John Brown Museum State Historic Site
Witness pioneer life where Reverend Samuel and Florella Adair struggled to survive on the Kansas frontier while maintaining their…
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Kansas is home to innovators, creators, performers, and visionaries that have made lasting impacts to their industries and our American history. We've gathered up a list of a few iconic modern and historical Kansans. Did you know all of the famous people from Kansas on this list?
Don't forget to visit our suggested spots to get to know some of these famous Kansans on an even deeper level!
1929-2021
Ed Asner grew up in Kansas City. Asner was an iconic actor (best known as his portrayal of Lou Grant on the 'Mary Tyler Moore Show' and its spin-off series 'Lou Grant', and as Carl Fredricksen in Pixar's animated classic, 'Up') and was the president of the Screen Actors Guild.
1951-2017
Born in Chanute and raised in Parsons, Gilbert Baker was an influential activist in the gay rights movement. He is best known as the creator of the rainbow flag, a symbol that has become synonymous with the movement. To celebrate Baker's contributions, his hometown has created the Gilbert Baker Film Festival, an event that recognizes and celebrates LGBTQIA+ creators.
1958-present
Annette Bening was born in Topeka in 1958 and spent her early childhood in Wichita. Annette Bening is an actress known both for her powerful stage performances (nominated twice for a Tony award) and her iconic film appearances (a four-time Academy Award nominee and BAFTA, SAG and Golden Globe winner ). Audiences may know her best from her roles in American Beauty, Being Julia, and Captain Marvel.
1960-Present
Erin Brockovich was born in Lawrence in 1960. She is an acclaimed consumer advocate and environmental activist who was instrumental in building a case against Pacific Gas & Electric Company, a case that inspired the Oscar-winning film, 'Erin Brockovich. '
1800-1859
Born in Connecticut in 1800; came to Kansas at age 55. Brown played a significant abolitionist role during "Bleeding Kansas" years, leading several successful battles against pro-slavery forces.
Witness pioneer life where Reverend Samuel and Florella Adair struggled to survive on the Kansas frontier while maintaining their…
This 23-acre park features the John Brown Museum State Historic Site where the cabin John Brown used as his headquarters still stands.
Near the heart of the city, this statue pays tribute to John Brown, one of the nation’s early-day opponents of slavery.
*RESTORATION COMPLETED* The Kansas State Capitol recently completed a 13 year, top to bottom restoration of the building that restored the…
John Brown of Kansas 1855-1859. Discover the impact John Brown had on the region during Bleeding Kansas, Prelude to the Civil War.
Walter P. Chrysler, auto giant and founder of the Chrysler Corporation, helped his father, Henry, and brother build the small clad house at…
Explore the Historic Museum, Schonhoff Dutch Mill & Prairie Village. This complex in Wamego's beautiful 20 acre city park traces centuries…
1860-1936
Born in Topeka in 1860. Curtis was a member of the Kaw Nation and was the first person of color to be elected Vice President of the United States. In addition, he also represented Kansas as a U.S. Senator and Representative.
*Currently Closed UPDATE: The home is in estate transition and currently closed, please check back for updated information and re-opening…
Historic Topeka Cemetery is an active cemetery and a historic site. In business since 1859, Topeka Cemetery is the final resting place of…
1923-2021
Born in Russell in 1923. Served in World War II. Received a law degree from Washburn Municipal University, Topeka, in 1952. Went on to become U.S. congressman, senator and presidential candidate.
We are excited to welcome visitors back to the Dole Institute! We are now open Tuesday through Sunday 12-4 for walk-in visitors. No…
Museum focuses on local fossils and history. See an extensive historic photo display, Mrs. Fick's creative folk-artwork with fossils and…
1897-1937
Born in Atchison in 1897. Began taking flying lessons in 1920. Became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic in 1932. She is widely regarded as the most influential American figure in aviation in the late 1920s and throughout the 1930s. Amelia, and her navigator Fred Noonan, ultimately vanished in 1937 near the end of a flight around the world. Investigations to bring Amelia and Fred home still continue to this day, more than 80 years after their disappearance.
Restored home where the internationally-famous aviatrix was born on July 24, 1897. Contains family heirlooms, displays, and photographs…
Home of Muriel , the last remaining Lockheed Electra 10-E! Muriel is identical to the airplane Amelia Earhart went missing in on her famed…
This one-acre portrait was created by famed Kansas artist Stan Herd in 1997. It lies on a hillside overlooking Warnock Lake and is composed…
1890-1969
Dwight D. Eisenhower grew up in Abilene, Kansas. 'Ike' was the 34th president from the 34th state. He had a distinguished military career 1926-1952, including as Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in Europe during World War II. President Eisenhower served two terms whose notable actions include signing the Civil Rights Act of 1957, enforcing federal court orders for school integration, and starting the Interstate Highway System.
Visit the all-new exhibits at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum and experience Ike and Mamie’s story in their own words. One of…
Graffiti artist, Whitney Kerr, completed this vintage postcard-inspired mural in downtown Abilene. Each letter depicts an important part of…
Named one of the "Top 20 Best Small Towns to Visit" by Smithsonian Magazine, we invite you to visit the first Abilene*, Abilene, Kansas, and…
1961-present
Melissa Etheridge was born in Leavenworth in 1961. Etheridge is a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and activist. She is an Academy Award winner with her original song, "I Need to Wake Up" and a two-time Grammy award winner and fifteen-time nominee. Her largest-selling album to date is 'Yes I Am', 6-time platinum-certified.
Guitar-shaped sign honoring hometown girl, Grammy award winner, singer, musician, and songwriter, Melissa Etheridge.
1972-present
Born in 1972 in Manhattan. Bridget is a comedian, singer, actress, and cabaret performer. While she gained notoriety for her controversial cabaret acts, her most iconic work to date may be a semi-autobiographical show she developed for HBO, "Somebody Somewhere". Set in her hometown of Manhattan, with plenty of references for eagle-eyed MHK fans to catch, this poignant show delves into the world of Sam, a 40-something who is looking for happiness, community and a sense of belonging after the loss of her sister.
1814-1894
Emigrated to Kansas in 1855. Leader in the free-state movement. One of Manhattan's founders. Helped establish Bluemont College, which later became Kansas State University. Started Kansas State Teachers Association.
Glimpse into the life of Isaac Goodnow, a leader in the free-state movement and one of the founders of the town of Manhattan. He later…
Kansas State University offers the most acclaimed, unique "Family" experience for students, parents, and visitors. Wildcats' athletics…
The story of Manhattan's beginnings, as well as that of many of the surrounding communities of Riley County, involves the hopes and desires…
1913-1973
Born in Independence in 1913. Attended the University of Kansas before becoming a playwright. Won a Pulitzer Prize for Picnic. Won an Academy Award for the original screenplay for Splendor in the Grass. Discover more: William Inge Collection & William Inge Center for the Arts
Mission: To nurture, celebrate and promote the achievements of playwrights, playwriting and the American theater; in order to educate…
The Pulitzer Prize-winning dramatist William Inge was born and raised in Independence. Highlights of The William Inge Collection are…
1895-1966
Born in Piqua in 1895. Joseph Frank "Buster" Keaton is known in the film industry as the 'Great Stone Face,' a nickname earned by pairing his slapstick physical comedy with a stoic, deadpan expression. He is best known for his silent films, of which Roger Ebert hailed him as the "greatest actor-director in the history of movies". His masterpiece may just be 'The General', a film co-directed and starred in by Buster, which has been hailed by Orson Welles as, "The greatest comedy ever made... and perhaps the greatest film ever made."
1966-present
Martina McBride was born in 1966 in Sharon. She is a country music singer-songwriter and record producer. She has won the Country Music Association's 'Female Vocalist of the Year' four times and the Academy of Country Music's 'Top Female Vocalist' award three times. She is also a 14-time Grammy nominee.
1893-1952
Hattie McDaniel was born in 1893 in Wichita. She became the first Black actor to win an Oscar, for her portrayal of 'Mammy' in 'Gone With the Wind.' She continued to build a storied career in Hollywood as an actress, singer-songwriter and comedian.
Hattie McDaniel, born in Wichita, made history as the first Black actor to win an Academy Award. Learn more about this Hollywood legend at a…
The Kansas African American Museum is a regional arts and cultural museum dedicated to the education, identification, acquisition, research…
Explore the African American History Trail in Kansas as it visits sites throughout the state. The sites include: Nicodemus, African American…
1985-present
Janelle Monáe Robinson was born in Kansas City in 1985. She is a singer-songwriter, rapper, and actress. Monáe is an eight-time Grammy nominee, and stars in films including 'Hidden Figures', 'Moonlight', 'Antebellum', 'Knives Out 2', and 'Harriet'.
1861-1939
James Naismith was the inventor of basketball. While Naismith was born in Canada, he was hired in 1898 by the University of Kansas to coach basketball, teach physical education and serve as chaplain. He retired from KU in 1937 and passed away in Lawrence in 1939.
One (or three practice) basketball court(s) with hardwood surface and scoreboard. Get a guided tour of this storied college basketball…
This 25-acre greenbelt stretching from 24th to 29th Streets is currently accessible by foot from 24th St., 25th St. and 27 St. It was one of…
1846-1911
Started a crusade in 1899 to close the local "joints" in Medicine Lodge. Launched a career of saloon-smashing in Kiowa in 1900. Arrested some 30 times from 1900 to 1910 for destroying saloons with axes.
The Medicine Lodge Stockade Museum gives you a taste of what life was like in a stockade in the 1870s. Journey with us to a time in our…
Born near Fort Scott in 1912. Became the first African-American photographer to work at magazines like Life and Vogue, and the first to work for the Office of War Information and the Farm Security Administration. Parks was also the first Black director and producer of major motion pictures, including 'The Learning Tree' and 'Shaft'.
The Gordon Parks Museum highlights the life and work of Kansas-born photographer Gordon Parks. Exhibits, personal artifacts, and iconic…
The collection of 51 photographs and 14 poems showcase the work of the late Gordon Parks (1912-2006).
Explore the African American History Trail in Kansas as it visits sites throughout the state. The sites include: Nicodemus, African American…
1951-present
Born in Manhattan in 1951. Cassandra Peterson is best known for her iconic character creation, 'Elvira, Mistress of the Dark.' The Elvira character is legendary in the horror and b-movie scenes. Her acting repertoire goes beyond the raven-haired bombshell, with appearances in films and tv shows like 'Pee-wee's Big Adventure' and 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'.
1969-present
Paul Rudd grew up in Lenexa and attended the University of Kansas. He is an actor, comedian, screenwriter, and producer. He may be best known for his roles in 'Clueless', 'Anchorman', 'Wet Hot American Summer', 'Ghostbusters: Afterlife', and multiple films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as 'Ant-Man.'
1947-1984
Jon Reed Sims was born near Lebanon in 1947, but later moved to a farm closer to Smith Center. He studied music at both Fort Hays State and Wichita State Universities. He went on to become a choral conductor most known for founding the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, America's first openly gay choral grouping. He also founded Golden Gate Performing Arts, Inc., an organization whose mission was to unify like-minded musical groups.
1971-present
Born in Kansas City in 1971. Eric Stonestreet is an actor and comedian best known for his portrayal of Cameron Tucker on 'Modern Family,' as the host of 'Domino Masters' and as the voice of Duke in 'The Secret Life of Pets' franchise.
1975-present
Jason Sudeikis grew up in Overland Park. He is an Emmy award-winning actor, comedian, and writer. He is perhaps best known for his tenure on 'Saturday Night Live' and 'Ted Lasso,' a comedy series that he co-created, writes, and stars in.
1909-1979
Born in Cherryvale in 1909. Vivian Vance was an Emmy award-winning actress and singer that is best known for her iconic role as Ethel Mertz on 'I Love Lucy.'
Featuring rooms of artifacts & historical items, china, glassware, & furniture. Special Memorial Tributes to Vivian Vance of "I Love Lucy"…
1868-1944
Born in Emporia in 1868. Bought The Emporia Gazette in 1895. Publisher, newspaper editor, author, made famous by his 1896 "What's the Matter with Kansas" editorial.
Serves the informational needs of students and faculty of Emporia State University and houses the School of Library and Information…
A 52-acre park given to the city of Emporia in memory of Mary White. On the southeast edge of Peter Pan Lake is a bronze bust of William…
William Allen White rented this house from 1899 until he purchased it in 1901. It was his home for 45 years. The two-and-a-half story house…
Are there any famous actors from Kansas?
Yes! Ed Asner, Paul Rudd, Hattie McDaniel, Bridget Everett, Jason Sudekis, Annette Bening, Eric Stonestreet, Buster Keaton, Janelle Monáe, Cassandra Peterson (well known for her Elvira, Mistress of the Dark character), Kirstie Alley and Vivian Vance are all famous actors from Kansas.
Who is a famous person born in Kansas?
There are many famous people who were born in Kansas! Janelle Monáe, Gordon Parks, Melissa Etheridge, Cassandra Peterson, Eric Stonestreet, Gilbert Baker, Vivian Vance, Willam Allen White, Hattie McDaniel, Martina McBride, Bridget Everett, Bob Dole, Erin Brockovich, and Amelia Earhart are just a few of our famous Kansans.
Who are some famous Kansans?
Amelia Earhart, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Bob Dole, Gordon Parks, Janelle Monáe, Paul Rudd, Jason Sudekis, Eric Stonestreet, Bridget Everett are a few famous Kansans, but there are many more to learn about!
If there’s one thing that I have learned growing up as a Kansas woman, it’s that many… Read More
Life is full of risks, but owning your own business means risk management is top of mind 24/7. Being… Read More
Courage, the mental or moral strength to venture, preserve and withstand danger, fear, or… Read More
With breathtaking sunsets that color the prairie, rich cultural experiences and museums, and vibrant… Read More
To celebrate Kansas’ groundbreaking entry into the Union, we chose to feature groundbreaking… Read More
Discover pre-historic, Wild West or Civil War history at one of Kansas' many history museums that give you a glimpse into how Kansans…
Kansas history is American history. Being in the middle of it all means we have a bit of it all. Our roots were planted from seeds all over…
When you want tried-and-true fun, Kansas offers a collection of attractions that provide activities for everyone. Find a weekend getaway and…