Local history
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Liberty Hall stage reconstruction project earns award from Lawrence Preservation Alliance
Liberty Hall holds so many years’ worth of stories and experiences that it’s almost as if the structure itself is alive. That’s why General Manager Dean Edington II refers to the building’s aura as “the spirit of the hall.”
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Federal report on American Indian boarding schools touches on Haskell history; department wants investigation to continue
The Department of the Interior on Wednesday released the final version of its first report into the history of American Indian boarding schools — and touched briefly on the history of Haskell Indian Nations University in the process.

Longtime North Lawrence resident’s photo collection highlighted in Watkins Museum exhibit
Many Lawrence residents don’t realize that North Lawrence has a vibrant and diverse history of its own. Images in a new Watkins Museum exhibit embody that history.

Watkins Museum’s renovation getting even bigger with new grant
The Watkins Museum of History’s public research room is currently under renovation, but the plans are expanding even more with an additional $100,000 grant.

Congress expands Brown v. Board of Education historic site beyond Kansas
The U.S. House cleared a bill Tuesday that would expand the Kansas site honoring the U.S. Supreme Court ruling overturning school segregation, adding National Park Service sites in other states to commemorate their roles in the decision as well.

Preservationists to host egg hunt, pancake breakfast featuring Black Jack maple syrup
Black Jack Battlefield and Nature Park board members will flip pancakes Saturday and serve them in a stack slathered in syrup rendered from the historic site’s maple grove.

Douglas County Commission approves $5K for Lawrence Juneteenth celebration; organizers share plans
Douglas County Commissioners on Wednesday granted an uncommon ask for funding for a community event.

Panelists share importance and complexities of creating statements honoring Indigenous peoples
Indigenous educators and administrators shared potential benefits and possible pitfalls in crafting and delivering land acknowledgements during a virtual panel discussion this week.

Kaw Nation will soon welcome Sacred Red Rock back to tribal land
The Kaw Nation’s Sacred Red Rock will soon be returned to its rightful owners and location, thanks to a $5 million grant to support the project.

Allen Fieldhouse’s original court blankets 19th-century Douglas County home with basketball tradition
Every Jayhawk fan holds a memory or a piece of memorabilia they consider extra special. For Diane and James Carnell, an exceptional piece of Jayhawk history spans their rural Douglas County home.