TOPEKA — The Kansas Historical Foundation announced today that it had received the largest grant in the organization’s history.
The Dane G. Hansen Foundation of Logan presented a check for $1 million dollars to the Kansas Historical Foundation on Monday.
The generous grant will support the renovation of the entrance gallery in the Kansas Museum of History in Topeka. Established in 1965, the Dane G. Hansen Foundation strives to make Kansas a better place by awarding grants and scholarships to recipients who demonstrate a strong desire for community improvement.
Hansen Trustee Carol Bales, who is also a member of the Kansas Historical Foundation board of directors, presented the check to mark the 50th anniversary of the Hansen Foundation.
“In celebration of our anniversary, this is our gift to the people of Kansas,” Bales said. “The Kansas Historical Society does an excellent job telling our state’s story. The trustees of the Hansen Foundation are excited to be involved with a project that will benefit Kansans of today and tomorrow. Mr. Hansen loved Kansas. He would be pleased to know his legacy will help educate people of all ages about our state and its proud history.”
In honor of the 74th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, today’s event featured an American flag that was rescued from the destroyer the U.S.S. Ralph Talbot by a Topekan on that infamous day. It is now among the museum’s collections. The museum, operated by the Kansas Historical Society, opened more than 30 years ago to tell the story of Kansas and has not undergone a major renovation. Displays are being planned for the entrance gallery, which incorporate current technology and encourage Kansans to experience the state’s history in a new, exciting way.
“The Kansas Historical Foundation, and our sister organization, the Kansas Historical Society, are celebrating our 140th anniversary this year,” said Paul Stuewe, president of the Kansas Historical Foundation. “We are truly appreciative of the Hansen Foundation’s generosity and we are proud to share in this joint anniversary commemoration. Their grant will allow thousands of school children and families to take a virtual step into Kansas’ past.”
More than 1.5 million people have visited the Kansas Museum of History since its opening in 1984. The museum tells the state’s history from the earliest times to the recent past, which includes an 1880 Santa Fe locomotive as its centerpiece.
The Kansas Historical Foundation is an IRS determined 501(c)3, and serves as the fund raising, fund management, membership, and retail organization in support of the Kansas Historical Society, a state agency.