Join the Smoky Hill Museum as it hosts “The Common and Quirky Mascots of Kansas,” a free presentation and discussion by Jordan Poland on Thursday, March 3 at 5:30 pm. Jordan Poland is the Director of the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame in Wichita. The program is made possible by the Kansas Humanities Council.

Sports mascots from the Sunflower State come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. From the most recognizable, like KU’s Jayhawk and K-State’s Wildcat, to more obscure mascots like the Fowler Goldbugs and the Hill City Ringnecks, these characters often reflect the history and character of the towns they represent.

“Mascots are one of the features that distinguish Kansas communities,” said Poland. “It’s not a coincidence that many mascots around the state are represented on their community’s water tower because mascots are an important identifier of who we are and where we come from.”

“The Common and Quirky Mascots of Kansas” is part of the Kansas Humanities Council’s Humanities Speakers Bureau, featuring presentations and discussions that connect communities with history, traditions, and ideas to strengthen civic life. The event is partially supported by generous gifts from the Johnson County Community College Foundation and the Rotary Club of Shawnee Mission to honor the memory of Fred Krebs, a lifelong advocate of the humanities in Kansas. For more information about KHC programs contact the Kansas Humanities Council at 785-357-0359 or visit online at www.kansashumanities.org.

For more information about “The Common and Quirky Mascots of Kansas,” contact the Smoky Hill Museum at 785-309-5776 or visit smokyhillmuseum.org.

The Smoky Hill Museum is a nationally accredited history museum, in the heart of downtown Salina, Kansas. This FREE museum is open Tuesday–Friday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Also, be sure to stop by the Museum Store for a wide variety of regional and Kansas products, local artwork and gifts for all ages.