
Immigration is a dynamic experience that impacts the individual, family, community, and
country. With a focus on Mexican immigration to the United States, this presentation looks at
the experiences of 19th- and 20th-century immigrants and their personal and familial stories.
How do communities react to the sometimes clash of cultures, and must it always result in
anti-immigrant sentiments? What have been the trends in U.S. immigration policy and law
enforcement over the years? This program is available in both English and Spanish. PowerPoint.
Presented by Antonio Delgado.
Antonio is a historian and expert in public policy and immigration issues.
Antonio Delgado
312/933-9080
[email protected]
KHC Humanities catalog Page 6
From Corn Bread to Chop Suey: Ethnic Cafes in the 19th Century
Late in the 1800s, a wide range of cafes opened in American cities to serve the country’s
growing immigrant populations. The new variety of cuisines and dining rituals on display in
these restaurants soon sparked curiosity among native-born Americans. After all, in few other
public spaces was such intimate access to immigrant life available. Immigrant proprietors
sought to capitalize on Americans’ curiosity by preserving, combining, and inventing food
traditions to appeal to more affluent customers. By the end of the 19th century, it was this
spirit of culinary diversity and experimentation that was most often identified as “American.”
PowerPoint optional. Presented by Kelly Erby.
Kelly is a historian of early American history and teaches at Washburn University.
Kelly Erby
785/670-2018
[email protected]
Growing Up American
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the children of Kansas immigrants lived with their feet
planted in two distinct worlds. Immersed in the traditions of their transplanted parents, many
young ethnic community members also came to see themselves as authentic Americans—at
least to varying degrees. Many children became entirely comfortable in “American settings,”
completely familiar with the language and culture of mainstream life on the southern Plains. This
presentation explores how these children often felt pulled between two identities—with two
languages, two behavior patterns, and often two names—not entirely rooted in either camp.
PowerPoint. Presented by Isaias McCaffery.
Isaias is a historian and the chair of the Humanities and Social Sciences at Independence
Community College.
Isaias J. McCaffery
620/332-5438
[email protected]
Arab Spring and After
In 2010 most Americans were surprised by the Arab Spring uprisings in the Middle East. Many
Westerners hoped the events would lead to democracy and social change in these countries,
and long-term rulers in Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya were ousted. However, years later only minor
reforms have taken place in other countries, and a full-scale civil war has developed in Syria.
This talk explores what led to the Arab Spring, the course of events since then, and the potential
for further change in the Middle East. PowerPoint. Presented by Thomas Prasch.
Tom chairs the Department of History at Washburn University.
Thomas Prasch
785/670-1892 (w); 785/357-0928 (h)
[email protected]
KHC Humanities catalog Page 7
Diverse Cultures Help Kansas Communities
Many threads have been interwoven in the fabric of Kansas culture, from the Plains Indians
to European homesteaders and African American Exodusters. A number of rural communities
have grown in recent years because of Latino and South Asian immigrants who are working
and raising their families in Kansas. This presentation highlights real-world examples of people
who have used their diverse cultural backgrounds to contribute constructively to Kansas
communities. Presented by Ron Wilson.
Ron produces a weekly radio program and news column about rural Kansas.
Ron Wilson
785/532-7690 (w); 785/532-8092 (c)
[email protected]
Our Shared World
Photo credit: Armando Minjarez
KHC Humanities catalog Page 8
commemorating World War I
Eye Deep in Hell: Trench Warfare during World War I
Soldiers in the trenches of World War I suffered extreme temperatures, disease, and parasites
in addition to the psychological stresses of war. This presentation explores events leading to
the outbreak of war, and will examine the strategies and tactics of trench warfare with special
emphasis on the individuals who fought the war along the Western Front. How did the soldiers
cope with the immense stress of the trenches? How did they find the courage to go “over the
top” into the maelstrom of no man’s land? Many WWI trench warfare soldiers suffered from
“shell shock,” a combat stress reaction similar to today’s post-traumatic stress disorder. How
do the stresses of WWI relate to soldiers today? Presented by Larry Burke.
Larry is a historian, professor, and Vietnam combat veteran.
Larry Burke
620/227-7329 (h); 620/255-1173 (c)
[email protected]
The Realities of Great War Aviation
Popular images of chivalrous World War I aviators, goggled with silk scarves flowing, were
quite different from the dark reality of the skies above Europe. As the war stalemated across
Western Europe and casualties began to mount, aviation became a critical component in war
planning and operations. Cutting-edge technology on land, sea, and air ensured that the war
of November 1918 little resembled the war of August 1914. This presentation explores how
aviation became sophisticated and differentiated into aerial observation, bombardment, and
pursuit. Presented by William E. Fischer, Jr.
Bill is a historian and retired Air Force officer.
William E. Fischer, Jr.
620/223-1211 (h); 620/223-0310 (w)
[email protected]
World War I on the Homefront: Persuasion and Propaganda
When the United States entered World War I in the spring of 1917, the civilian population
was aware of the high casualty rates from trench warfare and the resulting low morale. It
was necessary to inspire and inform people in ways that were both heroic and practical. This
presentation will highlight posters, pamphlets, and sheet music that encouraged Americans
to buy Liberty Bonds; raise, conserve, and send food to Europe; and promote the importance
of books and libraries as a vital component of democracy. PowerPoint. Presented by Lorraine
Madway.
Lorraine is the curator of Special Collections and university archivist at WSU Libraries.
Lorraine Madway
316/978-3590 (w); 316/993-0539 (c)
[email protected]
KHC Humanities catalog Page 9
The World Map After Armistice
When Germany surrendered on Armistice Day in 1918, the impact of World War I was only just
beginning. What followed were intense negotiations on many fronts, including vast changes
to the world map. The Treaty of Versailles wrested land from Germany and the collapse of
European empires offered independence to countries like Czechoslovakia and Poland, as
well as to a number of other nations. Today’s modern Arab world took shape following the
partitioning of the Ottoman Empire, and victorious European nations redistributed captured
colonial lands among themselves. This presentation explores the background and conflicts
that resulted from this redistribution of land and power since 1918. PowerPoint. Presented by
Nicholas Murray.
Nicholas is a historian and teaches at the U.S. Army Command & General Staff College at Ft.
Leavenworth.
Nicholas Murray
785/393-7069 (h); 913/684-4127 (w)
[email protected]
Poetry of the First World War
In the trenches of World War I, young men who were both soldiers and poets experienced a
shattering loss of innocence and hope. As many around them promoted the valor and glory of
war, poets such as Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen wrote poetry about personal loss and
a forever-changed world with a realism that heralded 20th-century modernism. Presented by
Susan Rieke.
Susan is a professor of English and McGilley Chair for Liberal Studies at the University of Saint
Mary.
Susan Rieke
913/758-6214
[email protected]
The United States and Russia during War and Revolution
Before 1917, entering World War I as Russia’s ally was unimaginable to most Americans.
Although the United States had a large stake in Russia, where the three largest private
companies were U.S. businesses, Czar Nicholas II’s strict regime and bloody pogroms
complicated relations between the two countries. This changed in February 1917 when
Americans saw the Russian Revolution as the birth of a new democracy, only to be disillusioned
again when the Bolsheviks gained control. This presentation provides a new look at the
complicated relationship of these two powerful nations during the Great War. Presented by
Norman Saul.
Norman is a historian who specializes in Russian history and international relations.
Norman Saul
785/842-0697
[email protected]
KHC Humanities catalog Page 10
culture in context
Science Fiction and Social Awareness
On the surface, sci-fi films are about robots, spaceships, and travel to other times or planets.
However, sci-fi often tackles social issues such as racism, sexism, LGBT acceptance, and
poverty. Can we use today’s science fiction as a way to examine our history, culture, and
personal decisions? What does a genre that speculates about our future tell us about our
present? From The Day the Earth Stood Still to District 9, from Silent Running to The Matrix, and
from They Live to V for Vendetta, this program explores these questions and more. Projector
required. Presented by Dennis Etzel, Jr.
Dennis is a poet and teaches at Washburn University.
Dennis Etzel, Jr.
785/670-1912 (w); 785/554-2018 (c)
[email protected]
War Toys in American Cartoons
Over the past century parents and our larger society have debated the role of war toys
for children: Are they imaginative playthings, or do they induce violent behavior? Political
cartoonists have reflected these anxieties in their work, using gentle humor or satire to influence
parents’ choices when purchasing toys and games for their children. This presentation explores
political cartoons spanning 1915 to 2013 that address the theme of war toys. PowerPoint.
Presented by Rachel Waltner Goossen.
Rachel is a historian and teaches at Washburn University.
Rachel Waltner Goossen
785/862-1933 (h); 785/670-1762 (w)
[email protected]
An Artist in the World Wars
Henry Varnum Poor, a native of Chapman, Kansas, was already an accomplished artist when he
was drafted to serve in World War I. His duties along the frontlines were dangerous, but he was
able to document his surroundings and fellow soldiers in paintings, drawings, and prints. Many
of these works survive today and serve as a visual testament of wartime France. In 1943, Poor
volunteered his services to again paint and sketch military activities in Alaska during World War
II. This presentation will compare Poor’s work and writings during the World Wars. PowerPoint.
Presented by Ron Michael.
Ron is the curator of the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery in Lindsborg.
Ron Michael
785/227-2220 (w); 785/227-3679 (h); 785/906-0249 (c)
[email protected]
KHC Humanities catalog Page 11
Jackalopes, Hodags, and Other Larger than Life Myths from the American Road
Johnny Kaw shaped Kansas’ landscape with his oversized scythe. Lonesome cowboys first
sighted the mythical Jackalope while riding the range. This lecture will explore the roadside
monuments devoted to our fantastical legends, from the Sasquatch of Washington to the Hodag
of Wisconsin and the many commemorations of Paul Bunyan around the country. Our legends
reflect our culture, growing out of geographically specific lore, while engaging in a favorite
American pastime of Tall Tale telling. This presentation examines the origins of the legends, the
people who crafted them, and how they reflect the regions they inhabit. PowerPoint. Presented
by Erika Nelson.
Photo by: John Noltner
Erika is the creator and curator of the World’s Largest Collection of the World’s Smallest Versions
of the World’s Largest Things Traveling Roadside Attraction and Museum.
Erika Nelson
785/760-0826
[email protected]
Images of American Indians in Popular Culture
Depictions of the Indigenous peoples of North America can be found throughout mainstream
culture. Hollywood films, cartoons, sports mascots, new age gurus, and even Western
academics often promote American Indians as fierce warriors, holy shaman, or quiet “squaws”
frozen in inaccurate 19th-century stereotypes. This presentation will reclaim these false images
to more truthfully explore both the history and current experiences of American Indians in
today’s world. PowerPoint. Presented by Sonya Ortiz.
Sonya is an educator and a member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and Acoma Pueblo of
New Mexico.
Sonya N. Ortiz
785/550-1265
[email protected]
Bronco Bustin Showmen and Their Spectacular Wild West Shows
Wild West shows at the turn of the 20th century delighted audiences in the United States and
abroad. A surprising number of skilled cowboys and breathtaking shows originated in the Great
Plains region. This presentation highlights famous western entertainers including Will Rogers,
Pawnee Bill, Tom Mix, and Lucille Mulhall and shows such as Pawnee Bill’s Historical Wild West
Indian Museum and Encampment, the 101 Ranch Real Wild West, and the Mulhall Congress of
Rough Riders and Ropers. A reoccurring thread throughout all of these shows was Buffalo Bill
Cody, the father of western entertainment. PowerPoint. Presented by Jane Rhoads.
Jane is an author and a 2009 Notable Kansas Book award winner.
Jane Rhoads
316/264-6026 (h); 316/978-3773 (w)
[email protected]
KHC Humanities catalog Page 12
Truman Capote and the Meanings of Kansas
Truman Capote’s 1966 book In Cold Blood rattled the state of Kansas. Kansans were so
enraptured by Capote’s version of the 1959 murder of the Clutter family that one historian even
called the western half of the state “Capote country.” Through an exploration of editorial and
newspaper columns, this talk reveals that the reasons people cared about Capote varied by
region. However, Kansans always read In Cold Blood on their own terms. When William Allen
White claimed that Capote “recreated our Middle West,” he was simply wrong. Kansans refused
to let Capote have the last word on the meaning of Kansas. Presented by Dave Tell.
Dave is an associate professor of communication studies at KU.
Dave Tell
785/864-0450
[email protected]
Writers Growing Up Black in Kansas
Langston Hughes, Gordon Parks, and Frank Marshall Davis were all shaped by life in Kansas,
a land full of uncertainty and contradictions for African Americans. Each of these writers
developed his remarkable literary talents and learned how to succeed against the odds. This
talk explores the work and creative processes underlying selected works by these three literary
giants. Presented by John Edgar Tidwell.
Edgar teaches African American and American Literature at KU.
John Edgar Tidwell
785/331-4201
[email protected]
Langston Hughes in Kansas
When Langston Hughes was still a baby, his mother brought him to live with his grandmother in
Lawrence. His experiences in Kansas remained an important part of his art throughout his life.
His words gave a voice to Black Americans at a time when opportunities for them to speak and
be heard were limited. His literary work continues to inspire the world and shape the American
ideal. Join us in this exploration of Langston Hughes, his Kansas childhood, and his powerful
literary voice. Presented by Carmaletta Williams.
Carmaletta is professor of English and African American Studies at Johnson County Community
College.
Carmaletta Williams
816/763-9466
[email protected]
KHC Humanities catalog Page 13
the civil war
The Challenges of Civil War Disability
When most Americans think about the Civil War, they tend to remember the grand battles,
vibrant personalities, or the staggering death toll that shocked the nation. Largely forgotten,
however, are the thousands of wounded soldiers who returned home missing a limb or suffering
from an injury. This presentation examines the challenges that injured Civil War veterans faced
as disabled men. These damaged men, coping with chronic pain, abundant health issues,
and difficult transitions in a depressed post-war economy, struggled to return to normal life.
Presented by Brian Craig Miller.
Brian teaches history at Emporia State University.
Brian Craig Miller
620/341-5573 (w); 662/544-0261 (c)
[email protected]
The Santa Fe Trail and the Civil War
During the Civil War, events at both ends of the Santa Fe Trail contributed to the war’s outcome
while another war in the middle—the Plains Indian Wars—grew in intensity and eventually
resulted in removal of the Plains tribes from Kansas. This presentation introduces key conflicts
along the Santa Fe Trail, including significant but largely forgotten battles in New Mexico and
the period of accelerated conflict that ended with the destruction of Plains tribes as they had
existed for over a century. Presented by Leo E. Oliva.
Leo is a historian with a research focus on 19th-century Kansas.
Leo E. Oliva
785/476-5033
[email protected]
Shared Stories of the Civil War: Readers Theater
The Shared Stories of the Civil War readers’ theater project features stories created from
historical letters, diaries, newspaper articles, and other materials. These voices from history
provide insight into how 19th century Americans living in Kansas and Missouri struggled
to define the meaning of freedom during the Bleeding Kansas and Civil War years. In this
presentation, you choose one of the scripts listed below, download the materials from the KHC
website, and recruit readers from your community. Historian Anne Hawkins will then lead a
discussion about the events that shaped Kansas during and after the Civil War.
Scripts and event suggestions can be found at http://kansashumanities.org/programs/sharedstories-of-the-civil-war/
The Underground Railroad
Nowhere in the United States was the Underground Railroad more dangerous than in western
Missouri and eastern Kansas in the late 1850s.
Continued on page 15.
KHC Humanities catalog Page 14
Pledging Allegiance: Questions of Loyalty in Civil War Kansas and Missouri
North or South? Union or Confederacy? The choices grew more complicated in the early
months of the Civil War, especially for Missourians living along the border.
Price’s March of 1864
In 1864, Confederate General Sterling Price led 10,000 troops across Missouri. While his actions
thrilled some, they terrorized others.
Skirmish at Island Mound
The First Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry was the first African-American Northern regiment to
see battle and the first to die at the Battle of Island Mound, Missouri.
Anne is a historian and teaches at Washburn University.
Anne Hawkins
[email protected]
Shared Stories
KHC Humanities catalog Page 15
heritage & Traditions
Harvest Homes Potluck
Harvest has always been an important element of Kansas culture. This program explores the
food heritage of one of the most important seasons in farm family life: feeding the harvest
crews. Mealtime traditions have both remained as they were—women busy preparing large
meals for men and women in the fields—and have adapted thanks to conveniences such as
pizza take-out. Bring a dish to share your family’s favorite harvest-time recipe and enjoy learning
about your community’s harvest mealtime traditions in this lecture, discussion, and a meal.
PowerPoint. Presented by Roy Bird.
Please note: This presentation is intended to be done as a potluck. Participants should bring a
dish to share and copies of their recipe. Allow 30 minutes for the lecture, followed by participant
stories and the meal.
Roy is an author, historian, and the former director of the Kansas Center for the Book at the
Kansas State Library.
Roy Bird
785/256-2527 (h); 785/249-6867 (c)
[email protected]
Sharing Patterns, Sharing Lives: Kansas Quilt Workshop
In the early 20th century, Emporia was home to a group of innovative quilters that included Rose
Kretsinger, Charlotte Whitehill, and Hannah Haynes Headlee. Today their quilts are housed in
art museums and revered internationally. Learn about Kansas quilts from this time period and
the unique collaborations that sparked “the Emporia, Kansas phenomenon” and some of the
finest quilts of the 20th century. Following a brief lecture and discussion, participants will make
a Kretsinger-inspired quilt square of their own. PowerPoint. Presented by Deborah Divine. This
presentation is not available until August 2014.
Workshop requirements: Please allow 2 hours for this presentation and workshop. Minimum 5
participants, maximum 25. Participants should bring a thimble, needles, thread, fabric, scissors,
and straight pins.
Deborah is a researcher, instructor, planner, and quilting historian.
Deborah Divine
785/452-0166 (w); 785/823-3447 (h)
[email protected]
KHC Humanities catalog Page 16
Head Em Up & Move Em Out
The early days of ranching and trail driving required stamina and determination. The drover of
yesteryear had little choice but to face the elements placed before him if he was to get his wild
cattle to market. A thousand miles on the trail brought him into contact with all that nature could
throw at him: lightning, flooded rivers, hail, tornadoes, and stampeding cattle were constant
challenges. Today’s massive beef industry owes its beginnings to the men and women who
were bold enough to “head ‘em up and move ‘em out.” Explore this exciting story of cowboys,
cattle, and the steak on your plate. Presented by Jim Gray.
Jim is an author, speaker, promoter of cowboy heritage in Kansas, and executive director of the
National Drovers Hall of Fame.
Jim Gray
785/531-2058
[email protected]
Community Cookbooks of Kansas
Community cookbooks have carried the stories of Kansas women over the years, sharing
sentiments of home, family, and faith. This talk provides a survey of Kansas cookbooks from
1874 to the present, which reveal not only changes in foodways but also poems, prayers,
personal reflections, and histories. These humble publications show that food, home,
community, and faith were the foundation upon which Kansas women constructed their lives.
Presented by Louise Hanson.
Louise is a librarian and researcher with over 300 Kansas cookbooks in her collection.
Louise M. Hanson
785/841-3026 (h); 785/727-8213 (c)
[email protected]
Singing the Cattle North
Cowboy folksongs were more than entertainment on the lonely prairie: they told the story of a
way of work that has since changed radically. Through trail-driving songs, night-herding songs,
and bunkhouse/chuckwagon songs, cattle drovers produced a musical culture that still appeals
to today’s ranchers who have traded their horses for four-wheelers and six-guns for cell phones.
Join us as we learn about this important folk tradition on the prairie. Presented by Jim Hoy.
Jim teaches folklore and literature at Emporia State University.
Jim Hoy
620/343-3192 (h); 620/341-5549 (w); 620/341-0398 (c)
[email protected]
KHC Humanities catalog Page 17
Grandmother s Dust Bowl Garden
During the bleak days of the Dust Bowl, women used their green thumbs and gardening skills
to extend their daily menus, earn money, and even beautify their dreary environs. Drawing
from first-hand accounts, this talk explores the vegetables, flowers, and medicinal herbs these
women cultivated within the harshest conditions during the Great Depression. By experimenting
with and cultivating hardy breeds many women were able to augment their families’ menu,
larder, meals, and mood. Sponsors are encouraged to host this talk in a garden setting when
weather permits. Presented by Sara Jane Richter.
Sara teaches English and is Dean of the School of Liberal Arts at Oklahoma Panhandle State
University in Goodwell.
Sara Jane Richter
580/338-2357 (h); 580/349-1472 (w); 580/651-7357 (c)
[email protected]
Heritage & Traditions
KHC Humanities catalog Page 18
Uniquely Kansas
How Kansas Mennonites Changed Mental Health Care
Few people were as unprepared for World War I as Kansas Mennonites. Opposed to military
service for religious reasons, these mostly German farmers came under suspicion, and many
were incarcerated at Fort Riley for the remainder of the war. Later, with World War II looming,
the Mennonites—along with Quaker and Brethren churches—proposed a system for alternative
service. The result was Civilian Public Service, which assigned many Kansas conscientious
objectors to domestic work projects, particularly in mental health hospitals. Learn how CPS
workers helped expose intolerable conditions at these institutions, leading to postwar reforms
and a transformation of psychiatric care. PowerPoint. Presented by Aaron Barnhart.
Aaron is an author whose work focuses on history, civil society, rural America, and foodways.
Aaron Barnhart
816/200-2276
[email protected]
Kansas BC
This presentation looks at Kansas in the era before Columbus. Consider what was not here:
no cities, no roads, no mechanization, no domestic animals other than the dog. It is easy to
imagine that the small human communities that occupied Kansas for thousands of years would
have existed in relative isolation, focused on hand-to-mouth existence—but nothing could be
further from the truth. The prehistoric inhabitants of Kansas traveled widely, even to central
Mexico; traded with the Pueblo people of the Southwest; and included people interested in
such arcane subjects as meteors and meteorites and were part of a continent-wide intellectual
tradition. Presented by Donald Blakeslee.
Don is an expert on prehistoric and early historic Plains life.
Donald J. Blakeslee
316/978-7199
[email protected]
Kansas Anti-Horse Thief Societies
Kansas was once the center of operations for many organized bands of horse thieves. In
reaction, many independent anti-horse thief societies were formed, with the national Anti-Horse
Thief Association especially strong in Kansas. By 1910 Kansas held the most members, was
home to The Anti-Horse Thief Weekly News, and consistently had residents hold offices in the
national order. So effective were these organizations that local law enforcement were often the
first to join, and the Kansas Bank Commissioner called for their assistance to help fight bank
robberies that plagued the state. PowerPoint. Presented by John Burchill.
John is an author and criminal justice historian who teaches at Kansas Wesleyan University.
John K. Burchill
785/827-5541, x2120
[email protected]
KHC Humanities catalog Page 19
Fire From the Kansas Sky: The Piatt Street Plane Crash of 1965
On a cold Saturday morning in 1965, an Air Force KC-135 tanker carrying 31,000 gallons of
jet fuel crashed into a congested African-American neighborhood in Wichita. When the fire
subsided, 47 people, mostly children, were dead or injured, several homes were destroyed, and
families were splintered—and that was just the beginning of the nightmare. This presentation
explores why the plane crashed, how the community responded, and how race relations in
Wichita were further strained because of the disaster. PowerPoint. Presented by D.W. Carter.
D.W. is a Kansas author, military historian, and educator.
D.W. Carter
316/706-3534
[email protected]
Soda Fountains of Kansas
Relive the glory days of the soda fountain where tonics and curatives evolved into refreshments
like the Brown Cow, the Mudslide, and the Egg Cream. Government regulations, World War
I luxury taxes, and bottled soda pop prompted Kansas pharmacists to make more ice cream
concoctions and add food to keep their evolving fountain sideline business profitable. This
presentation also explores soda fountains in Kansas today and the revival of soda fountains
throughout the nation. Does your community have a vintage soda fountain in operation?
Consider hosting Cindy’s talk there. PowerPoint. Presented by Cindy Higgins.
Cindy is a journalist and Kansas historian.
Cindy Higgins
785/542-2606
[email protected]
Union Maids & Rebel Dames: The Fight for Justice in the Kansas Coalfields
When coal was discovered in Southeast Kansas in the late 1860s, thousands came from all
over the world to work the mines. The mix of nationalities created an ethnic geography unique
to Kansas that came to be known as the Little Balkans. Miners faced hazardous working
conditions, poor pay, and discrimination. In 1921, thousands of women marched on the coal
mines in support of striking miners. The New York Times dubbed them the “Amazon Army.” This
spirited act linked men and women together in one of the most dynamic pages in the history of
American labor. PowerPoint and DVD. Presented by Linda O’Nelio Knoll.
Linda is an educator, author, and historian who researches the local history of southeast Kansas.
Linda O’Nelio Knoll
620/231-0499 (h); 620/875-0419 (c); 620/235-3240 (w)
[email protected]
KHC Humanities catalog Page 20
Film & Discussion: Florence, Kansas
Like many rural communities today, the story of Florence, Kansas, is one of loss and resilience
in the face of a changing economic landscape. Join filmmaker Steve Lerner in a screening of
his documentary, followed by a discussion about the rich history and challenges of Kansas
small towns and their dreams for the future. Film running time: 21:32, with discussion to follow.
Produced by the Florence Historical Society and Stephen Lerner.
Equipment needed: Laptop or DVD player, data projector, and speakers.
Steve is a psychologist, songwriter, and filmmaker.
Steve Lerner
785/841-5639 (h); 785/554-0298 (c)
[email protected]
Lost Kansas Communities
Kansas has nearly 9000 disappeared towns and communities, caused by its unusual and
spectacularly fast settlement history. The variety of town types—from colony and end-ofline towns to cumulative and rural communities—is as striking as the stories they left behind.
Kansas towns are diverse and contain vital human histories of failure and persistence against
the odds. This talk will explore research conducted on lost Kansas places and discuss problems
of recovery of information. Wherever possible, town founding and decline in your region will be
addressed. Presented by M.J. Morgan.
M.J. is a Kansas historian and research director at the Chapman Center for Rural Studies at
Kansas State University.
M.J. Morgan
785/532-0380
[email protected]
The Humanities Combat Rural Decline
Woven together over the years, humanities opportunities allowed one rural Kansas town
to stretch beyond its own place and time. Struggling Glasco (pop. 498) was told that their
town had no future, but residents pushed back by organizing events and hosting cultural
opportunities. This lecture will lead you through their journey from Chautauqua to exhibits and
special projects, lectures and book discussions, that strengthened the community and enabled
small but mighty Glasco to become a facilitating agent beyond its own city limits. Presented by
Joan Nothern.
Joan is president and co-founder of the Solomon Valley–Highway 24–Heritage Alliance.
Joan Nothern
785/568-0120 (w); 785/818-4967 (c)
[email protected]
KHC Humanities catalog Page 21
KHC PRograms & opportunities
Kansas Humanities Council programs and opportunities are designed to engage Kansans in
the civic and cultural lives of their communities. All KHC events must be free and open to the
public and are available as funding allows. Please visit www.kansashumanities.org to learn
more.
Hometown Teams. Hometown Teams is a Smithsonian Institution
traveling exhibition touring Kansas in 2015 that explores the way
sports build and unite communities. Visit the KHC website for a
tour schedule and list of partner sites.
Poet Laureate of Kansas. Poet Laureate of Kansas
Wyatt Townley is available for public readings, presentations, and
discussions about poetry in your community.
Shared Stories of the Civil War. The Shared Stories of the
Civil War project features reader’s theater scripts created from
historical letters, diaries, newspaper articles, and other materials.
These voices from history provide insight into how 19th century
Americans living in Kansas and Missouri struggled to define the
meaning of freedom during the Bleeding Kansas and Civil War
years.
Wyatt Townley
Talk About Literature in Kansas. KHC’s free TALK book
discussions and lending library immerses readers in captivating stories and introduces
different experiences through literature.
FLIKS Short Films. KHC’s FLIKS short films offer insight into what it means to be a Kansan
over time and across generations. View the films for free at the KHC website.
Have an idea for a special project in your community?
KHC offers grants to support projects that preserve and interpret local historical and cultural
resources, engage the public with the humanities, and use the humanities to create respectful
dialogue on public issues. Visit our website for details.
Become a Friend of the Humanities.
To fulfill our commitment to the people of Kansas, we rely on the generous contributions
of individuals, foundations, and corporations. Your gift supports cultural programming for
Kansans across the state. KHC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and donations are tax-deductible.
Giving is easy at www.kansashumanities.org.
Questions?
Leslie Von Holten
Director of Programs
785/357-0359 or [email protected]
KHC Humanities catalog Page 22