HPL
Educators, historians and community leaders will speak about New Deal programs and their impact on Kansas at Hays Public Library’s New Deal Day on Saturday, September 28 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The New Deal was a large-scale government relief program enacted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt that included public works projects and financial reforms intended to relieve the burdens of the Great Depression.
The idea for New Deal Day came from Kansas Room Coordinator, Jeremy Gill, who has a research interest that includes the New Deal era of the 1930s-40s. Gill wrote his master’s thesis about Hays’ Frontier Historical Park which was constructed in part by the Civilian Conservation Corps and the National Youth Administration.
“When I started my job back in March, I was contacted by several people who wanted to do programming at the library. It dawned on me that all of them had a connection in some way to the New Deal in Kansas, so I figured that instead of doing separate lectures, the library could have a symposium revolving around this time period,” Gill said.
The docket includes an impressive array of speakers from different mediums and professions.
Gill will give opening remarks and present on the construction of Frontier Park.
Guy Windholz, former county commissioner and member of the Ellis County Court House Preservation Committee will present on WPA limestone construction projects in Ellis County.
M.J. Holt, author and historian, will present on her latest book, “Confessions to Mr. Roosevelt” a historical fiction book that revolves around the Federal Writer’s Project. Ms. Holt is the author of seven books about 19th century western plains life. She is a research consultant for PBS documentaries, including “The American Experience.” She appeared on C-Span’s “First Ladies Series” in connection with her biography of Mamie Eisenhower.
Kara Heitz, historian and educator will be screening her new film. “A New Deal for Public Art in the Free State” explores publicly funded arts projects during the New Deal in Kansas. Heitz is currently a liberal arts lecturer at the Kansas City Art Institute. She also runs the media production company, Clio’s Scroll Productions, that creates historically-focused documentary films and podcasts.
“I am really excited to bring all of these bright minds together to discuss and celebrate the men and women who took part in these programs,” said Gill. “They attempted to make something positive out of a very dark period in U.S. history and in many cases, we are still using or enjoying the fruits of their labor.”
You can find out more about this and other library programs at hayslibrary.org or by calling 785-625-9014.