Sunflower State turns 148: Students celebrate Kansas Day at school, state capitol
Fort Scott Tribune
TOPEKA -- Students from across Kansas will commemorate the state's 148th birthday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. today, when the Kansas Museum of History presents its Kansas Day celebration.
"Mr. Lincoln Comes to Kansas!" is this year's theme, which coincides with the opening of the museum's special exhibit, Lincoln in Kansas.
Due to construction in the Capitol this year, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius will make a special appearance at 10 a.m. at the museum to join the students for the celebration.
The year 2009 marks the bicentennial of Lincoln's birth and 150 years since his visit to Kansas. Students will participate in hands-on activities and see performances that correlate to Kansas curricular standards and focus on Lincoln.
This year's performers include Lincoln re-enactor Tom Leahy, presenting "Abraham Lincoln Remembered," and African American drummer and storyteller Richard Camara Pitts.
Exhibits focusing on the state's rich heritage and Lincoln will be featured in the Potawatomi Mission and the museum galleries.
First becoming part of the United States in 1803 with the Louisiana Purchase, Kansas has a long and rich history.
Along with being recognized historically as the first battlefield in the Civil War, Kansas has provided a major portion of America's crops and farmed goods.
On Jan. 29, 1862, Kansas was officially adopted as America's 34th state.
More information can be found at the Kansas State Historical Society's Web site, kshs.org, or by calling (785) 272-8681.
The Kansas Museum of History is located at 6425 SW. 6th Ave.