Kanza Museum
Welcome to the Kanza Museum
Kanza (Kaw, Kansa) Indians have a long rich history. Each day we uncover more history of our heritage and where we came from. We invite you, your family and friends to view this site.
Mission statement
The Kanza Museum and Education Resource Center is to serve the tribal membership by providing it access to the cultural heritage of the tribe through: educating the tribal membership and general public regarding the tribal history; collecting and preserving culturally relevant materials; showcasing traditional and contemporary tribal arts and artifacts; promoting cultural activities and workshops; and serving as a resource center for all. The presentation of Kanza cultural heritage will encompass the broad spectrum of the tribe’s proud existence from the beginning of Kanza recorded history, through the present time and into the future.
New Kanza Museum Acquisition
John Koopman Sr. has donated a painting to the Kanza Museum in Allison Koopmans name. The painting was created by William K. Lessert. Lessert was born in 1889 and died in 1961. He studied music in Chicago, Illinois and studied painting in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The painting was then passed down through the Dennison family; after Tommy passed away his brother Leonard Dennison gave the painting to Marie Lessert Koopman, which was William Lessert daughter.
John Koopman Sr. who donated the painting was Marie’s son. John turned the painting over to his granddaughter, Allison Koopman, who requested the painting be donated to the Kanza Museum for all the Kanza People to enjoy.
Allison, your donation is very generous and the Kanza Museum will have this painting on display for all to enjoy.
Crystal Douglas
Kanza Museum -Director
About the new Kanza Museum logo
The Kanza Museum has combined the “Southwind” statue into the new logo design. The arch of the museum building represents the Kanza people, and the sculpture of the rider represents their relationship to nature and their respect of the south wind.
The logo also incorporates the four colors representing the directions they face to invoke the wind. East [red] is the first direction. South [black] is the second direction. West [yellow] is the third direction. North [blue] is the fourth direction.
Logo design is by Bryan M. Richter, Glenpool, Okla., who has also assisted in the production of the Kanza News and the Kaw Nation calendars since 2009.
Leadership Blackwell visits Kanza Museum
Leadership Blackwell visited the Kanza Museum on Tuesday to begin its tour of the Kaw Nation facilities and enterprises. Kanza Museum Director Crystal Douglas told the class members of featured people and artifacts in the museum. Leadership Blackwell is a yearly class aimed at fostering growth in leaders and potential leaders in the Blackwell area and helping them familiarize themselves with key resources and major players in the area. Kaw Nation is identified in the class as an important figure in the class.
