Opportunities
Take a (historic) Seat!
Marion is embarking on a renovation of their historic auditorium and are now trying to find homes for the original seats. The 334 main floor padded seats are 20" wide, 36" tall, 24" deep with the seat down and 18" deep with the seat folded up. The 213 balcony wooden seats are 19.5" wide, 34" tall, 23" deep with the seat down, and 19" deep with the seat folded up. Please contact Doug Kjellin if you are interested in the seats.
doug@marionks.net.
Prairie Book Festival Looking For Authors
The Prairie Book Festival, Hutchinson Public Library on Sept. 25, is a celebration of reading, writing and literature. Click on
www.prairiebookfestival.com for more information.
A Call for Poems
In commemoration of Kansas's sesquicentennial in 2011, Kansas History: A Journal of the Central Plains will offer its readers a special "Kansas at 150" issue next spring. The essays in this issue will explore the theme of historical or collective memory as it relates to the identity and imagery of Kansas and/or the plains. To open this special issue the editors of Kansas History will select and publish the poem they feel best speaks to the issue's theme. The deadline is November 1. For details, contact Melissa Tubbs at
mtubbsloya@kshs.org.
----- Excerpted from Kansas Sampler Foundation's We Can! Update
Kansas State Historical Society Seek Architect
Kansas Historical Society is advertising for a permanent, full-time Architect II for the Historic Sites and Cultural Resources Divisions. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. on August 20.
This full-time, benefit’s eligible, classified position supports the Historical Society by working in the Historic Sites and Cultural Resources Divisions. For a complete position description, please visit the Historical Society’s web site at:
http://www.kshs.org/involved/work/index.htm. The role of the agency architect in the Historic Sites Division is to protect the interests and achieve the objectives of the division, the Kansas Historical Society, and the state of Kansas in the planning, design, construction, and maintenance or repair activities at the state-owned State Historic Sites and the central facilities in Topeka. The role of the agency architect for the State Historic Preservation Office is to facilitate the successful projects supported by the Heritage Trust Fund program by advising building owners, developers, architects, engineers, other consultants, and contractors and providing technical training.
The successful applicant must possess skills necessary to provide excellent customer service, communicate effectively verbally and in writing, travel extensively during parts of the year, and inspect historic buildings from roof to basements or crawl spaces via ladders, stairs, scaffolding, and other means before, during, and after construction.
Position earns $24.48 per hour.
Key Requirements:
Licensing to practice architecture in the state of Kansas and demonstrated knowledge about accepted design practices, construction techniques and processes, material performance and specifications, life safety codes, maintenance practices, and state bidding and procurement procedures.
Bequeathed and Befuddled? New York Times Wants Your Story
We've received this info from our friends at the Preservaton Directory who have once again been asked by the New York Times to help with an upcoming article - and we are seeking your help! Below is an overview of the article, as well as contact information for the reporter. Deadlines are always tight, and it would be ideal to send your story ideas for consideration this week or early next week. Here is the article overview:
"I'm working on a story for the New York Times on people who have been left or bequeathed a property that they just don't know what to do with, specifically an odd structure -- like a windmill or a warehouse or compound-- or a building that is in disrepair or just oddball, but you can't bear to part with it. Preferably you live in the structure or house, but it can also be a place that you haven't yet decided what to do with. I look forward to hearing your stories."
:
For more information, please send inquiries to Sarah at
Sarah.Maslin.Nir@gmail.com (we are happy to help, but will most likely forward most questions directly to Sarah).
In development of Preservapedia, a wiki-style encyclopedia for preservation professionals, interns and staff have generated over 300 articles on topics ranging from linoleum to lasers. The site, www.conservation-wiki.com, was made possible by a $23,000 grant from the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training (NCPTT), part of the National Park Service.
Based on the same "wiki" principle that drives the popular Wikipedia, Preservapedia is currently seeking editors to help add, edit, or expand articles. A tutorial and more information are available by contacting Ed FitzGerald, Preservapedian-in-Chief at admin@preservapedia.org
Movey Maker Calls For Old Pickups for 5/31 - 6/7
A short film, "Last Days if Shaniko" (sic) needs pickup trucks 1945 or older for use in Abilene, Marion, & Russell. Shoot dates: 5/31-6/7 Contact: Laura DeBar / debarl@rocketmail.com
Does Your Property House a Grocery Store? Could it?Healthy Food Financing Initiative - $400 Million for Rural Grocery StoresThe Obama Administration (recently) released details of an over $400 million Healthy Food Financing Initiative, which will bring grocery stores and other healthy food retailers to underserved urban and rural communities across America. The initiative was announced ... in Philadelphia by Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. The two cabinet members appeared with First Lady Michelle Obama, who recently launched the Let’s Move! campaign to solve the epidemic of childhood obesity within a generation. The initiative is a partnership between the Departments of Treasury, Agriculture, and Health and Human Services.
* The Healthy Food Financing Initiative will promote a range of interventions that expand access to nutritious foods, including developing and equipping grocery stores and other small businesses and retailers selling healthy food in communities that currently lack these options. Residents of these communities, which are sometimes called “food deserts” and are often found in economically distressed areas, are typically served by fast food restaurants and convenience stores that offer little or no fresh produce. Lack of healthy, affordable food options can lead to higher levels of obesity and other diet-related diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
* Through this new multi-year Healthy Food Financing Initiative and by engaging with the private sector, the Obama Administration will work to eliminate food deserts across the country within seven years. With the first year of funding, the Administration’s initiative will leverage enough investments to begin expanding healthy foods options into as many as one-fifth of the nation’s food deserts and create thousands of jobs in urban and rural communities across the nation.
To help community leaders identify the food deserts in their area, USDA recently launched a Food Environment Atlas (www.ers.usda.gov/FoodAtlas/). This new online tool allows for the identification of counties where, for example, more than 40 percent of the residents have low incomes and live more than one mile from a grocery store. Nationwide, USDA estimates that 23.5 million people, including 6.5 million children, live in low-income areas that are more than a mile from a supermarket. Of the 23.5 million, 11.5 million are low-income individuals in households with incomes at or below 200 percent of the poverty line. Of the 2.3 million people living in low-income rural areas that are more than 10 miles from a supermarket, 1.1 million are low-income.
Read more at: http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2010pres/02/20100219a.htmlSee also Rural Grocery Conference:
Rural Grocery Summit II: Saving Rural America’s Critical Infrastructure http://www.dce.k-state.edu/conf/ruralgrocery/
PICKERS! Major TV Network Seeking Antiques That
Tell A Thousand Tales Wants Your Stuff!
--- Kansas Department of Commerce, Travel & Tourism Division, TravelTalk
The History Channel's "American Pickers" is asking for your stuff and stories. "Got a barn full of goods with stories to go along with them? Or do you know someone who does? We're hitting the road this fall on the search to feature ... barns across America loaded with golden antique goods from days gone by! WANTED : CLASSIC CARS| TRUCKS | BICYCLES | MOTORCYCLES | VINTAGE MEMORABILIA EARLY FURNITURE | OLD SIGNS | PINBALL MACHINES | MILITARY ITEMS AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN!!! We want to hear your stories!!
Contact: RCOOK@CINEFLIX.COM or 212-627-2330 ext 468, Be sure to include your state, name, and contact info.
Here's the show's website... www.history.com/shows/american-pickers.
Kansas... out of the box!
----- Kansas Sampler Foundation
This is an opportunity to help the public see Kansas with new eyes through adventurous and creative offerings.
For instance, a gourmet picnic ON TOP of a grain elevator or a helicopter ride over natural formations in western Kansas plus a guided on-ground tour with a geologist.. or a regional Amazing Race-like event?
The Kansas Sampler Foundation board of directors will receive your ideas, stir them around and mix them up, bake overnight and come up with deliciously appealing packages. They'll be served at the appropriate time -- the focal point will be a June 26 Kansas Sampler Foundraiser.
The committee will select ideas offered that create the most jaw-dropping, eye-opening, heart-pumping packages. The Committee wants to blow people's socks off so they encourage submitters to be ridiculously creative. They do advise, however, that submitters make sure they can make good on the proposal before they submit it.
The scope of where we offer these packages will be determined by the grandness of the total packages! Perhaps an online auction. If all goes as planned, the auction will be a test site for all to then offer the packages for a price.
Ideas sent to to Marci and WenDee at marci@kansassampler.org and will be carried to the committee with care. Selected ideas will be promoted via Sampler e-blasts and on its website prior to the auction. The "cool" factor of the packages will determine the amount of buzz.
We are Gathered Here
Patsy Terrell is working on a piece about weddings in Kansas. She's eager to communicate with people about interesting places to have weddings, unusual themes or traditions, or other thoughts about what makes a wedding in Kansas unique. Contact her at patsyterrell@gmail.com----- Submitted by Marci Penner and the Kansas Sampler Foundation
The Bus Stops Here
Kansas Travel & Tourism, a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce, recently attended the American Bus Association (ABA) Convention in National Harbor, MD. Appointments were conducted with tour planners either specifically requesting Kansas itineraries or information or looking for new stops across the state to add to current tours. To secure new business for Kansas, success is dependent on industry partners working together, cross-selling and following up on the information requested. These leads may be obtained by contacting Kelli Hilliard,
khilliard@kansascommerce.com or at (785) 296-4922.
Historic property owners interested in promoting their destination to the group tour market can also find TourKansas membership information by clicking this link: TourKANSAS.
Looking for an Historic Home on Tour
Katherine Worthen prefers to give her turn-of-the-century furniture to a small town who might be opening a historic home for tours (not as a residence). She has a bed, living room furniture, stove, parlor furniture, late 1800s recliner, kitchenware, writing desk, wall items, trunks, 1920s vacuum cleaner, late 1800s organ, and more. She does not want to give it to a museum that would only display it once in awhile. She is located north of Solomon. She does not want recognition nor money but would like to give it to a non-profit that really needs it and would appreciate it -- and would pick it up. Contact Katherine at 785.280.0127 or 785.655.4432.
Excerpted from Kansas Sampler Foundations' "WeKan Tidbits"
8 WONDERS OF KANSAS HISTORY NOMINATIONS
Due through March 30
UPDATE (4/21/10) 24 Finalists Chosen, See Kansas Heritage Tourism
UPDATE:(3/29/10)
Submitted by Marci Penner
Kansas Sampler Foundation
Here is the list of those nominated by the public for the 8 Wonders of Kansas History. Please look at this carefully. If something significant in your area is not listed here, please take steps to get it nominated by March 31 at midnight.
It's important to let the committee know how significant your piece of history is.
To see the criteria and to use the submit form, go to www.8wonders.org. Or, send an e-mail to marci@kansassampler.org.
Whether these nominations fit History criteria or not, they are listed here because they were nominated. Contact Marci at marci@kansassampler.org if you have questions.
NOMINATIONS MADE TO DATE
1854 Sixth Principal Meridian 40th Parallel Marker, Mahaska
1922 Stutz Fire Truck, Seneca
1958 Tornado Victim's Memorial, El Dorado
All Veteran's Memorial Park, Wichita
Baker University, Baldwin City
Battle Canyon 1878, Scott County
Blue Rapids Baseball Field
Boot Hill Museum Santa Fe Trail Rut Site, near Howell
Boot Hill Museum, Dodge City
Brown v. Board of Ed, Topeka
Butterfield Overland Despatch/Smoky Hill Trail
Charles Curtis House, Topeka
Cherry Creek Encampment, Cheyenne Co.
City of Council Grove History Tour
Codell Tornadoes
Constitution Hall
Coronado Bridle Bit, Liberal
Coronado-Quivira Museum, Lyons
Crispin's Drug Store Museum, Lincoln
Dodge City Front Street
Donald Cannonball Green/Cannonball Stageline Highway
Faris Caves, Kanopolis
Fort Harker, Kanopolis
Fort Hays State Historic Site
Fort Larned National Historic Site
Fort Scott National Historic Site
Fort Wallace Museum, cemetery, and site
Ghost Riders of the Chisholm Trail Silhouettes, Caldwell
Globe Refiners Gold Medal Olympic Basketball Team, McPherson
Goodnow House & Wolf House, Manhattan
Highland Community College, Highland
Historic Adobe Museum, Ulysses
Historic Fort Riley
Hollenberg Pony Express Station, Hanover
Home on the Range Cabin, Smith County
Humboldt, Civil War History Tour
John Brown Museum State Historic Site, Osawatomie
Kanopolis Lake Legacy Trail Self-Guided Auto Tour
Kansas Aviation Museum, Wichita
Lansing Correctional Facility/Kansas State Penitentiary
Little Dog Lost, Westmoreland
Marion County Lake CCC Project
Marysville's "Short Block"
Marysville's Pony Express Home Station & #1 Barn & Museum
Memorial Peace Park "Treaty of 1867"
Mennonite Heritage & Ag Museum, Goessel
Mid-America Air Museum, Liberal
Naismith Arrives in Lawrence 1898
National Orphan Train Complex, Concordia
Natural Gas Discovery, Paola
Native American Heritage Museum, Highland
Nelson Rogers Residence, White Cloud
Nicodemus National Historic Site
Oil Patch Museum, Russell
Old Cowtown Museum, Wichita
Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade Historic Site, Topeka
Orpheum Performing Arts Centre, Wichita
Otoe Indian Burial Ground, Beattie
Pawnee Indian Museum, Republic
Perkins Building, Coffeyville
Pike Trail Marker, Ottawa County
Rock Island Depot and Grier Hotel, Liberal
Roniger Memorial Museum, Cottonwood Falls
Schonhoff Dutch Mill, Wamego
Scott Springs Oregon Trail Park, Westmoreland
Shawnee Indian Mission, Fairway
Shawnee Town, Shawnee
Smoky Valley Roller Mill, Lindsborg
Spring Creek Car Museum, Wetmore
Spring Creek Valley, Saline/Ellsworth counties
St. John Science Museum, St. John
Susanna Salter Home, Argonia
The Amazon Army, Pittsburg
Wilbur Chapman Home, White Cloud
The Black Jack Battlefield, Baldwin City
The Cherokee Strip Land Rush Museum, Arkansas City
The County Seat War of Wichita County
The Dalton Gang Hideout, Meade
The Osage Mission, Neosho County
The Waconda Springs Replica at Waconda Lake
The Whole Wall, Concordia
Topeka Santa Fe Shops
University of Kansas Natural History Museum, Lawrence
Walter Chrysler House, Wamego
Windmill Lane, Hiawatha
Criteria are listed below. Process info is available by following prompts at 8wonders.org. If potential nominators are not sure if or how a piece of history might fit the criteria, they may contact Marci at 620.585.2374 or e-mail marci@kansassampler.org. The committee is looking for unique slices of history that are accompanied by something great to see!
Criteria for History Nomination:
The entry must be something to see (not just a story) and must be publicly accessible.
Interpretation of the visual evidence is a plus.
- The entry should be unique to Kansas and definitely unique in the state. As an example: Undoubtedly there will be many Santa Fe Trail entries. What we're looking for is the site that stands above all other Santa Fe Trail sites in multi-states and also within Kansas. Another example: African Americans moved to many states after the Civil War but Nicodemus is the only black settlement remaining west of the Mississippi. That fact that it is the "only" gets the committees attention.
The entry must be specific, not broad and general. For instance, "the Pony Express" would be general. The Hollenberg Station near Hanover would be specific.
The entry needs to possess a "wow" factor, in either the particular piece of history or the evidence of it.
The entry cannot be an event.
Please choose your best History entry rather than submit multiple nominations. It's not likely that we would choose more than one, maybe two entries from any particular city so help us focus on your best. (It's your job in the nomination to set your place apart from similar topic places in Kansas and beyond. Do not expect the committee to do further research. Everything we need to know to make the decision should be in your nomination.)
More information is available at www.kansassampler.org.
If your property is located along a Kansas Scenic Byway...
Deadline April 1, 2010
The Federal Highway Administration is now seeking grant proposals for National Scenic Byways Program funding consideration for FY 2010. Projects submitted for consideration should benefit the byway traveler’s experience, whether it will help manage the intrinsic qualities that support the byway’s designation, shape the byway’s story, interpret the story for visitors, or improve visitor facilities along the byway. In selecting projects, the FHWA will consider projects that can demonstrate a value-added livability component. Info regarding submitting a grant application is available from Scott Shields at (785) 296-4149 and http://www.bywaysonline.org/grants. Submission deadline is April 1, 2010.
RARE OPPORTUNITY
Venues Sought For Western Music
Roger Ringer, rural Medicine Lodge and vice president of the Western Music Association, Kansas chapter, is seeking venues where Kansas and nationwide artists could perform. Please send locations, costs, and contact info to Roger at bunkhouse@havilandtelco.com. Any venue that hires live music is encouraged to send information.
Submitted by the Kansas Sampler Foundation
Entrepreneurship Tax Credits Still Available
NetWork Kansas announces that there are still more than $400,000 in Entrepreneurship Tax Credits available for the current calendar year. Donors receive a dollar-for-dollar credit against their state income tax liability and are also eligible to receive a federal and state tax deduction, the amount of which should be determined with their personal tax advisor. In addition, current donors can designate a portion of their contributions to the following selected NetWork Kansas Entrepreneurship Communities: Greeley County, Finney County, Hillsboro, Inman, Kiowa County, Osage County, Pottawatomie County, Salina, and Scott County.
NetWork Kansas has helped more than 90 businesses in rural Kansas through its StartUp Kansas and Entrepreneurship (E-) Community programs. StartUp Kansas is a program that provides matching funds through its partner network to entrepreneurs and small businesses in rural and distressed Kansas communities. StartUp Kansas and E-Community are replenished each year by donations received through the Kansas Entrepreneurship Tax Credit Program.
NetWork Kansas works with nearly 500 Resource Partners statewide who are public sector or non-profit organizations providing business-building services to entrepreneurs and small businesses. Entrepreneurs looking for personal assistance are encouraged to call our toll-free telephone number: 877-521-8600 to speak with one of our referral coordinators.
Donors interested in specific communities or additional information about the Entrepreneurship Tax Credit or StartUp Kansas programs can contact Erik Pedersen at 316-978-7310 or send email to: epedersen@networkkansas.com.; the Network Kansas site is http://www.networkkansas.com.; To download the flier click on this: NetWorkKS_TaxCrdtFlier_wK-31_FINAL.pdf
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!
Call for Submissions
The Kansas Humanities Council is calling for submissions for their FLIKS (Film Lovers in Kansas) series and there's plenty of time for you to meet this deadline!
Submission Guidelines:
· Length – 15 minutes or less
· Humanities focus
· Documentary, Narrative, Animation, or Experimental.
· Local, Statewide, National & International films are accepted. Films pertaining to the state of
Kansas are welcomed, but not a prerequisite.
· DVD/NTSC format
Deadline: December 17, 2010 NEW!
More info is available on www.kansashumanities.org or from Dan Carey-Whalen at (785) 357-0359,
dan@kansashumanities.org.
FOR SALE
Historic Shortridge House, shortridgehouse@gmail.com
ARE YOU HIRING?
Here are some tax credit opportunities you may want to consider, Work Opportunity Tax Credit ,
via the Kansas Department of Commerce.
FILL 'ER UP! (Remember when we could say that?)
The Kansas Film Commission reports Outpost Worldwide is looking for an old gas station in NE Kansas for a music video shoot. Contact Jason Cantu / jason@outpostworldwide.com or Peter Jasso, pjasso@kansascommerce.com
JOB OPPORTUNITY
Vice President-Development National World War I Museum, Kansas City, MO
Editor's note: This item has been deleted because the opportunity was fulfilled. Congratulations to the successful applicant!