Presentation Explores Lives of Free-Born Children after Civil War

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                        

Contact: Caryl Hale

Norton County Arts Council

Phone: 785-550-1627

Email: info@ncartcouncil.org

Presentation Explores Lives of Free-Born Children after Civil War

Norton – Norton County Arts Council will host “Children of the Promised Land,” a presentation and discussion by Angela Bates on June 5th, 2021 at 2:00pm at the Historic Heaton building at 112 S. State Avenue.  Members of the community are invited to attend the free program. Contact the Norton County Arts Council at 785-550-1627 for more information. The program is made possible by Humanities Kansas

 A complimentary program to a featured historic figure, John Landis, of the “Breaking Ground: Tales of Norton County Fireballs” exhibit on display as part of the Smithsonian Crossroads: Change in Rural America Exhibit taking place May 1st-June 13th, 2021 also at the Historic Building. Explore the connection John Landis had with neighboring Nicodemus in the early years of Norton and Graham County.

 Nicodemus, a small, unincorporated town in Graham County, is the only remaining western town established by African Americans during the Reconstruction Period following the Civil War. Today the town is a National Historic Site. This pictorial history explores the unique experience of mothers and their children in Nicodemus, some of whom were the first members of their families born free.

 Angela Bates is the executive director of the Nicodemus Historical Society. She presents educational programs across the nation covering Nicodemus, Exodusters and black towns in the West, Buffalo Soldiers, and black women in the West.

 “My great uncle, Henry Williams, was the first baby born in Nicodemus just a month after my great-grandmother Emma arrived with the first group of settlers in 1877,” said Bates. “He was one of the first in his generation born on the free soils of Kansas. He represents the many children of his generation that were reared by parents who were former slaves.”

 “Children of the Promised Land” is part of Humanities Kansas's Crossroads Conversations Catalog, featuring presentations, discussions, and workshops designed to spark conversations in the Sunflower State.

 This program is part of the Crossroads: Change in Rural America initiative anchored by the

Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition of the same name. Crossroads promotes fresh thinking about the history, culture, and future of Kansas.

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For more information about “Children of the Promised Land” in Norton contact the Norton County Arts Council at 785-550-1627 or visit www.ncartscouncil.org.

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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