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Traveling Resource Trunks

Bring Kansas history to you! This exciting series of traveling resource trunks is created for teachers, youth group leaders, museums, libraries, retirement centers, and other Kansans looking for a unique and educational way to share the rich heritage of Kansas with others. This is a great way for anyone to learn historical thinking skills, practice asking questions about the past, study history from multiple perspectives, and share their knowledge through creative activities.

January 2026 Availability

Trunks Available:

All Trunks Include:

  • A teaching manual with lesson plans
  • High quality reproductions
  • Primary sources in a paper or digital format
  • A suggested grade level that correlates to the lessons in the trunk. Trunks are available for use with any age group.

Reservation Information:

  • Trunks are available for use by Kansas residents.
  • Reservations last four weeks, beginning and ending on Wednesdays.
  • Please request trunks at least two weeks in advance. Further notice may be necessary during peak periods. Trunks are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Fill out the online request form to reserve a trunk. A KSHS staff member will respond to your request within 2-5 business days. Trunk reservations are not confirmed until you have received a confirmation email.
  • For questions regarding traveling trunks, please email kshs.education@ks.gov or call 785-272-8681, ext. 416.

Trunk Fee:

Beginning December 1, 2025, the reservation fee for trunks will increase to $40 due to rising costs. Trunk requests submitted before December will be invoiced for the previous rate of $30. Please email kshs.education@ks.gov with any questions regarding this change.

  • There is a $40 reservation fee for each trunk. This fee is refundable if the trunk is cancelled a minimum of two weeks before the start of the reservation.
  • Borrowers are still responsible for fees if the reservation is not cancelled a minimum of two weeks in advance.
  • Borrowers who fail to pick up the requested trunk within their reservation window are still responsible for the reservation fee.

Shipping or Picking Up Trunks:

  • Trunks can be shipped to the borrower at no additional cost or picked up in Topeka. Trunks borrowed in Shawnee County must be picked up.
  • Trunks being picked up will be ready after 12:00 p.m. on the reservation start date.
  • 24/7 security is available, allowing borrowers to pick up trunks at their convenience.

Returning Trunks:

  • Borrowers are responsible for return arrangements including associated costs. Trunks may be shipped back or dropped off in Topeka.
  • Return shipping costs vary depending on the trunk. The weight and dimensions of each trunk can be found on the specific trunk webpage. Trunks must be insured for $500 when shipping.
  • We have 24/7 security so trunks can be dropped off at the borrower’s convenience.
  • Please ensure the trunk is returned on time as others may have it reserved after you.