Dole & Dr. K: A Story of Loss and Recovery Turned Advocacy for Armenia
2025-04-01 - 2026-02-01 | The Dole Institute of Politics, 2350 Petefish Drive, Lawrence, KS, 66045, United States
This special exhibit will be closing on February 1, 2026, to prepare for a new special exhibit. Make plans to visit the Dole Institute’s Museum & Galleries, open Tuesday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., by visiting our website.

Can’t make it to see this exhibit? View the online exhibit on Dole Collections Online →

A young Bob Dole, searching for a fuller recovery from grave World War II injuries, connected with Armenian surgeon Dr. Hampar Kelikian. Over the course of seven surgeries in seven years, “Dr. K” shared his story of loss and renewal around the 1915 Armenian Genocide—inspiring Dole as he worked to reimagine his future and build a new life.
Kelikian’s lessons resonated with Dole in the decades following as he entered public service. Throughout his time in the U.S. Senate, Dole championed Armenia, including calling for official recognition of the Armenian Genocide – despite long odds and competing national interests.
This exhibit is based on the research of Michael Bobelian, who served as the Dole Archives Fellow for Armenian Advocacy in 2018. Mr. Bobelian is the author of “Children of Armenia: A Forgotten Genocide and the Century-Long Struggle for Justice.”

September 11, 2001: The Day That Changed the World
2025-09-02 - 2025-09-14
In commemoration of the anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks, the Dole Institute will be displaying a special memorial poster exhibit, “September 11, 2001: The Day That Changed the World,” developed by the 9/11 Memorial Museum with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
The exhibit reviews the events of the day, highlights personal experiences, and invites reflections from all patrons. Guests can also view the Institute’s permanent September 11 Memorial in Hansen Hall, featuring two original beams from World Trade Center Tower 1.
Plan your visit to the Dole Institute’s Museum & Galleries →

America at 250 Special Exhibits
2026-02-16 - 2026-09-07
Commemorate America at 250 with three special exhibits highlighting the Declaration of Independence, Kansas, and the last major commemoration of America’s founding. Experience these special exhibits starting Feb. 16, on display in the Elizabeth Dole Gallery & Reading Room.
Declaration 1776: The Big Bang of Modern Democracy uses primary sources to illustrate how Americans and people across the world have been inspired by the Declaration of Independence in their pursuit of equality and self-determination. This special exhibit was developed by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.
Spirit of ’76 features original artifacts from the Dole Archives that highlight the 1976 Bicentennial celebrations, which commemorated 200 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Kansas in 1776 provides insight into what the Kansas landscape looked like while the Founding Fathers penned the Declaration of Independence in 1776. This special exhibit was developed by Humanities Kansas.

This exhibit is presented in partnership with Humanities Kansas
