Presentation Explores the Legacy of Railroads

Museum of World Treasures in Wichita will host “Railroaded: The Industry That Shaped Kansas,” a presentation and discussion by Leo E. Oliva on March 1 at 1:30pm.  Members of the community are invited to attend the free program. Contact Museum of World Treasures at 316.263.1111 for more information. The program is made possible by Humanities Kansas.

Light refreshments will be provided for this event. Space is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Oliva’s talk will also be livestreamed on Museum of World Treasures’ YouTube channel.

Link to Livestream of Leo Oliva's Talk

About the talk "Railroaded: The Industry That Shaped Kansas"

Few industries dominated the economy of the nation in the 19th century more than the railroad. Railroads brought immigrant settlers, created jobs, and fed beef markets in the East. They enabled regular mail service and the adoption of standard time. Most Kansas towns were founded because of the railroad, and few survived without it. Yet the advancement of the railroad industry came at a significant cost to the Plains Indians who were forcibly displaced by this westward expansion. This presentation examines the complicated legacy of railroads and the impact on native peoples who called Kansas home.

About the Speaker: Leo Oliva

Leo Oliva is a historian with a research focus on 19th-century Kansas. He is the author of “Soldiers on the Santa Fe Trail,” six books for the Kansas Fort Series, and a founding member of the Santa Fe Trail Association and Fort Larned Old Guard.

“Railroads are the key to understanding the development of Kansas,” said Oliva.

“Railroaded: The Industry that Shaped Kansas” is part of Humanities Kansas's Speakers Bureau, featuring humanities-based presentations designed to share stories that inspire, spark conversations that inform, and generate insights that strengthen civic engagement.

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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.