Kansas links political, social, racial and cultural issues that continue to define and shape today’s social landscape. From “Bleeding Kansas” to Brown v. Board of Education, Kansas offers unique pieces of Black History. Each historic site unveils history in a way never seen before. Travel the state from east to west to learn more about Kansas’ rich African American heritage:

Quindaro Underground Railroad Museum

An African-American museum in the former residence of John A. Walker, the Old Quindaro Museum in Kansas City preserves the rich history of the community where runaway slaves once found sanctuary.

  • 3436 North 27th Street
  • (913) 529-9238

The museum is currently closed, tours of the Quindaro Museum and Overlook are available by appointment only. Housed in the historic Vernon Multi-Purpose Center, the museum houses several artifacts and documents that tell the story of the town and people of Quindaro. This location…

Gordon Parks Museum

From his humble beginning in Fort Scott, Kansas, to his death in New York City in 2006, the Gordon Parks Museum and Center for Culture and Diversity highlights the life and work of Kansas-born photographer Gordon Parks.
 

Gordon Parks

  • 2108 South Horton Street
  • (620) 223-2700

The Gordon Parks Museum highlights the life and work of Kansas-born photographer Gordon Parks. Exhibits, personal artifacts, and iconic photographs tell the story of his life from his humble beginning in Fort Scott to his death in New York City in 2006. He became the first…

Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum

Stand where history happened. The Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum preserves and interprets the regional history of Baxter Springs, Kansas.

  • 740 East Ave
  • (620) 856-2385

Outstanding museum with two floors of climate-controlled displays and research facility. Exhibits interpret the rich history of the town, including industry and commerce, domestic life and social aspects. Of special interest are the Route 66 and Baseball Exhibits. The Main floor…

Buffalo Soldier Monument

The Buffalo Soldier Monument honors the bravery, determination, and courage of the African-American frontier soldiers who served in the 10th Cavalry. A visit to Fort Leavenworth wouldn’t be complete without a visit to see the 16-foot bronze sculpture.

  • 290 Stimson Ave
  • (913) 684-1718

The Buffalo Soldier statue/monument is located on Fort Leavenworth and was initiated by General Colin Powell, and was dedicated in 1992 to the memory of the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments of the U.S. Army. ** NOTE: This monument is located on Fort Leavenworth and a Visitor Pass…

Richard Allen Cultural Center and Museum

View memorabilia at the Richard Allen Cultural Center and Museum from General Colin Powell, Buffalo Soldiers, uniforms, freedom papers from former slaves, photographs, items from the old Bethel A.M.E. Church, and a stop on the Underground Railroad in Leavenworth.

  • 412 Kiowa St
  • (913) 682-8772

View memorabilia from General Colin Powell, Buffalo Soldiers, uniforms, freedom papers from former slaves, photographs, items from the old Bethel A.M.E. Church, and a stop on the Underground Railroad. The Cultural Center is found along the Glacial Hills Scenic Byway. This…

John Brown Museum State Historic Site

For insight into the abolitionist movement, visit the John Brown Museum State Historic Site in Osawatomie. This cabin served as an abolitionist’s headquarters in Kansas and a stop along the Underground Railroad. It was at the center of conflict when the Kansas Territory was in disaccord over entering the Union as a free state or a slave state.

  • 1000 Main St
  • (913) 755-4384

Discover the harsh realities of pioneer life at the John Brown Museum State Historic Site, where Reverend Samuel and Florella Adair struggled to survive on the Kansas frontier while maintaining and defending their abolitionist principles. The Kansas career and lasting legacy of…

Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park

The Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site tells the story of ordinary people who were plaintiffs in a case that would ultimately change American history and the struggle for Civil Rights. Learn the significance of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision to ban segregation in American public schools in Topeka.

  • 1515 SE Monroe St
  • (785) 354-4273

The story of Brown v. Board of Education, which ended legal segregation in public schools, is one of hope and courage. When the people agreed to be plaintiffs in the case, they never knew they would change history. Gain an understanding and appreciation of the role this 1954…

The Kansas African American Museum

Residing in the stately former Calvary Baptist Church, the Kansas African American Museum in Wichita works to make the experience relevant to every Kansan, promoting awareness of the legacies of notable African American Kansas luminaries.

  • 601 N. Water St
  • (316) 262-7651

The Kansas African American Museum is a regional arts and cultural museum dedicated to the education, identification, acquisition, research, collection, exhibition, presentation and preservation of art reflective of African-American life and culture.

George Washington Carver Museum Exhibit

Learn more about agricultural scientist, George Washington Carver, and his journey from slavery to scientific discovery at the George Washington Carver Museum Exhibit in Minneapolis.

City of Nicodemus

Nicodemus is the last remaining town west of the Mississippi to be established by African Americans after the Civil War. Having an important role in American history, the town symbolizes the pioneering spirit of ex-slaves who fled the South in search of freedom and a chance to restart their lives.

Nicodemus is located on Highway 24, halfway between Webster Lake and Hill City. Established in 1877, Nicodemus is the only remaining town west of the Mississippi River founded and settled by African Americans at the end of Reconstruction. The National Historic Site, located in…

Black Heritage

African Americans played an important role in Kansas history and have been recognized through memorials, historic designations and commemorations. Plan your trip to learn more about African American History in Kansas.

Black Heritage

Nicodemus is the first all-Black settlement west of the Mississippi, and it’s the only one still remaining. It is among the…