Life in Kansas During the Dust Bowl

Black Sunday – April 14, 1935 – is an unforgettable moment in history. The photographs from that day of the dust storm in southwest Kansas made headlines across America. How did Kansans respond to this challenging moment in history? Using eyewitness accounts and photographs, this presentation explores the impact and the legacy of the drought and the “Dust Bowl” on life in Kansas during the 1930s and beyond.

Presenter Katie Keckeisen is the local history librarian at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library. She previously worked as the Collections Archivist at the Kansas Historical Society.

Special thanks to the Lane Agricultural Fair Association for including this program among the events during the 2025 Lane Agricultural Fair! This event is free and open to the public. Enjoy the program, and enjoy the fair!

“Life in Kansas During the Dust Bowl” 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.

You may also like the following events from Old Depot Museum:

• This Friday, 8th August, 11:00 am, 1859 Dietrich Cabin Tours in Ottawa