2006 Kansas Code - 73-2403

      73-2403.   Same; report and recommendations regarding commemoration. (a) The state motto, ad astra per aspera ("to the stars through difficulties"), references the seven-year struggle to make the Kansas territory into the 34^th star of the United States flag. That struggle shall frame the remembrance of many of the important events in the territorial era that led to statehood, such as territorial elections in 1855, the battle of black jack in 1856, the Lecompton constitution in 1857, the marais des cygnes massacre in 1858 and many others.

      (b)   The year 2004 shall be considered the kick-off date for the remembrance and commemoration of the history, heritage and national impact of the Kansas territorial era and, ultimately, for the commemoration in January 2011 of the sesquicentennial of Kansas statehood.

      (c)   The sesquicentennial of the Kansas territory, 2004, will be commemorated commencing January 2004 during Kansas day ceremonies in Topeka. The Kansas territorial sesquicentennial commission shall prepare an overall program for commemorating the signing of the Kansas-Nebraska Act in 1854 and plan, encourage, develop and coordinate observances and activities commemorating the creation of the Kansas territory in 1854 and its implications, both positive and negative, for the peoples in the region and for the future. Special consideration will be given to the history, heritage and national impact of the Kansas territorial period.

      (d)   In preparing its plans and programs, the Kansas territorial sesquicentennial commission shall consider recommendations developed by the advisory committee and local and private groups. The commission may designate special committees with representatives from local and private groups to plan, develop and coordinate specific activities. The advisory committee shall recommend to the commission ways in which Kansans of all ages may become familiar with the events involved in the history of the territorial period in Kansas and the nation.

      (e)   The Kansas territorial sesquicentennial commission, no later than July 1, 2002, shall submit to the governor a comprehensive report incorporating the commission's specific recommendations for commemoration of the Kansas sesquicentennial and related events. The governor shall transmit the commission's report to the legislature. The report may recommend activities, including, but not limited to:

      (1)   The production, publication and distribution of books, pamphlets, films and other education materials on the history, culture and political life of the people in the region during the territorial period;

      (2)   the development of bibliographical and documentary projects and publications, a website and other interactive media;

      (3)   conferences, convocations, lectures, seminars and other programs;

      (4)   the development of libraries, museums, historic sites and exhibits, including mobile exhibits;

      (5)   ceremonies and celebrations commemorating specific events;

      (6)   programs and activities on the national and international significance of the territorial period in Kansas history;

      (7)   the issuance of commemorative medals, seals, license plates and certificates of recognition; and

      (8)   proposals for legislation and administrative action that the commission considers necessary to carry out the commission's recommendations.

      (f)   The Kansas territorial sesquicentennial commission, no later than January 15, 2005, shall submit to the governor and the legislature:

      (1)   A report of all activities sponsored or supported by the commission pursuant to K.S.A. 73-2401 through 73-2405, inclusive, and amendments thereto, and recommendations of how the state can support continued territorial sesquicentennial activities and events from 2005 to 2011; and

      (2)   recommendations for planning the sesquicentennial of Kansas statehood in 2011.

      History:   L. 2001, ch. 152, § 4; July 1.