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The Kansas Museum of History in Topeka has officially announced its reopening date—November 22, 2025—and will feature a powerful new mural by Stan Herd, who is returning to the museum nearly four decades after painting his first work there in 1988.
Herd’s original mural depicted life in the 1880s, but this time, he’s exploring a more modern and emotionally resonant period in the state’s history.
A Mural Rooted in Personal and State History
Calling it one of his “most important legacy works,” Herd’s new mural captures the essence of Kansas through a deeply personal and historical lens.
The piece opens with the devastating 1966 Topeka tornado and transitions into the cultural and political shifts of the early 1970s, including the Vietnam War.
“This mural tells my story, my family’s story, and Kansas’s story,” said Herd.
“The 1966 tornado was a defining moment for Topeka. It struck the capital and symbolized a turning point in our state.”
The mural also reflects broader societal changes of the time—long hairstyles, evolving music scenes, and the tragedy of 700 Kansan soldiers lost in Vietnam.
In-Depth Research Fuels Artistic Vision
To authentically portray Kansas’s past, Herd has immersed himself in historical research, drawing inspiration from museum exhibits and landmarks throughout the state.
His aim is to showcase the national impact of Kansas, something museum officials strongly support.
“Kansas sits at the heart of the country,” said Museum Director Sarah Bell.
“Our history—shaped by both famous and everyday Kansans—deserves to be celebrated.”
Celebrating Kansas’s Role on the National Stage
The mural is more than an artistic centerpiece—it’s a tribute to Kansas’s place in America’s story. Herd quoted famed journalist William Allen White, saying:
“As Kansas goes, so goes the nation. We’re not backwater here.”
His work is a visual reminder that Kansas has long been a crossroads of culture, resilience, and change.
The Kansas Museum of History is preparing for a grand reopening on November 22, 2025, and the new Stan Herd mural will stand as a powerful focal point.
Blending historical significance with personal storytelling, the mural highlights Kansas’s pivotal role in shaping national narratives and preserving cultural heritage.