History on Tap

Our popular History on Tap series returns in 2024 with new featured guest speakers and local brews. Join us in the Museum’s Town Hall for a complimentary beverage and new engaging history conversations, located at Town Hall, 11600 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, KS 66203.


History on Tap presents “Shell Shocked: Understanding Early Mental Health for the American Doughboy”
Wednesday, January 24
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Our season kicks off with a History on Tap favorite, Dr. Richard S. Faulkner. He will examine the origins of “Shell Shock” and early mental health diagnosis and treatments for the American Doughboy in the trenches and at home following World War I. Dr. Faulkner is the William A. Stofft Professor and Chair of Military History at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.

Tickets for the program are $8 and includes a complimentary beverage from our evening’s featured brewery: Space is limited, purchase your ticket online or call (913) 248–2360 to reserve your seats. The event will be held in the Museum’s Town Hall, located at 11600 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, Kansas 66203.


History on Tap presents “Early Kansas City Jazz & How It Changed American Music”
Wednesday, February 28
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Join us for a night of music and conversation for this month’s History on Tap! Local music legends Kent Rausch and Bryan Redmond will present “How Early Kansas City Jazz Changed American Music,” a journey through history featuring stories and songs. Kent Rausch is the bandleader for the Vine Street Rumble Jazz Orchestra, and Bryan Redmond is the bandleader for The Grand Marquis, two very prominent and respected jazz bands in Kansas City.

Tickets for the program are $8 and includes a complimentary beverage from our evening’s featured brewery: Space is limited, purchase your ticket online or call (913) 248–2360 to reserve your seats. The event will be held in the Museum’s Town Hall, located at 11600 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, Kansas 66203.


History on Tap presents: William Allen White and the KKK in Kansas
Wednesday, March 27
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm


Join us for a very special Humanities Kansas program, as guest speaker Beverley Olson Buller explores the KKK’s pervasive influence over 1920s Kansas, using the story of William Allen White’s 1924 election campaign.

The 1920s saw the re-emergence of the Ku Klux Klan across America, and sparked fear and violence against African Americans and other minority groups. As the editor of the Emporia Gazette feared the growing power of the Klan, White declared, “I want to be governor to free Kansas from the disgrace of the Ku Klux Klan.” and led a raucous two-month campaign delivering 104 speeches across 2,700 miles of Kansas - all directed at expelling the KKK. Though he did not win, White’s efforts led to a Kansas Supreme Court ruling that outlawed the Klan in Kansas.

Tickets for the program are $8 and includes a complimentary beverage from our evening’s featured brewery: Space is limited, purchase your ticket online or call (913) 248–2360 to reserve your seats. The event will be held in the Museum’s Town Hall, located at 11600 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, Kansas 66203.

Thank you to Humanities Kansas for sponsoring our guest speaker!

About the Speaker
Beverley Olson Buller is an author, an educator, and chair of the William Allen White Children’s Book Awards. She served 34 years as an English and social studies teacher and school librarian in public schools and six years as a lecturer and practicum supervisor for Emporia State University's School of Library and Information Management. She remains a certified teacher. She is the author of four non-fiction books, all on Kansas-related topics, with two being named Kansas Notable Books. She is currently at work on a fifth book. In 2004, Beverley was named a Newton Woman of the Year, and in 2015 she received the Kansas Association of School Librarians Vision Award.

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.