Bleeding Kansas Series Returns to Constitution Hall State Historic Site

Home , Bleeding Kansas, George Luther Stearns

December 30, 2014

LECOMPTON, KS—Dramatic interpretations and talks about the violent conflict over slavery highlight the 19th annual Bleeding Kansas series, which begins January 25, 2015. The programs are held at 2 p.m. Sundays, through March 1. Bleeding Kansas describes that time in Kansas Territory, from 1854 to 1861, during the struggle to determine whether the new state would be free or slave. Each of these programs explores aspects of the state’s unique history.

 January 25 - “The Kansas Statehouse Restoration,” Barry Greis, statehouse architect, with remarks by Matt Veatch, state archivist, Kansas Historical Society. This program is a Kansas Day commemoration.  February 1 - “Railroad Empire Across the Heartland: Rephotographing Alexander Gardner's 1867 Westward Journey Through Kansas,” John Charlton, photographer, Kansas Geological Survey, University of Kansas with remarks by Nancy Sherbert, curator of photographs, Kansas Historical Society. Charlton will sign copies of his book after the presentation, which will be available for purchase the day of the event.  February 8 - “John Brown vs. W.B. 'Ft. Scott' Brockett,” first-person portrayals by Kerry Altenbernd, as abolitionist John Brown, and Jeff Quigley, as proslavery advocate W.B. Brockett, discussing Bleeding Kansas and the Battle of Black Jack.  February 15 - “James Montgomery, The Original Jayhawker,” Max Nehrbass, Labette Community College history instructor, with historian Rich Ankerholz portraying James Montgomery.  February 22 - "If It Looks Like a Man: Female Soldiers and Lady Bushwhackers in the Civil War in Kansas and Missouri," Diane Eickhoff and Aaron Barnhart, authors and historians.  March 1 - “John Brown’s Money Man: George Luther Stearns, Abolitionist,” Dr. Charles E. Heller, author and historian. Heller will sign copies of his book after the presentation, which will be available for purchase the day of the event.

The suggested donation is $3 adults. Constitution Hall is located at 319 Elmore, Lecompton. For more information, call 785-887-6520 or visit kshs.org/constitution_hall.

Constitution Hall State Historic Site is one of 16 state historic sites operated by the Kansas Historical Society, a state agency.

The Kansas Historical Society does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to, access to, or operation of its

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programs. The Historical Society requests prior notification to accommodate individuals with special needs or disabilities.

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