“The Kansas Mosaic: Ethnic Settlement in Central and Western Kansas, 1870-1900” discussion series continues with its second session from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 7 at the Kinsley Library. This popular series, funded in part  by the Kansas Humanities Council, has 75 participants, but “there is always room for more people who would like to learn about our Kansas heritage,” said library director Joan Weaver
Karen Kausta-Pofahl, Ph.D. will be the February featured speaker on Czech immigration, with a focus on the settlement of Wilson, in Ellsworth County.  She received her degree from the University of Minnesota and is currently a Lecturer of Sociology and Anthropology at Washburn University. One of her primary areas of research is Czechoslovakia.
The first Bohemian settler in Wilson was Francis J. Swehla who arrived on May 16, 1874, with Ceska’ Osada (meaning Czech Settlement) painted on the side of his wagon. He wrote to various Bohemian newspapers in the United States advertising his Czech Settlement. He praised the climate, good soil, plentiful water, building stone, and the fact that land was inexpensive. Organizations and interested individuals responded, and from 1875 to 1910 Czech immigrants settled in and around Wilson.
Two other presenters will complete the afternoon’s program. Local Kinsley artist, Sally Frame, will display and talk about her beautifully decorated Kraslice (Easter Eggs). This Central European art of batik dyeing eggs is very intricate with detailed patterns taking several hours to complete.
Frame will be followed by a presentation on current immigration to central and western Kansas will be given by Greta Clark of Dodge City Community College. She will introduce two people to the group who will share their modern immigration experiences.
Upcoming session include the Exodusters of Nicodemus on March 13. Angela Bates, a Nicodemus descendant will be the main speaker. A field trip to the Ellis County Historical Society Museum in Hays to learn about the Volga Germans of Ellis County is scheduled for April 10. Eminent German language scholar, Dr. William D. Keel, will be featured.    
More information, suggested readings, and registration for the series is available at the library (208 E. 8th St.), by telephone (620-659-3341), and online at www.kinsleylibrary.info. A $10 registration fee covering all sessions will be charged at the door to cover museum fees and other expenses not funded by the grant. Individual sessions will cost $5 each.      
“The Kansas Humanities Council is a nonprofit organization that supports community- based cultural programs, serves as a financial resource through an active grant-making program, and encourages Kansans to engage in the civic and cultural life of their communities. For more information, visit www.kansashumanities.org.