FREE John Burchill Event This Thursday

The Building Community in Fredonia, KS will host “People, Places, and Politics in the 1800s Kansas,” a presentation and discussion by John Burchill on April 24 at 6:00pm at the Wilson County Old Iron Club, 10392 Jade Rd. in Fredonia.  Members of the community are invited to attend the free program. Contact The Building Community at (620) 288-2677 for more information. The program is made possible by Humanities Kansas.

In the 1890s, Kansans played a leading role in the rise of the Populist (or People’s) Party, co-founded by bold leaders like Mary Elizabeth Lease. Known for her fiery speeches in support of women’s rights, labor, and economic justice, Lease championed the cause of farmers who were producing for the nation but being crushed by the power of railroads, monopolies, and financial elites. This talk will explore the roots of the Populist movement and the political upheavals of Gilded Age Kansas, drawing striking parallels between past and present populist movements—and asking what lessons Kansas history holds for today’s divided political landscape.

John Burchill has sixteen years of criminal justice experience, and twenty-seven years as associate professor of criminal justice at Kansas Wesleyan University. He authored the book Bullets, Badges and Bridles – Horse Thieves and the Societies That Pursued Them. Burchill stays active in retirement in areas of criminal justice historical research, emergency communications, and music performance.

“People, Places, and Politics in the 1800s Kansas”is part of Humanities Kansas’s Speakers Bureau, featuring humanities-based presentations designed to share stories that inspire, spark conversations that inform, and generate insights that strengthen civic engagement.

For more information about “People, Places, and Politics in the 1800s Kansas” inFredonia, contact The Building Community at (620) 288-2677 or [email protected].

About Humanities Kansas

Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit leading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, our pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and supporters, we inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.

About The Building Community

The Building Community is a nonprofit organization dedicated to housing and community development. Founded by Beth Ann Falstad, a local artist and scholar, the organization focuses on engaging residents and business owners in the revitalization of their community, supporting neighbors who are experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness, and fostering economic growth and development. For more information, visit https://www.the-building-community.org.