Life Enrichment to Host Speakers on The Civil War in Kansas; How Discovery of Oil Shaped El Dorado

Butler Community College’s Life Enrichment will host Warren Martin and Will Haynes on Tuesday, May 3 at 9 a.m.  

Martin, executive director of Kansas Strong, will present “El Dorado: The Power of Production” at 9 a.m. Martin’s presentation will include the quest for oil and how it was discovered in El Dorado, how El Dorado was the first place geology was used to find an oil field before a single well was drilled, how El Dorado led to Wichita being the Air Capital, how the El Dorado field was home to the largest Lease Town in history, how the El Dorado field led directly to the victory of WWI, and how the oil and gas industry continues to be a major part of El Dorado and our everyday lives.

Haynes, director of engagement and learning for Watkins Museum of History in Lawrence, will present “The Civil War in Kansas” at 10 a.m. For Kansans, the violent guerrilla warfare between proslavery and antislavery forces known as Bleeding Kansas foreshadowed the national Civil War to come. From 1861-65, the border struggle continued to heat up as Kansans fended off Confederate attacks, accepted the formerly enslaved into their communities, and engaged in bitter political debates. Men of all backgrounds—white, black, and Native American—served in uniform, while women managed farmsteads and formed societies to help the needy. This talk presents the story of Kansas during the Civil War and how it helped shape the state’s image for years afterward. 

“The Civil War in Kansas” is part of Humanities Kansas’s Speakers Bureau, featuring humanities-based presentations designed to share stories that inspire, spark conversations that inform, and generate insights that strengthen civic engagement. Support for “The Civil War in Kansas” has been provided by the Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area.

Life Enrichment meets on the first Tuesday morning of the month during the school year. Area adults enjoy high-quality speakers and performers, along with a light breakfast and coffee during each regular meeting. Meetings take place in the Clifford/Stone Community Room at the Hubbard Welcome Center on the El Dorado campus. Meetings are open to everyone and there is no charge to attend. Those who attend regularly are encouraged to register so they receive monthly newsletters announcing the programs. New members are always welcome.

For more information about Life Enrichment or the upcoming program, contact Trisha Walls at 316-323-6355 or [email protected].