More than 250 years ago, a new idea was declared — that people could govern themselves and shape their own future.
That promise did not stay in Philadelphia.
It crossed oceans in the hands of immigrants who came to Southeast Kansas seeking work, safety, and opportunity. They brought languages, traditions, and memories of distant homelands — but here they built something shared. In the coal camps and communities of our region, neighbors became citizens, and hard work became belonging.
Each generation carried the ideals of liberty forward: through military service, civic duty, family life, and community leadership. The Revolution created the nation, but ordinary people sustained it.
Today, their descendants live beside us — and the American story continues.
This exhibit honors both the founding patriots and the families who chose to make America their home.
Because the story of our nation was never finished in 1776.
It continued in places like Southeast Kansas, where immigrant families built towns, churches, schools, and neighborhoods — including the city of Pittsburg, now celebrating 150 years.
The American story is still being written — here.
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