Kansas Historical Society

05/31/2026

General Dwight D. Eisenhower is seen at the podium in this June 1952 photo. He spoke to a crowd in his hometown of Abilene (Dickinson County) after his retirement from active military service in 1952. Eisenhower served as the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces during World War II. He oversaw the planning and ex*****on of the Normandy Invasion on June 6, 1944, which ultimately led to victory in Europe. He served two terms as president of the United States from 1953 to 1961. Learn more about our 34th president at www.kansashistory.gov/12043 See this photo at www.kansasmemory.gov/item/498

05/30/2026

Gale Sayers was a professional football player born in Wichita in 1943. He played football at the University of Kansas and his skills as a football player earned him the nickname “The Kansas Comet.” Sayers led KU in rushing, touchdowns and kickoff returns. In 1965, Sayers signed with the Chicago Bears and was named NFL’s “Rookie of the Year.” He won numerous NFL honors during his career with the Bears including Offensive Player of the Game in three of the four Pro Bowls in which he played. Sayers became good friends with his teammate, Brian Piccolo, who died of cancer in 1970. The story of their friendship was depicted in the 1971 made-for-TV-movie, “Brian’s Song.” Injuries plagued Sayer’s career and he retired from football in 1971. Read more about this outstanding football player at www.kansashistory.gov/12196

05/29/2026

This 1961 photo shows JoHelen Umphenour (left) and Martha Ann Umphenour (center) being sworn into the United States Army's nursing program by R.H. Meuleners. The women were student nurses from Mercy School of Nursing in Ft. Scott (Bourbon County). Mercy School of Nursing was organized in 1958 but is no longer active. Army nurses provide medical care to soldiers, veterans and their families. They can serve in a military hospital or in combat situations. View this photo at www.kansasmemory.gov/item/220571

05/28/2026

Don't forget about the Mountain Man Rendezvous event coming up from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. this Saturday, May 30 at the Pawnee Indian Museum State Historic Site in Republic. Come learn how frontiersmen survived and made a living in the early to mid 1800’s as the American Mountain Men recreate and teach about this important time in American history. While here take in the Pawnee Indian Village Museum to learn how the Pawnee lived during the same time period. The event is free but donations are always welcome!

05/28/2026

Tomorrow, May 29, is the LAST DAY to register to join the Kansas Historical Society and Kansas Anthropological Association for the 2026 Kansas Archeology Training Program field school in Russell, Kansas. The field school allows participants to learn more about Kansas history, get hands on experience in archeology, and meet other participants with common interests! Register at https://bit.ly/reg2026KATP.

05/28/2026

Join us on June 12 for Museum After Hours. This month will feature a panel of area journalists discussing the challenges they face today. 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.

05/27/2026

It was great to welcome Congressman Derek Schmidt to the Kaw Mission and Last Chance Store Museums in Council Grove! During his visit, he had the opportunity to learn more about the significance of this historic building constructed in 1857, the Santa Fe Trail, and Kansas Historical Society's efforts in preserving this part of Kansas history! Thank you for stopping by Representative Schmidt!

05/27/2026

05/27/2026

Members of the Grand Army of the Republic, (G.A.R.), Franklin Post No. 68 from Olathe (Johnson County) are seen in this May 1914 photo. After the Civil War, Union Army veterans organized this fraternal organization to support veterans across the United States. The G.A.R. provided homes and funds for soldiers’ and sailors' widows and orphans and care for disabled or elderly veterans. This photo and the identification of the men can be found at www.kansasmemory.gov/item/522750
Learn more about the G.A.R. at www.kansashistory.gov/12068

05/27/2026

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Pony Express Station State Historic Site is closed today, Wednesday, May 27, 2026.