News release
NICODEMUS — The National Park Service at Nicodemus National Historic Site invites all guests and visitors to join us in celebrating its 25-year anniversary on Saturday.
In November 1996, through Congressional law, the National Park Service was authorized to preserve, protect, and interpret the historical town of Nicodemus as the only remaining western town established by African Americans during the Reconstruction era following the Civil War, representing Black homesteading and settlement of the Great Plains.
In 1877, Black entrepreneurs in Topeka formed the Nicodemus Town Company to recruit homesteaders for its site in north-central Kansas. The first group or "colony" of 30 people settled, then a colony of 300 arrived from Kentucky. By 1879, the town center had a general store, hotel, churches, livery stables, post office, a school, and a real estate office. Nicodemus survives as a small community but a reminder of the exceptional achievements of Black homesteaders in the Great Plains.
The one-day event will feature a panel of guest speakers, including National Park Service dignitaries and personnel, historical society members, and Nicodemus descendants and partners. Discussion and program topics will range from the success and challenges of the site to future projects, and collaborations with the Nicodemus community and the National Historic Site.
"It is encouraging to see the progression over this past year, from hiring new staff to the rededication of the AME Church and now the celebration of Nicodemus' growth over 25 years." said Superintendent Frank Torres. "We have made great progress, and we look forward to accomplishing even more together in the future."
The event is open to the public and will take place from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Nicodemus Township Hall and Visitor Center. Attendees who register in advance are invited to a complimentary lunch provided by the Nicodemus Historical Society. Reservations must be made by 4 p.m. on Nov. 9 by calling the Township Hall at 785-839-4233 during business hours.
10:00-12:00 Discussion Topic: Legislation/Designation/Partners Why. Nicodemus? What was the process (Landmark Designation? HABS Study, Feasibility Study and Legislation)? Who was involved?
Panel Speakers: Angela Bates, historian-executive director Nicodemus Historical Society; Felix Revello, retired-Ft. Larned NHS; LaBarbara Wigfall, associate professor of landscape architecture; and regional and community planning; Dr. Johnella Holmes, former township trustee; Barrie Tompkins, Buffalo Soldiers Association; Robert Alexander, Homecoming Committee
12:00-1:00 Lunch Provided On-Site
1:00-3:00 Discussion Topic: Managers, staff, and partners? Projects? Challenges? Successes?
Panel Speakers: Mark Weaver, former Nicodemus NHS superintendent; Sherda Williams, superintendent Brown v. Board of Education Park Rangers; Reggie Murray and LueCreasea Horne Bruce Harvey, Nicodemus NHS administrative history; Angela Bates, executive director Nicodemus Historical Society
3:00-4:00 Discussion Topic: Trust for Public Lands and the Future of Nicodemus. What is the Trust for Public Lands and its involvement with Nicodemus? What lies ahead for Nicodemus?
Speakers: Starr Woods, Project Associate, Trust for Public Lands; Clara Wooden, former NPS deputy regional director; Frank Torres, superintendent Nicodemus National Historic Site.