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Highland Community College Library Receives Humanities Kansas Grant

published March 28, 2019

TOPEKA – Humanities Kansas recently awarded $4,775 to the Highland Community College Library in support of “Interpretations of the Past by Those Living in the Present.” Cindy Davis serves as project director. The HCC Library will establish an archive to preserve the 161 years of historical records, memorabilia and photos that have been kept or donated by alumni, community members and staff.

 

Among these documents is a land grant signed by President James Buchanan from 1859 giving 320 acres to Presbyterian Foreign Missions which became the town of Highland and included Highland University (now known as Highland Community College).

 

Davis noted, “Highland Community College has a very long and rich history. This grant will help us archive and preserve items to tell the story of Kansas’ oldest college and the community around it.”

 

In addition to preservation efforts, the college will also host panels and discussions on local history this fall.

 

“Humanities Kansas supports projects that promote cultural understanding,” said Julie Mulvihill, executive director of Humanities Kansas. “This project uses recently-discovered archival material to explore the complex relationship between early Kansas missionaries and local Indigenous tribes.”

 

About Humanities Kansas

Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit spearheading 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.

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