Pre-Conference
KCSS Pre-Conference Tour and Celebrate Social Studies Party
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Pre-Conference Tour
These three dynamic historic sites are open just for you! You will need your own transportation, but free parking is available at all of them. The sites are linked by their connection to the free-state cause and the ensuing civil rights movement. The “Freedom's Pathway” tour will have guides waiting for you at each site. The times overlap to allow you to visit all three sites and adjust your visit according to your personal schedule.
3:30-4:30 p.m.: Kansas State Capitol Tour
You will experience an incredible opportunity to explore history in a whole new way! The newly renovated House and Senate chambers are amazing and the spectacle dome tour will literally take your breath away. There are 296 steps to the top and no elevator. Wear comfortable shoes! The gift shop has special Capitol and dome tour items available for sale.
4:30-5:30 p.m.: Ritchie House
Experience the humble stone house of abolitionists John and Mary Ritchie. Their commitments to the free-state cause and to the development of their community were crucial in shaping the area and events associated with its success. In 1856, the Ritchies moved into the stone house that still stands at 1116 SE Madison. John was an astute businessman and he began a lime quarry and kiln operation, constructing commercial buildings, and reserving land for a college which would ultimately become Washburn University. The Ritchies befriended John Brown who visited this home early in 1859 with a group of Africans who had escaped enslavement. The Ritchie house was also known as a haven for those seeking freedom. Educator Robin Shrimplin will be on site to share more of the Ritchie story with you.
5-6 p.m.: Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site
Special greetings from Superintendent Dennis A. Vásquez, “Brown v. Board” NHS keeps alive and furthers the legacy of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision that forever changed this country's history. The National Park Service cares for special places and special stories saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. We are proud to share this American story with those who may visit in person or with those who may visit through our outreach efforts.
6-8 p.m.: Celebrate Social Studies Party in the lobby of the Kansas Museum of History
Athough students sometimes question why you are so enthusiastic about teaching social studies, we know social studies is cool. We have a fun-filled, action-packed, hands-on evening planned for you to connect to your inner child and expand your portfolio of ideas for teaching social studies.
While you enjoy a diversity of great refreshments, you will entertained by the Shyster Mountain Gang performing bluegrass music. Their lyrics are guaranteed to make you smile.
You can get in the act by helping to paint a room-size mural of Kansas symbols and history. Lawrence muralist Yuri Zupancic will draw the design and everyone is welcome to take their turn at adding their artistic touches. The mural will be awarded as a door prize at the end of the conference. Last year one of Yuri's public mural creations was on display at the Capitol. You will want this one for your classroom!
But that's not all. All participants will have the opportunity to visit with peers while engaging in hands-on activities that are components of Kansas Historical Society student tours and programs.
- Be prepared to make (and eat) mini-pizzas based on Kansas' entrepreneurial spirit in the fast food industry.
- Assemble puzzles of Kansas risk takers including Olive Anne Beech, Gordon Parks, Walter Chrysler, and Takeru Higuchi.
- Create historical landscapes based on five forms of transportation, from wagons to airplanes. (If you liked Colorforms, you will love this activity!)
- Practice writing poems and the alphabet with nib pens and ink used in 1920 classrooms; it's harder than you think!
- Test your knowledge of symbolism in the world-famous John Stuart Curry mural “Tragic Prelude.” For those of you wanting to continue practicing your artistic skills, this is also a coloring page.
- In recognition of the 200th anniversary of the birth of President Abraham Lincoln, you can create a reading lesson based on Lincoln's hat.
All vendors will be set up and ready for your perusal by 5 p.m.
This is guaranteed to be an event where you will learn and laugh at the same time!