EMPORIA – The 21st season of the Red Rocks State Historic Site in Emporia opens with a blockbuster presentation by Marion County Record publisher Eric Meyer: “Seized! The Marion County Record Raid.” The first program, on Sunday, May 31, 2 p.m. at the William Lindsay White Civic Auditorium Little Theatre, 111 E. Sixth Ave., embodies this year’s theme of ‘Journalism and Kansas.’
Who can forget the unprecedented raid on the newspaper just down the road from Emporia in Marion? The August 2023 raid, fueled by small-town animosities and later deemed both illegal and illegitimate, garnered international attention that spotlighted the precarious position of freedom of the press in today’s United States. This riveting FREE program will be held at the William Lindsay White Civic Auditorium Little Theatre, 111 E. Sixth Ave., at 2 p.m.
Red Rocks State Historic Site, located at 927 Exchange St., Emporia, will be open for tours before, during, and after the program from 1-5 p.m. Tours of Red Rocks are free in 2026.
“We are proud to present four informative programs centered around this year’s theme of ‘Journalism and Kansas,’ plus monthly Storytime on the Steps events for young children during June, July and August, as well as several yet-to-be-announced unique social events that will appeal to people of all ages,” noted Kathie Buckman, William Allen White Community Partnership board president.
Red Rocks State Historic Site in Emporia is the home of legendary Emporia Gazette editor and Pulitzer Prize-winning author William Allen White. Season specials include a variety of giveaways and new additions to the gift nook offerings. The grounds and lily pond provide a serene, green and charming environment for photos, reading or simply contemplating the rich history of the place. White and his wife Sallie hosted five presidents at Red Rocks, and a cavalcade of distinguished, famous people of the day.
Next up will be “A Pulitzer Conversation” with Patricia Weems Gaston, Lacy C. Haynes Professor at the University of Kansas William Allen White School of Journalism. Gaston came to KU after a long, stellar career at The Washington Post. Previously, at the Dallas Morning News, Gaston was co-editor of the 1994 international reporting Pulitzer Prize-winning series on violence against women. Gaston has also served as a Pulitzer Prize juror. The Pulitzer Prize is regarded as the highest national honor in print journalism, literary achievement, and musical composition. This program will be held at the Red Rocks State Historic Site Visitor Center, 927 Exchange St. in Emporia, on Sunday, June 14, at 2 p.m. The Emporia Arts Council ArtMobile will be onsite from 1-5 p.m. offering a variety of arts and craft projects for people of all ages.
The William Allen White Community Partnership is the local organization that works in cooperation with the Kansas Historical Society to help fund annual operations and present Red Rocks State Historic Site. For more information, visit the website at https:// www.kansashistory.gov/ red_rocks, follow them on social media, phone them at 620-342-2800, or stop by in person at 927 Exchange St., Emporia.
