Kansas Museum of History

08/26/2026

Stories from the new gallery: Olive Beech, seen in this circa 1955 photo, became known as the "First Lady of Aviation." She co-founded Beech Aircraft Company with her husband Walter in 1932. After Walter passed away, Olive Beech took over the company. Under her leadership, sales tripled and the she received numerous awards and honors, including National Aeronautic Association's Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy, the first for a woman. Find out more about this enterprising business woman in the Kansas Museum of History's new gallery. Museum hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday -Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday (closed state holidays). View this photo at www.kansasmemory.gov/item/712

08/25/2026

The Kansas Historical Society is seeking a Tour & Events Coordinator for the Kansas Museum of History. This position is responsible for scheduling all tours at the museum, including field trips, guided tours, behind-the-scenes, and Rural School Days program. Works with Visitor Experience Coordinator and other museum/education staff on scheduling tour guides. Communicates details to internal staff. Maintains tours calendar. Supervises, trains, and evaluates third party staff and Rural School Days teachers. to apply, go to

Kansas Historical Society

08/18/2026

08/13/2026

The Kansas State Historical Society (KSHS) is seeking applications from Kansas history educators for our Teacher Advisory Committee (TAC). We are seeking input from elementary and secondary educators of all types of school environments.

KSHS TAC Members will participate in virtual meetings to:
- Collaborate with Museum Educators on Kansas History materials.
- Evaluate the current KSHS education material to determine if it is providing realistic and usable lessons for students and educators.
- Review all features of the KSHS educational resources offered – Read Kansas!, Traveling Trunks, online lesson plans, enrichment activities (Make & Takes), videos, The Kansas Journey textbook – in order to evaluate overall effectiveness of KSHS’ educational outreach.
- Evaluate and provide input on our special events: museum tours/visits, Rural School Days, Kansas Day, and the History & Environmental Fair.
- Identify the most recent educational trends in history and make recommendations for the future of KSHS’ materials and educational outreach.
- Provide advice on the establishment and maintenance of accessible historical education programs for both the museum and the classroom.

All TAC Members will receive paid compensation for their time and professional input.
Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year are open through August 31. Click this link to apply: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=AYGu3C3JDEi8Q8Z2HMzMWiZpGZZqjFVNneKN2BLHG0hUQ0owNE1ISjA2R01XTFI5V05DOFZUNllDVi4u&route=shorturl

If you have any questions regarding the application process or the committee itself, please email [email protected], or call Beth Winkelman at 785-272-8681 ext. 416 or Trae Johnson at 785-272-8681, ext. 418.

08/12/2026

Stories from the new gallery: Kansas has a long history in aviation. From early aviation pioneers Albin Longren (Topeka), William Purvis and Charles Wilson (Goodland) to Clyde Cessna, Lloyd Stearman, Walter and Olive Ann Beech, and Bill Lear who helped make Wichita “The Air Capitol of the World.” Women played an important role in Kansas aviation history, the most famous being Amelia Earhart. Learn more about Kansas aviation in the Kansas Museum of History’s new gallery. Museum hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday -Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday (closed state holidays). Learn about Kansas aviation pioneers at www.kansashistory.gov/11971

07/29/2026

Stories from the new gallery: Dr. Samuel J. Crumbine, seen in this 1909 portrait, was internationally known for his public health reform. As the secretary for the Kansas State Board of Health, he mounted a vigorous campaign against the common drinking cup, spitting on the sidewalk and more. These campaigns sought to stop the spread of common diseases. Find out more about this health reformer in the Kansas Museum of History’s new gallery. Museum hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday -Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday (closed state holidays).
View this photo at www.kansasmemory.gov/item/212306

07/28/2026

Join us for Museum After Hours on Friday, August 14, 2026. Jancita Warrington, former executive director of the Haskell Cultural Center & Museum will present the program "Celebrating 100 Years of the Haskell Stadium and Memorial Archway." The Haskell Stadium and Memorial Archway was dedicated 100 years ago recognizing contributions of Tribal veterans in the first World War. Come learn about this fascinating history, see rare pictures of this event, and appreciate how the 1926 dedication put the state of Kansas on the national map. The museum will be open during this time from 5-8 p.m. and admission will be free. The program starts at 6:30. This presentation will be offered in a hybrid format with options to livestream it on the KSHS YouTube channel or attend in-person at the Kansas Museum of History in Topeka.

07/15/2026

Read all about our museum's renovation in the July issue of Kansas Country Living!

History isn't just something you read about. Sometimes, you can even step into it.

🚂 The newly renovated Kansas Museum of History still features its iconic 1880 Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe steam locomotive — but now visitors can experience it in entirely new ways. Read more: https://kclonline.com/article/kansas-reimagined/

Pick up the July issue or read online: https://kclonline.com

07/10/2026

Join us tonight, July 10, 2026, for Museum After Hours. Chris Reimer of The Land Institute will present "Revealing Roots: An Environmental History of The Land Institute," telling about transforming agriculture for a sustainable future. The museum will be open during this time from 5 to 8 p.m. and admission will be free. Adam Hodge, head of reference in State Archives, will introduce attendees to the new special exhibit "Kansas 1776: A Dynamic Landscape" at 5:30. The Museum After Hours program starts at 6:30. Light refreshments will be served. This presentation can be livestreamed on the KSHS YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/user/kansashistorical, or you can attend in-person at the Kansas Museum of History in Topeka.