Distance Learning Opportunities

Brown v. Board of Education NHS has the capability of providing distance learning programs. Please contact the Education Department by phone at (785) 354-4273 x247.

Nearby Attractions

In Topeka

Visit Topeka Inc. has a complete listing of activities and current events in the city of Topeka. Click here to visit their website.

In Kansas

The Kansas Travel and Tourism Division has developed a website to help you plan your visit to Kansas. Click here to visit their website.

Other National Park Service sites in Kansas:

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
The preserve protects and interprets a nationally significant example of the once vast tallgrass prairie ecosystem. The 10,894-acre preserve includes an 1881 historic ranch house, limestone barn and outbuildings, and one-room schoolhouse. The preserve is located near Strong City, 80 miles southwest of Topeka.

Fort Scott National Historic Site
The U.S. Army established Fort Scott in 1842 as a base along the permanent Indian frontier. The site's 20 historic structures, parade ground, and restored tallgrass prairie interpret the opening of the West, the permanent Indian frontier, the Mexican-American War, Bleeding Kansas, the Civil War and the expansion of the railroads. The site is located in Fort Scott, 145 miles southeast of Topeka.

Fort Larned National Historic Site
Fort Larned was established midway along the Santa Fe Trail in 1859 to protect the mail and travelers. With nine restored buildings, it is the best preserved Indian Wars military post on the Santa Fe Trail. The site is located near Larned, 215 miles southwest of Topeka.

Nicodemus National Historic Site
Nicodemus, Kansas is the only remaining western town established by African Americans during the Reconstruction period following the Civil War. It represents the involvement of African Americans in the westward expansion and settlement of the Great Plains. The site is located in Nicodemus, 250 miles west of Topeka.

Things To Do

Brown v. Board of Education NHS is located in the former Monroe Elementary School, one of four African American elementary schools. The school has recently been rehabilitated to its 1954 appearance.

1) When you first enter the site, you will be welcomed by a park ranger who will introduce you to the story and the site.

2) Next, you will enter the auditorium. On seven large screens, the award-winning film Race and the American Creed appears daily on a continuous basis. The film includes five clips, each five minutes long, and explores events in history which led up to the Brown v. Board of Education case.

3) Across the hall is your next stop, the "Education and Justice" gallery. You will learn more about the people, places and events that shaped the years right before and after the decision. There are several interactive computer stations, as well as short films to learn more about the story. Walk through the "Hall of Courage" to determine for yourself how you would have felt being discriminated against.

4) Across the hall from the "Education and Justice" gallery is the bookstore, which stocks many books, videos and CDs with information related to the Brown case, the civil rights movement, African American history, and the National Park Service.

5) After exiting the bookstore, walk down to the other end of the hall, and on your left is the "The Legacy of Brown v. Board of Education" gallery. You will discover events that happened as a result of Brown, and the continuing struggle for equality. There are several information kiosks and music stations, as well as the inspirational film Pass It On and the special exhibit "What Do You Think?".

6) Your last stop is across the hall in the former kindergarten room which is now the "Expressions and Reflections" gallery. Inside are four computer stations where you can share your thoughts in words, pictures or speech. There are places to sit and reflect on all of the information you learned about in your visit.

Please note:
The second floor of the building is closed to the public. The space is used for National Park Service and Brown Foundation offices.