‘Bleeding Kansas’ Series returns to Constitution Hall

Dramatic interpretations and talks about the violent territorial and civil war history of Kansas, 1854-1865, will highlight the 2020 annual Bleeding Kansas series, which begins January 26. The programs are held at 2 p.m. Sundays, through March 1 at Constitution Hall State Historic Site in Lecompton, KS.

The series has become an anticipated annual event with excellent speakers, many of whom are researchers and authors in their area of study.

Bleeding Kansas describes that time in Kansas Territory, from 1854 to 1861, during the struggle to determine whether the new state would be free or slave. Each program explores aspects of the state’s unique history.

Year after year this series continues its popularity attracting large audiences. 2020 is the 24th year for the annual Bleeding Kansas program series, and also marks the 164th anniversary of Constitution Hall.  Constitution Hall is a unique venue for hosting this program series.  It is one of the reasons the program series has been so popular with the public.  Audiences love to sit inside this historic old structure and listen to modern day historians and authors talk about issues that were discussed over 160 years ago inside this very building.

Constitution Hall has historical mystique. It is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, wood frame structures left standing in the state. It was the location of some of the most significant events in territorial Kansas political history, namely the writing of the 1857 Lecompton Constitution.  This document would divide the National Democratic Party in the 1860 presidential election and ensure the election of Abraham Lincoln and hasten the country towards disunion and civil war.

The suggested donation is $3 for adults. Constitution Hall is located at 319 Elmore, Lecompton, KS. For more information, call 785-887-6520 or visit www.lecomptonkansas.com.

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