Most Kansans can trace their heritage to another part of the world. Some came in search of a better life for themselves or their children—many came to join families or friends. Between 1865 and 1880, Kansas attracted immigrants at a faster pace than anywhere else in the United States. The state’s population grew from 107,205 in 1860 to 1,428,108 in 1890—thanks to the irresistible promise of a better life through land and jobs. In 1870, 13% of Kansas’ total population was foreign-born. Today, 6% of all Kansans are foreign-born.

This is the unique story told in Americans by Choice: The Story of Immigration & Citizenship in Kansas, a new permanent exhibit at the Robert J. Dole Courthouse in Kansas City, Kansas. In this exhibit, ten large multi-dimensional graphic panels with maps, photographs, documents, text and quotes convey the personal struggles, sacrifices and accomplishments along the path to U.S. citizenship for many Kansans. Take an interactive “citizenship test” and see a documentary video where new citizens describe what it means to be an American.

The exhibit was commissioned by the United States District Court for the District of Kansas in 2011 in conjunction with its 150th anniversary and to commemorate its role in the naturalization process. The Kansas federal court hosts more than 20 such ceremonies throughout the district each year where an average of 2,400 petitioners become naturalized U.S.

Kansas City Exhibit Location

6th Floor, Robert J. Dole United States Courthouse
500 State Avenue
Kansas City, Kansas 66101

Parking is available across the street on the corner of 5th and Washington.  Please do not bring cell phones or other electronic devices in the courthouse.

Hours of Operation

Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except for federal holidays

Schedule a Tour

To schedule a group tour contact Kim Leininger at Kim_Leininger@ksd.uscourts.gov or  to register online, click here!

See Americans by Choice in a Community Near You!

Two sets of a traveling version of the exhibit are now touring the state. Traveling exhibit can be viewed at the following locations. Check host site websites for hours and admissions fees, where applicable, and exhibit related public programming.

Old Depot Museum, Ottawa                      

http://www.olddepotmuseum.org/historical-sites/old-depot-museum/

 

May 8 – July 30, 2012

Kauffman Museum, North Newton        

                http://www.bethelks.edu/kauffman/

 

July 14 – September 2, 2012

Kansas City, Missouri Public Library, Central

http://www.kclibrary.org/

 

August 15 – September 30, 2012

Eisenhower Presidential Museum & Library, Abilene

http://www.eisenhower.archives.gov/index.htm

September 13 – Oct. 21, 2012

University of St. Mary’s, Leavenworth  

                http://www.stmary.edu/

 

October 10 – December 16, 2012

Salina Public Library, Salina                                          

                http://www.salinapubliclibrary.org/

 

November 1 – Dec. 15, 2012

Forsythe Library, Ft. Hays State Univ., Hays         

                http://www.fhsu.edu/library/geninfo/contacts/

 

January 2 – Feb 20, 2013

Reno County Historical Society, Hutchinson        

                http://www.renocomuseum.org/

 

March 1 – May 19, 2013

Leonard Axe Library, Pittsburgh State University, Pittsburg             

                http://axe.pittstate.edu/

 

March 20 – May 12, 2013

Ft. Scott Historic Site, Ft. Scott                                   

                http://www.nps.gov/fosc/index.htm

 

May 24 – July 7, 2013

Riley County Museum/Library/Town Mall            

                http://www.rileycountyks.gov/index.aspx?nid=328

 

May 30 – July 9, 2013

Wichita-Sedgwick County Museum                        

http://wichitahistory.org/

 

July 15 – September 1, 2013

Stauth Memorial Museum, Montezuma                              

                http://www.stauthmemorialmuseum.org/

 

July 21 – September 1, 2013

Kansas State Historical Society Research Center                

http://www.kshs.org/

 

September 13 – Nov. 3, 2013

Old Mill Museum, Lindsborg                                      

http://www.oldmillmuseum.org/ 

  

September 16 – Nov. 2, 2013
Immigration Exhibit Documentary

To view the documentary video, “The American Dream in Kansas: In Their Own Words” click here.

In The News
http://www.kansascity.com/2011/10/28/3235664/kck-exhibit-focuses-on-naturalized.html