#HistoryTime
A Newsletter for Kansas Educators

February 2021
Brown v. Board of Education Capitol Mural
Curriculum Corner:
 Black History Month
Explore the landmark Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka Kansas case with your students through oral histories associated with the landmark case.

For middle school students, use Read Kansas! lesson “Separate and Unequal” that focuses on the effect of "separate but equal" on daily life. Students will examine, interpret, and discuss a series of five images dealing with segregation. Using this information, they will write a persuasive letter to their city council. 
Are you missing field trips? We are too! The Kansas Museum of History is currently closed for in-person visits. However, we are pleased to offer guided virtual tours on many of the same topics offered previously. These live tours are broadcast using Zoom or Zoom Webinar. Tours may be viewed on one screen by a group, or students may sign in individually from remote locations.

Our staff can tailor each tour to meet your needs in 30- to 60-minute tours at $30 each. Tours require a reservation made two weeks in advance. Register online at kshs.education@ks.gov or call 785-272-8681 x415.
This 30-minute Nearpod.com lesson can be teacher led or self-paced for middle or high school students. Students will learn about the Dust Bowl, one of the worst environmental crises in U.S. history. They will investigate the causes that created it, analyze the consequences, and determine how Kansans lived and adapted during these hard times. This lesson focuses on three essential questions:
  • How does the environment affect people’s lives?
  • How do people impact the environment?
  • How do people adapt to environmental changes?
Webinar with Bestselling Author of
Young Adult Book
New York Times bestselling author Andrew Maraniss will share the remarkable true story of the birth of Olympic basketball at the 1936 Summer Games in Hitler's Germany. His latest book, Games of Deception, chronicles the incredible story of one of the world’s most popular games.

This free live webinar is Friday, February 12 at 6:30 pm. It will be archived in the Museum After Hours YouTube playlist.
Make and Take:
Lincoln Top Hat Book
Recognize President’s Day with the Lincoln Top Hat Book. Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States, and his 1860 campaign took him to Kansas Territory. Lincoln once said, “If I went West, I think I would go to Kansas.” This activity explores Lincoln and his presidency by providing both primary and intermediate reading level stories to include inside a top hat-shaped book cover.
Cowboys herded cattle on trails from Texas to the railheads in Kansas.
Explore the work and life of cattle trail cowboys through their clothing, music, and stories. “Cattle Trail Cowboys” explores the history of the cattle trails, and the stories and music of the era. 

This trunk is designed for middle school students.Trunks for all grade levels are currently available to borrow, however, you can also access lesson plans, photos, primary sources, and worksheets online. 
Don't Forget!
Topeka African American History Legacy Webinar Series. Four programs in February for Black History Month.
These State Historic Sites are open for small group tours - Constitution Hall, Lecompton; Fort Hays; and Goodnow House, Manhattan. Check specific sites for their hours.

Virtual Classroom lessons using Nearpod.com are available on several Kansas history topics at no charge.
Traveling Resource Trunks are available to borrow. Some are adapted to use virtually.
Shop online at our Museum Store and discover a variety of Kansas made items and historical resources.
Consider giving a membership to friends and family during this holiday season. Members of the Kansas Historical Society receive free admission to the Kansas Museum of History and our 16 historic sites and discounts on merchandise.