The Library of Congress and the Kansas State Department of Education are bringing the “Teaching with Primary Sources” program back to Kansas this April.
Designed for K-12 educators and school librarians, the initiative offers free, hands-on learning experiences using the Library’s vast digitized collections.
Community members in Lawrence, Girard, and Hutchinson can also explore these historic archives through interactive sessions on genealogy, local history, and more.
Expanding Access to Primary Sources in Kansas
The Library of Congress is committed to making historical resources accessible to educators and the public.
This initiative, developed in collaboration with the Kansas State Department of Education, focuses on empowering educators in rural areas with digital tools to enhance classroom learning.
Upcoming Free Community Events
Education specialists will host sessions across three Kansas locations:
- Lawrence – April 5, Watkins Museum of History
- Girard – April 8, Girard Public Library
- Hutchinson – April 10, Hutchinson Public Library (rescheduled from February)
Each event will feature hands-on demonstrations, helping attendees navigate the Library’s online collections and uncover valuable historical materials.
Session Highlights: Discovering History Firsthand
Participants can explore a variety of engaging topics:
Genealogy & Local History
Learn how to trace family and town histories using digitized maps, photographs, and historical newspapers.
Veterans History Project
Discover personal narratives from U.S. military veterans, including oral histories, diaries, and letters.
Kansas Talking Book Program
Find out how residents with visual or physical impairments can access free audiobooks and reading services.
Historic Newspapers & New Deal Creative Works
Explore archives dating back to the 18th century and uncover New Deal-era artistic contributions.
Event Locations and Session Overview
| Date | City | Location | Sessions |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 5 | Lawrence | Watkins Museum of History | Genealogy, Veterans History, Local Archives |
| April 8 | Girard | Girard Public Library | Historic Newspapers, Primary Source Research |
| April 10 | Hutchinson | Hutchinson Public Library | Kansas Talking Books, By the People |
Enhancing Education Through Digital Resources
This initiative aligns with the Library’s mission to support educators and researchers by providing unrestricted access to millions of historical documents.
These resources, housed at LOC.gov, empower users to explore primary sources in new and interactive ways.
Why This Matters
- For educators: Access free lesson plans and digital teaching tools.
- For communities: Preserve local and family histories through firsthand documents.
Get Involved
Whether you’re a teacher, historian, or history enthusiast, these free events offer a rare opportunity to engage with America’s historical records.
Explore the Library of Congress’ digitized collections, attend live workshops, and bring history to life in Kansas classrooms and communities.
For event details and session schedules, visit Kansas State Department of Education.
Sources: Library of the Congress.
