• Exterior of Brown v. Board of Education NHS, the former Monroe Elementary School, at night.

    Brown v. Board of Education

    National Historic Site Kansas

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  • "From Brown to Brown: Topeka's Civil Rights Story" Bus Tours Now Available

    This new bus tour maps out locations in the city linked to local and national struggles for freedom and equality. Bus tours will be available Saturday, May 25, 2013 and June 1, 2013. Click on More for complete details of the tour. More »

  • 2013 Teacher Ranger Teacher Opportunity

    During the summer of 2013, the national NPS office of history and civics is seeking a Teacher Ranger Teacher to develop lesson plans that incorporate information about the National Park Service that meet common core standards, located in Topeka, Kansas. More »

Things To Do

Image of first floor layout.
First floor layout.
 

Brown v. Board of Education NHS is located in the former Monroe Elementary School, one of four African American elementary schools. The school has recently been rehabilitated to its 1954 appearance.

1) When you first enter the site, you will be welcomed by a Park Ranger who will introduce you to the story and the site.

2) Next, you will enter the auditorium. On seven large screens, the award-winning film Race and the American Creed appears daily on the hour and half-hour. This 30-minute film explores events in history which led up to the Brown v. Board of Education case.

3) Across the hall is your next stop, the "Education and Justice" gallery. You will learn more about the people, places and events that shaped the years right before and after the decision. There are several interactive computer stations, as well as short films to learn more about the story. Walk through the Hall of Courage to determine for yourself how you would have felt being discriminated against.

4) After exiting this gallery, walk down to the other end of the hall, and on your left is the "The Legacy of Brown v. Board of Education" gallery. You will discover events that happened as a result of Brown, and the continuing struggle for equality. There are several information kiosks and music stations, as well as the inspirational film Pass It On and the special exhibit "What Do You Think?".

5) Next you will find former kindergarten room across the hall which is now the "Expressions and Reflections" gallery. Inside are four computer stations where you can share your thoughts in words and pictures. There are places to sit and reflect on all of the information you learned about in your visit. For a more in-depth visit click here.

6) And finally back at the entrance is the bookstore, which stocks many books, videos and CDs with information related to the Brown case, the Civil Rights Movement, African American history, and the National Park Service.

Please feel free to ask the Ranger any questions you may have at any time during your visit. Discussion is welcomed and encouraged! Ask how your child or children can become a Junior Ranger!

Please note: The second floor of the building is closed to the public. The space is used for National Park Service offices.

Did You Know?

Brown v. Board of Education NHS

The Brown v. Board of Education NHS is the only unit of the national park system named after a U.S. Supreme Court case.--Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site