WHO WE ARE
Kansas Historical Society
Established in 1875, the Kansas Historical Society, is a state agency in the executive branch. Designated as the trustee of the state in 1879 and as the repository of official government records in 1905, the Historical Society collects and preserves the story of Kansas history.
- Serving more than 15.5 million people annually through in-person and online resources
- Playing a critical role in state government by being the repository and caretaker of state records
- Administering both state and federal historic preservation programs that bring economic development to communities across the state
- The state agency providing curriculum materials on state history to our K-12 schools helping them to meet their state-required coursework
- Providing a significant role in the state and local economies through its museums and historic sites
Mission
To actively preserve and share Kansas history by collecting, preserving, and interpreting state government and history to enhance government transparency, provide economic development assistance, and educate students and families.
Structure
The Kansas Historical Society is a state agency comprised of four divisions with these areas and departments:
- Administration: Administrative, fiscal, human resources, facility maintenance, event space rental, communication, and security
- Cultural Resources: Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), National & State Register, related grants and tax credit programs, historic sites, and archeology
- Education and Museum: K-12 classroom curriculum related to Kansas history and government, three-dimensional object collections, and exhibits at the Kansas Museum of History
- State Archives: Preservation and public access to state records of the executive branch, land survey records, historic photographs, manuscripts, maps, newspapers, and digital media
Through 110 state statutes, several federal acts, and five state rules and regulations the Kansas Historical Society collects, preserves, interprets, and makes the state's history accessible to Kansans.
