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Annual Meeting

Kansas Historical Society and Kansas Historical Foundation

151st Annual Members and Board of Directors Meeting on November 6, 2026

Save the date!

All members are encouraged to attend. The meeting will consist of the annual Board of Directors’ business meeting with the Presidential Address by Ted D. Ayers. The meeting will conclude by 4:00 p.m. with the ceremonial passing of the gavel from Ted D. Ayres to Eric Sexton. Directly following the annual meeting from 4:30-6:00 p.m. is a public reception and unveiling event for the new John Stuart Curry mural.

There is no cost to attend this meeting, but registration is highly encouraged. Please register by October 31, 2026. To register:

Thank you for your continued support of the Kansas Historical Society.

 

 

Nominees: Board of Directors

Article VIII of the bylaws of the Kansas State Historical Society, Inc., dba Kansas Historical Foundation, provides that the names of the nominees to the board of directors to be voted on at the annual meeting shall be approved by the executive committee and given to the membership by publication at least 30 days prior to the annual meeting, November 6, 2026.

In compliance with this provision, the nominating committee respectfully submitted the following slate of nominations at the Kansas Historical Foundation executive committee, and the executive committee approved. Nominees have agreed to serve if elected.

Nominees to the board of directors for a three-year term ending after the annual meeting 2029 (Class of 2029):

Emily Bradbury, Wellsville

Shelley Hickman Clark, Lawrence

Teri Finneman, Lawrence

Steve Foutch, Parkville, MO

Heather Fuesz, Eureka

Lidia Gray, Liberal

Katharine Hensler, Manhattan

Linda P. Jeffrey, Topeka

Sarah Kessinger, Marysville

Lillian Lingenfelter, Emporia

Jim McLean, Topeka

Rusty Monhollon, Lawrence

Clint Patty, Topeka

Justin Pregont, Atchison

Parker Robb, Topeka

Marci Spaw, Alma

 

Members in italics are new nominees

 

Nominee to the Honorary Board from the Board of Directors

  • James Reynolds

Retiring Members of the Board of Directors

  • Athena Andaya
  • Gennifer Golden House

 

Nominees: Executive Committee and Officers

 

Article VIII of the bylaws of the Kansas State Historical Society, Inc., dba Kansas Historical Foundation, provides that the names of the nominees as officers and members of the executive committee to be voted on at the annual meeting shall be approved by the executive committee and given to the membership by publication at least 30 days prior to the annual meeting or 15 days if nominated by petition. 

In compliance with this provision, the nominating committee respectfully submitted the following slate of nominations at the Kansas Historical Foundation executive committee and the executive committee approved. Nominees have agreed to serve if approved by the executive committee and elected by the board of directors.

Nominees for officers and executive committee members:

Executive Committee Officers 2027 (one-year term):

  • President:                                Eric Sexton, Wichita
  • President Elect:                       Vance Kelley, Topeka
  • Vice President:                        Rita L. Noll, Council Grove
  • Secretary:                                Laura Lutz, Berryton
  • Past President:                        Ted D. Ayres, Wichita

Executive Committee Nominees for Class of 2029 (three-year terms):

  • Debra Goodrich, Oakley
  • Melissa McCoy, Dodge City
  • Allana Saenger-Parker, Baldwin City

Executive Committee Nominee for Class of 2028 (two-year term):

  • Jim McLean, Topeka

Retiring Members of the Executive Committee

  • Lidia Gray
  • Gennifer Golden House
  • W. Walter Menninger
  • John D. Pinegar
  • Dru Sampson