The Rice County Historical Society/Coronado Quivira Museum in Lyons will host “The Common and Quirky Mascots of Kansas,” a presentation and discussion by Jordan Poland at 7 p.m. on Sept. 14, at the Coronado Quivira Museum, 105 West Lyon in Lyons. Members of the community are invited to attend the free program. Contact the Coronado Quivira Museum at (620) 257-3941 for more information. The program is made possible by the Kansas Humanities Council.
Sports mascots from the Sunflower State come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. From the most recognizable, like KU’s Jayhawk and K-State’s Wildcat, to more obscure mascots like the Fowler Goldbugs and the Hill City Ringnecks, these characters often reflect the history and character of the towns they represent.
Jordan Poland is the Director of the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame in Wichita. He earned his Master’s degree in Public History from Wichita State University, and his undergraduate degree, also in history, from Kansas State University.
“Mascots are one of the features that distinguish Kansas communities,” said Poland. “It’s not a coincidence that many mascots around the state are represented on their community’s water tower because mascots are an important identifier of who we are and where we come from.”
“The Common and Quirky Mascots of Kansas” is part of the Kansas Humanities Council’s Humanities Speakers Bureau, featuring presentations and discussions that connect communities with history, traditions, and ideas to strengthen civic life. The event is partially supported by generous gifts from the Johnson County Community College Foundation and the Rotary Club of Shawnee Mission to honor the memory of Fred Krebs, a lifelong advocate of the humanities in Kansas.
The Kansas Humanities Council conducts and supports community-based 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 about KHC programs contact the Kansas Humanities Council at 785/357-0359 or visit online at www.kansashumanities.org.