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Kansas Historical Society

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Kansas Historical Society

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Since 1875 the Kansas Historical Society has preserved & shared your dynamic Kansas stories. https://linktr.ee/kansashistory
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10/30/2026

The Kansas Museum of History is excited to unveil a new exhibit featuring a mural by renowned Kansas artist John Steuart Curry during a free public reception Friday, November 6.

The Burr Living Trust donated Curry’s Wall Map of Europe, a large-scale mural created in 1926 that will become part of the museum’s main gallery collection. This mural was created for a New York City travel agency owned by fellow Kansan James Boring, and it depicts Europe following World War I and the Russian Revolution. Featuring vignettes of landmarks and figures in national dress, this piece, and a second depicting North America, was Curry’s first mural commission.
The November 6 reception will feature remarks from Patrick Zollner, Executive Director of the Kansas State Historical Society, and Nikaela Zimmerman, Collections Manager for the Kansas Museum of History. The program begins at 5 p.m., followed by an opportunity to view the mural in the museum’s main gallery. Refreshments will be served.
This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Kansas Museum of History at 785-272-8681

10/30/2026

Did you know Coleman lanterns were invented in Kansas? William Coleman moved with his family to Labette County in 1871 when he was 11 years old. He started out as a typewriter salesman but later sold lanterns. Coleman eventually turned his attention to marketing his own lanterns. After moving to Wichita, Coleman added stoves to his business. Coleman stoves were used by thousands of GIs in World War II. Want to know more about this inventor? Go to www.kansashistory.gov/12018 See this photo at www.kansasmemory.gov/item/174

10/29/2026

In Kansas, archeological projects may go through four phases when dealing with federal and state regulations. Phase I consists of conducting background research on the proposed project area. If an archeological survey is needed because a site is present or there is a possibility a site may be present, the project moves to Phase II. Phase II consists of conducting the archeological surveys and writing an assessment report. If sites are identified in this phase, it is necessary to determine the impact on each and recommend how to avoid or test each impacted site. If no sites are found, then no additional testing is required. If the project will impact a site, then it must be assessed for eligibility on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) through Phase III work. Phase III then documents the NRHP assessment and makes the official recommendation. Phase IV archeological work is only conducted if the agency official and State Historic Preservation Officer agree that data recovery is necessary. This is because data recovery work diminishes the site's integrity.

10/28/2026

To close out our recognition of , we want to highlight the work of our Public Records staff. The State Archives is the home to many important public records that span across state and local governments. Run by three, full-time staff members, our Public Records team is a small but mighty group responsible for records management across all executive branch agencies and 105 counties. They also work in consultation with the legislative and judicial branches as well as cities and municipalities. The public records collection includes the Kansas Constitution, governor records, records from licensing entities, historic local vital statistics records, and so much more. For more information about our government records program, check out our website https://www.kansashistory.gov/p/public-records/19390.

10/27/2026

This October 1906 photo shows members of the Kanwaka Literary Club in Douglas County. The club, originally called the Kanwaka Summer Club, was formed in 1899 by three ladies of the Kanwaka community near Lawrence. The purpose of the club was to promote the intellectual growth of its members. See this photo and the identification of the members at www.kansasmemory.gov/item/439793

10/26/2026

This circa 1915 photo shows four telegraph operators of the Organization of Railroad Telegraphers at Alta Vista, Wabaunsee County. Telegraphers played a vital role in transmitting information across great distances using Morse code. The transcontinental telegraph was completed in 1861. However, the advent of the telephone and other communication systems rendered the telegraph obsolete. See this photo at www.kansasmemory.gov/item/306617

10/25/2026

Here's what's coming up this week. Learn more at www.kansashistory.gov/events

10/24/2026

James Dunlavy is seen in this illustration from the book "Deeds Of Valor." He was a private in Company D, Third Iowa Cavalry. Dunlavy is credited with capturing Confederate General Marmaduke at the Little Osage Crossing on October 25, 1864, during the Battle of Mine Creek. He received the Medal of Honor for his bravery on April 4, 1865. View this illustration at www.kansasmemory.gov/item/316023

10/23/2026

This 1908 photo shows members of the Turner Society in Topeka. The society practiced gymnastics, promoted community sports initiatives and physical education in public schools. The Topeka chapter was part of a national and international organization predominantly comprised of German-Americans. The movement began in Germany in the late 19th century known as Turnverein (gymnastic societies) and members were known as Turners (German for gymnasts). Get a closer look at this photo at www.kansasmemory.gov/item/209368

10/22/2026

In recognition of , we continue our tour of the State Archives by highlighting the hard work our collections staff are doing for our most recent large-scale collecting effort. The Kansas Historical Society is cooperating with the Kansas Music Hall of Fame and its board, members, and inductees to preserve and promote the musical legacy of Kansas. Check out a recent Zephyr article about this effort below. For more information, or to view online collections, check out www.kansasmemory.gov.

https://issuu.com/kansashistoricalsociety/docs/zephyr_volume_3_issue_1_issuu/19

Address

6425 SW 6th Avenue
Topeka, KS
66615

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Telephone

+17852728681

Website

http://www.kshs.gov/

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