Hall Center for the Humanities 2025 Mini Wheat State Tour spotlights Atchison, Kansas

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas Hall Center for the Humanities is once again hitting the road for its Mini Wheat State Tour, a program that introduces KU faculty and staff to the state’s history, culture and communities. 

This year’s one-day journey will take participants to Atchison on Nov. 7.

The initial incarnation of KU’s “Whirlwind Wheat State Tour” originated out of the chancellor’s office as a weeklong excursion to the four corners of the state. The program was designed to help new faculty and staff learn about Kansas geography and history, understand the communities many KU students call home and connect with colleagues across disciplines.

Revived by the Hall Center for the Humanities in recent years, the modern version of the tour preserves that spirit of connection on a smaller but equally meaningful scale.

In 2023, participants traveled west to Lucas, Wilson and Nicodemus. In 2024, the group explored sites in Kansas City, Kansas and Kansas City, Missouri. This year, the Hall Center will head to Atchison, a city rich in historical and cultural significance, including being one of the first counties founded in the state, the birthplace of aviator Amelia Earhart, an integral part of the nation’s railroad infrastructure and the location of “the most haunted house in the country.”

2025 Tour Highlights will include:

• Independence Creek (a Lewis & Clark Historic Site)
• The Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum
• Lunch and discussion with community guests at Paolucci’s
• The Wangarĩ Maathai Memorial Statue
• St. Benedict’s Abbey
• Santa Fe Depot & Historical Society

The bus will depart from the Hall Center parking lot (900 Sunnyside Ave.) at 8:45 a.m. and return around 6 p.m.

KU and Haskell faculty and staff from all disciplines are invited to participate. Those interested should email hallcenter@ku.edu by 5 p.m. Oct. 30 with their name, department or unit, email address and number of years at KU/Haskell. Newer hires will receive priority if space becomes limited.

“We’re delighted to continue this tradition that connects KU scholars not only with one another but also with the broader Kansas community,” said Giselle Anatol, the director of the Hall Center. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to explore potential research and outreach collaborations, and establish bridges between the university and people across the state.”

About the Hall Center
The Hall Center for the Humanities at the University of Kansas fosters and supports interdisciplinary research and collaboration among scholars of all ranks, across campus, and connects academic inquiry with public life. Learn more at hallcenter.ku.edu.