It is time to mark your calendar for the celebration of Kansas’ Birthday!  The Trego County Historical Society plans to celebrate the 164th birthday of the state with their annual Kansas Day program on Sunday, January 26, starting at 2 p.m. at the museum.    

The program this year will be the “Swords into Plowshares: A History of Frontier Army Gardens” presented by Jeremy Gill of Hays.   His presentation will delve into the history of American gardens as they evolved alongside the nation's westward expansion.  It will explore the often-overlooked role that gardening played at 19th-century military outposts, focusing on the challenges soldiers faced while cultivating gardens on the Kansas prairie.  Attendees will learn why gardening was essential for soldiers and homesteaders, how it contributed to their food supply, and the resilience required to thrive in a harsh and unfamiliar environment.

Jeremy Gill is a historian specializing in the Great Plains, environmental history, and horticulture. With a passion for exploring the interconnected stories of people and landscapes, he has shared his expertise at conferences, museums, libraries, historic sites, and podcasts sharing insights into the region’s rich history and its relationship with nature. 

So, plan to join on January 26, at the Trego County Historical Society Museum for the annual Kansas Day celebration.  For more information, contact the Trego County Historical Society at 785-743-2964. 

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