History Time

A Newsletter for Kansas Educators

September 2025

Make and Take: Kansas Flag

The Kansas flag was originally designed in 1927 and features many symbols of the state. Students will create their own Kansas flags with this fun activity. Students will have the opportunity to study the flag and the state seal in detail. Task students with identifying the various symbols on the flag and their significance. Why is there a steamboat and cabin? What do the 34 stars represent?    

Standards Based Lesson:

Division of Power

September 17 is Constitution Day and Citizenship Day and is a perfect time to discuss the division of power between states and the federal government.This middle school lesson focuses on the fundamental question of how power is divided and shared between the national and state governments. This quick but effective lesson on federalism will help students distinguish between delegated, reserved, and concurrent powers of government.

The Story of the Kansas Capitol

Pair the previous Read Kansas! lesson with this video focusing on the history, construction, and significance of the Kansas Capitol building. The story of how the Capitol grew and changed over time connects to how government itself evolves.

Ground students in real, local history to spark discussions about democracy and civic identity. Students can discover where the executive, legislative, and judicial branches once worked under one roof, making the separation of powers a tangible concept.

Traveling Trunk Fee Increase

Have you booked your traveling trunk(s) yet? If the answer is no - make sure to reserve them ASAP!

Beginning December 1, 2025, the reservation fee for traveling resource trunks will increase from $30 to $40 to account for the rising costs of materials and shipping. For those interested in reserving a traveling trunk for next semester or school year, submit your request soon to lock-in the current pricing. Trunk requests made after the deadline will be invoiced for $40 per trunk. 

For questions regarding the reservation fee, email kshs.education@ks.gov or call Ashley Pheigaru at (785) 272-8681, ext. 416.

2025 Monarch Tagging

The 2025 monarch migration is almost here! The Kansas Museum of History is partnering with the Topeka Zoo once again for this annual event. Students and families can attend classes held later this month at the museum.

Two types of programs are offered:

• Private, paid classes for schools and other groups during weekdays.
• Public, free classes that are open to anyone during evening hours.

These classes include a short indoor educational program to learn about monarchs, their importance, and how to catch them. The second portion of each class is held outdoors on the museum’s grounds where students can catch, tag, and release monarchs. The zoo staff provides all supplies needed. We recommend participants wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, as well as using bug spray.

Don't Forget!

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

Read Kansas! lessons 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.