The Greenwood County Historical Society will host “Kansas Legends and Folktales,” a presentation and discussion by Jim Hoy on Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. at the Greenwood County Museum, 120 W. 4th Street, in Eureka. Members of the community are invited to attend the free program. Contact the Greenwood County Historical Society at 620-583-6682 for more information. The program is made possible by Humanities Kansas.
The Greenwood County Historical Society strives to celebrate the history, past and present, of Greenwood County. The museum has extensive displays of life in Greenwood County and is excited to reinstate the fifth Monday program offerings.
Grasshoppers so big that cowboys can ride them to herd cattle. Summers so hot that corn pops in the field. Rancher Henry Mudge wrecking pianos, shooting sheep, and fooling European dignitaries. Kansas is a place of big skies and tall tales, and big exaggerated narratives like these help us understand the character of our state and its people. This talk will explore some of Kansas’s most outlandish legends and folktales and help audiences decipher between a myth (folk religion), legend (folk history) and tale (folk literature).
Hoy is a professor of English and folklorist who works with the Center for the Great Plains Studies at Emporia State University. He has lectured internationally on the folklife of ranching and is the co-author of “Plains Folk,” a syndicated newspaper column.
“Kansas Legends and Folktales” is part of Humanities Kansas’s Speakers Bureau, featuring humanities-based presentations designed to share stories that inspire, spark conversations that inform, and generate insights that strengthen civic engagement.
Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit leading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen communities and democracy. Since 1972, the pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with partners and supporters, Kansans are inspired to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas. org.
(Courtesy photo) Article submitted by Jan Stephens
