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From dusty wagon trails to permanent prairie homesteads, the story of Central Kansas is one rooted in the powerful 19th-century belief of Manifest Destiny—the idea that Americans were divinely ordained to expand westward across the North American continent. Now, visitors to the Hansen Museum’s current exhibition “A Place to Call Home” can witness how that bold vision helped transform the open plains of Kansas into a patchwork of farms, towns, and communities between 1850 and 1900.
In the mid-19th century, Central Kansas was part of the vast, unsettled frontier. The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 opened the region to settlers, many of whom were drawn by the promise of land, freedom, and opportunity. The ideology of Manifest Destiny was more than just a political concept— it was a personal mission for the families who packed their belongings into wagons and journeyed west in search of a better life.
Through personal narratives and replica artifacts, “A Place to Call Home” captures the hardships, determination, and hope that defined the Kansas homesteading experience. This exhibition is about the pioneers who believed so strongly in the promise of the American frontier that they risked everything to build a life here.
The period between 1850 and 1900 saw Kansas grow from a territory marked by conflict—particularly during the "Bleeding Kansas" years—to a settled state that helped feed the nation. Manifest Destiny not only justified westward migration in the eyes of many Americans, it inspired a spirit of resilience that still echoes in rural communities today.
“A Place to Call Home” runs through June 17th at the Hansen Museum in Logan, Kansas. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to experience the exhibit and reflect on the personal stories and national ideals that helped shape life on the prairie.
Additionally, the Hansen Museum is proud to feature Janice Kenney as the Artist of the Month for April. Kenney brings a creative and sustainable approach to art by upcycling vintage items into charming, folksy home décor. Her imaginative works breathe new life into discarded objects like jello molds, rusty rakes, wooden boards, and spindles, transforming them into delightful decorations that blend rustic charm with artistic ingenuity. Through her craft, Kenney not only showcases her artistic talent but also highlights the value of rethinking and repurposing materials, making her work both visually appealing and environmentally conscious. Visitors are invited to explore her unique creations and celebrate the beauty of upcycled art this month at the Hansen Museum
The Hansen Museum is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday and holidays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Museum is fully handicap accessible, and admission is always free, thanks to the generous support of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation.
For more information, please contact us at 785-689-4846. We hope to see you at the Museum soon!
