COMMUNITY TO COMMUNITY: POLICY EQUITY FOR ALL
The Nicodemus Historical Society
The Nicodemus Historical Society (NHS), led by Founder and Nicodemus descendant Angela Bates, is the primary policy partner for C2C Fellow and professor Dr. Ashley Adams’ research project. The mission of the Nicodemus Historical Society (founded in 1989) is to collect, preserve, and interpret the history (photographs, written materials, and objects) of Nicodemus. To this end, much has been accomplished during the last 34 years through collaboration with residents, descendants, professional organizations, educational institutions, interested individuals, and the National Park Service. Efforts were also expended to acquire national site designation for five buildings within the Nicodemus Historic Landmark District in northwest Kansas. The official designation of Nicodemus National Historic Site was achieved in 1996, after six years of working with the community, Senators Robert Dole and Pat Roberts and the National Park Service.
Settlers of Nicodemus were formerly enslaved African Americans, who left Kentucky at the end of the of post-Civil War Reconstruction period to experience freedom in the “Promised Land” of Kansas. Nicodemus represents the involvement of African Americans in the westward expansion and settlement of the Great Plains. It is the oldest and only remaining Black town west of the Mississippi River, established at the end of Reconstruction. Despite this noteworthy government preservation designation, this richly historic place is considered underrepresented within the National Park system and in public memory. Examining the representation of Nicodemus’ history, Dr. Adams’ previous research analyzed the cultural and historic impacts of its national designation.
Although Nicodemus is not alone in its struggle to find adequate political and financial support, it continues to contend with inadequate historic building maintenance and other resource challenges. Dr. Adams’ genealogical research and survey project with Nicodemus descendants is bringing attention to the critical need for our nation to prioritize African American history and preserve for future generations historically significant sites, especially those that have warranted national historic site designation.
Photo courtesy of Kansas Historical Society Nicodemus’ Town Square, 1885
Angela Bates is the founder of the Nicodemus Historical Society and has achieved the vision of a community organization that would collect, preserve, and interpret the history of Nicodemus. The historical society collections include thousands of historic photos, documents, and objects. Ms. Bates first envisioned the organization when she was handed the preservation baton from her great cousin and former NFL football player Veryl Switzer. In 1996 her efforts to get Nicodemus designated as a unit of the National Park Service were finally realized. After 30 years of hard work, she continues to pursue efforts that contribute to her legacy as an honored steward of her hometown Nicodemus. Dr. Ashley Adams is also a descendant of early Nicodemus settlers and serves as board secretary for the Nicodemus Historical Society. She works intimately with Ms. Bates and other community leaders to continue as dedicated stewards of their phenomenal legacy and shared vision to improved preservation efforts at the historic and nationally recognized Nicodemus, Kansas.
To support this important organization, please donate here.
Content and photo provided by Dr. Ashley Adam’s recent policy report and the NHS website: https://www.nicodemushistoricalsociety.org