Featured Exhibits
Special Exhibits
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
This special exhibit from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History 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.
Spirit of ’76
The Dole Archives is proud to display many original artifacts from the 1976 Bicentennial celebrations, which commemorated 200 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Kansas in 1776
This display from Humanities Kansas provides insight into what the Kansas landscape looked like while the Founding Fathers penned the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Declaration 1776 was developed by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. These exhibits are presented in partnership with Humanities Kansas.
Interested in previous special exhibits at the Dole Institute?
Visit the Dole Archives website to see a selection of previous special exhibits that have been on display at the Dole Institute.
Permanent Exhibits
The Darby & Hansen Galleries
Open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Exhibits that Tell a Story
Surrounding the Dole Institute’s main halls are display cases that depict major moments of Senator Bob Dole’s life. These exhibits show and tell the story of Senator Dole’s childhood in Russell, Kansas, his service in World War II, his recovery and accession to Congress, major achievements, and his post-political career. Along the way, you’ll see unique archival objects that provide background on the Senator’s major accomplishments and the society as a whole throughout the 20th and 21st centuries.
The Kansas Veterans Virtual Memory Wall
When the Dole Institute was dedicated in 2003, over 1,000 World War II veterans joined Senator Bob Dole in being permanently displayed in the Darby Gallery. Since then, the Dole Institute has collected even more profiles from veterans who served in WWII and conflicts since. Explore this expansive database of Kansas veterans using our interactive kiosk in the Darby Gallery.
The World’s Largest Stained Glass American Flag Window & September 11 Memorial
In the south end of Hansen Hall, guests can take in the beauty of the world’s largest stained glass American flag window. Featuring over 900 unique pieces, the window was designed and installed by a group based out of St. Paul, Minnesota. Adjacent to the window are two original beams from the World Trade Center in New York, NY. Each beam was installed in Tower One, and later presented to the Dole Institute by Mayor Michael Bloomberg in appreciation for Senator Bob Dole’s work with former President Bill Clinton to develop the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund.
The Dole Institute is committed to universal accessibility in all programs and resources. We are in the process of making all of our web projects fully accessible. An accessible version of the material represented on this site will be made available upon request. Please contact us at doleinstitute@ku.edu to request the material be made available in an accessible format, or for general assistance.