Leading the Way: Famous Kansans
Kansas has a rich and colorful heritage. To understand it we must look to the diversity of people who have populated the state. Part of the story can be told in the accomplishments of those who have achieved
fame.
The state of Kansas is defined by its political borders. Yet
to historan Carl Becker, "Kansas is
no geographical expression, but a 'state of mind,' a religion,
a philosophy in one." This "religion" provokes
grandiose testimonies by the true believers.
Just as
Kansas as a place can be difficult to define so can its people. Ask anyone to define someone from the state and you will probably receive answers as varied as the landscape. |
This virtual tour is organized into different sections. Sections vary from 30 to 95 KB (including images).
Select the first topic, below, left, to begin your exhibit tour.
You also can visit these sections in any order.
This Special Exhibit was featured in the Kansas Museum of History in 1999.
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God
made the world, and rested. And then, to make creation doubly sweet,
he made the state of Kansas.
John Clumb Bradshaw
I was born on the prairie, where the wind
blew free and there was nothing to break the light of the sun. I
was born where there were no enclosures and where everything drew
a free breath.
Parra-Wa-Samen
1873
When anything is going to happen in this
country, it happens first in Kansas.
William Allen White
1896
[Kansas is] largely a state of mind. Some
people born here are never really "Kansans," while some
naturalized citizens have a feel for the Kansas land, its people
and its pride.
Don Coldsmith
1998 |
Print your own
Famous Kansans collector cards!
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