Featured Exhibits
Special Exhibits
Dole & Dr. K: A Story of Loss and Recovery Turned Advocacy for Armenia
Now open in the Elizabeth Dole Gallery & Reading Room
About the Exhibit
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.”
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.