Recipients of the Kansas Veterans of World War II Veterans Oral History Grant

In an effort to preserve the experiences and memories of Kansas Veterans of World War II, the 2005 Kansas Legislature passed a bill funding the WWII Veterans Oral History Grant. The Kansas Historical Society, Topeka, Kansas, is administering the grant program. A grant review committee made decisions about the grant awards.

Ten groups have been awarded grants through the end of March 2006. Each group offers a unique scope or approach to capturing this part of the Kansas experience. Copies of interviews and other information collected will be made available locally and at the Kansas Historical Society, 6425 SW Sixth Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66615. In addition, after all of the projects are completed, the State Historical Society will develop a combined database that lists the names of all interviewees and will provide access to excerpts from the transcripts of the interviews. The recipients are:

Greater Barber County Historical Action Association and Barber County Veterans Memorial, Medicine Lodge, Kansas $ 14,848

Approximately 50 veterans in Barber County will be interviewed. This project will complement the Barber County Veterans Memorial that was recently dedicated in Medicine Lodge.

Doniphan County Historical Society, Troy, Kansas, $15,412

This project will focus on the experiences of the Potawatomi, Kickapoo, and Iowa tribal members serving in the armed forces during WWII. Residents of Doniphan, Brown and Jackson counties will also be interviewed. A total of 85 interviews will be conducted.

Center for Learning Tree Institute, Greenbush, Kansas, $10,036

The project will interview up to 80 veterans in the following counties: Cherokee, Crawford, Labette, Montgomery, and Neosho. The Center for Learning Tree Institute is a 501(c) 3 organization supporting activities of the Southeast Kansas Education Service Center.

Ellis County Historical Society, Hays, Kansas, $20,141.40

Veterans who participate in this project will share their experiences but, more importantly, offer their perspective on how their contributions and sacrifices served their country.

Department of Social Sciences, Emporia State University, $6,268

Emporia, Kansas, is recognized as the founder of Veteran’s Day (this community first celebrated Veteran’s Day on November 11, 1953). Veterans groups representing a mix of ethnic backgrounds in Emporia and Lyon County will work with Emporia State University to rekindle interest in the oral histories of its World War II veterans.

Frank Stull American Legion #152 Veteran's Memorial & Park Project, Ness City, Kansas, $13,638

This project, originating in Ness County will interview 50-60 World War II veterans living in the area.

Gray County Veterans Memorial & Archives, Cimarron, Kansas, $6,000

There are 48 World War II veterans known to be living in Gray County. These oral histories will record the veterans’ experiences before, during and after the war.

Rice County Historical Society, Lyons, Kansas, $20,422

This project proposes to interview 160 veteranswho are active in veterans’ organizations, who are in nursing homes, and who are suggested by community members.

Watkins Community Museum of History, Lawrence, Kansas, $25,000

This grant will include both veterans and their families from Lawrence and Douglas County, giving a unique perspective of the military and home front.