History Time

A Newsletter for Kansas Educators

January 2024

Join us on Monday, January 29 to celebrate Kansas Day with a full day of free live virtual sessions designed for PK-12 students and available through Wichita Public Schools Edventure Program. All classrooms throughout the state are welcome and encouraged to participate in these free programs. These thirty minute sessions will feature popular topics in Kansas history and allow students to interact with presenters through live question and answer periods.If your class cannot engage with the live sessions, no need to worry! They will be recorded and accessible after each program.

Kansas Historical Society staff are presenting the following Edventure programs:

9:30 – 10:00

Kansas State Symbols (Grades PK-3)

A symbol is something that stands for something else. Just like your school or favorite sports team, states have symbols too. Students will learn a sense of place and identity as they explore all 23 official state symbols of Kansas, like the sunflower, American Bison, and many more.

10:30-11:00

Famous Kansans (Grades 4-8)

When most people think about famous Kansans, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Gordon Parks, and Amelia Earhart might come to mind. However, many other individuals have made significant contributions to our state. Learn the stories of some lesser-known Kansans whose actions resulted in national and international significance.

1:00-1:30

Kansas ABC’s (Grades PK-2)

Come learn about Kansas as we travel through the alphabet. We will talk about things that are important to Kansas. Some may be familiar, and some may be new to you. Join us for this ABC journey then consider making your own Kansas ABC book. You’ll find directions and a template at the Kansas Historical Society’s website.

2:00-2:30

What’s in a Nickname? (Grades 4-8)

A nickname is a substitute for a proper name for a person, place or thing. Nicknames can create an identity and vision before you learn anything more about the person, place, or thing. Did you know states have nicknames? Join us as we explore several nicknames for Kansas that have had a lasting effect on the identity of our state.

Kansas Day Concerns? We Can Help!

Are you planning a unique and educational Kansas Day for your class, school, or club? We can help! At Kansas Day in the Classroom you’ll find everything from videos and virtual tours to coloring pages and games to make and takes and lesson plans. Materials for a variety of grades and ages are organized into three themes: symbols and 19th century pioneer life, state government and the Capitol, and notable Kansans.

Your unique Kansas Day adventure should begin at Kansas Day in the Classroom.

Make and Take: Kansas Trivia

How well do you know Kansas? Play this trivia game to test your knowledge! Questions are divided into four categories: state symbols, government and Capitol, wild west, and miscellaneous fun facts. Students can play solo or team up to answer questions. This game provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate Kansas Day in your classroom.

Kansas Day at the Capitol

2024 is the 170th anniversary of Kansas Territory. Stop by the Kansas Capitol on Kansas Day to hear from Bleeding Kansas activists Charles and Sara Robinson and Clarina Nichols through their portrayal by historic reenactors. The public program will begin at noon on the first floor of the rotunda. Reproduction clothing, equipment, and documents will be on display for you to examine. Speak with historic reenactors to learn about life during the 1850s.

Primary Source Alert!

Mildred Schindler Janzen,

Survivor of Nazi Germany

There is no better way to learn history than from the mouths of those who experienced it. We are honored to announce a very special upcoming program for Museum After Hours. Mildred Schindler Janzen is a World War II survivor who was born in Kansas but moved to Germany with her parents before she was a year old. Growing up on their quiet family farm, her world was abruptly changed during World War II. When Russian soldiers came knocking on their door, Mildred, her brother, and her parents were forced to leave their home. Although she was just a teenager, Mildred vividly remembers the emotional and treacherous journey that separated her from her family and eventually brought her from war-torn Germany back to Kansas. 

Author Sherye S. Green worked closely with Janzen to produce her recently released memoir titled “Surviving Hitler, Evading Stalin.” For January’s Museum After Hours, Green will outline the book’s story and 94-year-old Mildred Schindler Janzen will answer questions from the audience. A short video of Mildred’s story was also produced.



Museum After Hours is a lecture series that takes place virtually on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm. The program is free and streamed on Zoom and our YouTube channel. All lectures are recorded and available on our YouTube channel. Many of these recordings are excellent sources for middle and high school students.

Don't Forget!

Rural School Days programs are still offered at the Kansas Museum of History.

Read Kansas! are available free of charge for primary, intermediate, middle, and high school students while supplies last.

A variety of virtual tours, videos, and Nearpod lessons are available to use in your classroom. 

Traveling resource trunks are available to borrow. Reserve one now for the school year.

The Kansas Museum of History is closed for renovations. Although the museum is not available for field trips, our staff is here for you.

Zephyr, our newest publication, provides information on events, programs, updates on the museum renovation, and highlights a variety of state historic sites.

State Historic Sites now have free admission! Look for one in your area. Call ahead as some are only open seasonally.