The Dole Institute of Politics

Address
2350 Petefish Drive
Lawrence, KS 66045 United States Get Directions

The mission of the Dole Institute of Politics is to promote political and civic participation as well as civil discourse in a bi-partisan, balanced manner.

By providing a forum for discussion of political and economic issues, fostering public service leadership and encouraging participation in the political process, we emphasize that politics is an honorable profession and that only through political and civic participation can citizens redirect the course of our nation. While the objective is to accomplish this mission on a broad scale, our location at the University of Kansas provides a unique opportunity for outreach to young people and students.

We utilize the three distinct components of the Dole Institute to accomplish this mission: unique displays that tell the compelling story of Bob Dole’s life in the context of Kansas and The Greatest Generation; one of the largest congressional archives in existence which houses all of the Senator’s congressional papers; and finally, the vigorous public programming conducted by the Dole Institute.

Events at this venue

Today

  • Left: Teri Finneman Middle: Katherine A. S. Sibley Right: Rebecca Roberts

    First Ladies and Power – Influential First Ladies You Might Not Know Much About

    Featured
    The Dole Institute of Politics 2350 Petefish Drive, Lawrence, KS, United States
    Hybrid Event

    Anyone asked to list the top first ladies usually draws on their own experience studying or knowing about the women during their lifetimes. A few first ladies were far more powerful than history classes typically reveal. This program centers on three of those women: Sarah Polk, Florence Harding, and Edith Wilson and the power they […]

  • Dr. Bill Nance

    Dr. Bill Nance: “Brittany to the Elbe: 9th Army’s Invasion of Europe in World War II”

    Event Category:
    Featured
    The Dole Institute of Politics 2350 Petefish Drive, Lawrence, KS, United States
    Hybrid Event

    "Brittany to the Elbe: 9th Army's Invasion of Europe in World War II" Dr. Bill Nance Thursday, February 2, 2023 | 3 p.m. While the 1944-45 campaign to liberate France is well known in general detail, many of the specifics are unclear. In this talk, we will explore the liberation of Western Europe through the […]

  • Left: Michael LaRosa and Right: Michael LaRosa

    Evolution of the Modern First Lady – How We Got from Lady Washington to Dr. Biden

    Featured
    The Dole Institute of Politics 2350 Petefish Drive, Lawrence, KS, United States
    Hybrid Event

    Since George Washington made it clear that Martha was his partner in the presidency by providing her with her own schedule of meetings and having her serve as hostess and surrogate, first ladies have each defined the role as it best suited their backgrounds, personalities, the times, and their husbands’ views of the role. Some […]

  • Stylized Kansas state flag with decorative sunflowers. Event banner reads, 'Discover with Dole! Free + Fun Museum Activities and Crafts. Celebrate Kansas Day!

    Discover with Dole – Kansas Day Celebrations

    Featured
    The Dole Institute of Politics 2350 Petefish Drive, Lawrence, KS, United States

    Celebrate Kansas Day all week long at the Dole Institute! Join us Tuesday, January 24 – Sunday February 5, with special emphasis on Jan. 29 for Discover with Dole! View our beautiful field of outdoor sunflowers, make your own special Kansas postcard using historical examples from the Dole Archives, and explore the state seal and […]

  • Bill Lacy

    2022 National Post-Election Conference (Session 2)

    Event Category:
    Featured
    The Dole Institute of Politics 2350 Petefish Drive, Lawrence, KS, United States
    Hybrid Event

    Dole Institute Director Emeritus Bill Lacy returns to moderate this comprehensive biennial conference that delves into the key strategies of elections. The National Post-Election Conference follows each national election and features political experts, state and national strategists, pollsters, journalists, and campaign officials who analyze how and why elections were won and lost, and what that […]

  • Bill Lacy

    2022 National Post-Election Conference (Session 1)

    Event Category:
    Featured
    The Dole Institute of Politics 2350 Petefish Drive, Lawrence, KS, United States
    Hybrid Event

    Dole Institute Director Emeritus Bill Lacy returns to moderate this comprehensive biennial conference that delves into the key strategies of elections. The National Post-Election Conference follows each national election and features political experts, state and national strategists, pollsters, journalists, and campaign officials who analyze how and why elections were won and lost, and what that […]

  • Bill Lacy

    2022 Kansas Post-Election Conference

    Event Category:
    Featured
    The Dole Institute of Politics 2350 Petefish Drive, Lawrence, KS, United States
    Hybrid Event

    Dole Institute Director Emeritus Bill Lacy returns to moderate this comprehensive biennial conference that delves into the key strategies of elections. The Kansas Post-Election Conference follows each Kansas election and features political experts, journalists, and campaign officials who analyze how and why elections were won and lost, and what that will mean for the next […]

  • Senator Bob Dole

    Honoring the first anniversary of Senator Bob Dole’s passing

    Event Category:
    Featured
    The Dole Institute of Politics 2350 Petefish Drive, Lawrence, KS, United States

    The Dole Institute will be open on Monday, December 5 On Monday, December 5, the Dole Institute of Politics will mark the first anniversary of Senator Bob Dole’s passing with music and reflection, as well as the debut of a newly renovated permanent exhibit case dedicated to his post-political service and passing. The museum will […]

  • Erika Cornelius Smith Headshot

    Service Above Self: Women Veterans in American Politics

    Featured
    The Dole Institute of Politics 2350 Petefish Drive, Lawrence, KS, United States
    Hybrid Event

    Erika Cornelius Smith will discuss her book, “Service above Self: Women Veterans in American Politics,” which tells the stories of women who served in or adjacent to the U.S. military and how they translated those experiences into elected office. The book is the first analysis of how women transitioned from national defense to public service--and […]

  • Pedro Irigonegaray (left) & Edward Duckers (right)

    The Counselors / Resolved: Felons should be allowed to vote after completing their sentence

    Featured
    The Dole Institute of Politics 2350 Petefish Drive, Lawrence, KS, United States
    Hybrid Event

    On November 10, the Dole Institute of Politics will once again host “The Counselors,” an engaging series featuring two advocates arguing either side of an important national issue. In a cross between a courtroom trial and a debate, the two counselors will present their opposing arguments and call two expert witnesses each to help build […]

  • Sean Kalic

    Fort Leavenworth: Sean Kalic: “Espionage during the Cold War”

    Event Category:
    Featured
    The Dole Institute of Politics 2350 Petefish Drive, Lawrence, KS, United States
    Hybrid Event

    For the duration of the Cold War and even in the aftermath, spies and tales of espionage have captivated the imagination. The fact that the western press occasionally found a “true” story and published its exploits only further fueled the fasciation of the clandestine exploits of the spies on both sides of the Cold War. […]

  • Discover with Dole Fall-ow the Leader

    Featured
    The Dole Institute of Politics 2350 Petefish Drive, Lawrence, KS, United States

    Come sit, stay, and play as we kick off our NEW family-friendly activities featuring the Dole family’s first schnauzer, Leader! Make your own Leader headband, learn about wacky political pets, and help tell the story of Leader the dog. The fun begins October 14 and runs through October 23 during museum hours Tuesday – Sunday, […]