Library - Foam on the Range

The library will host “Foam on the Range,” a presentation and discussion by Isaias J. McCaffery on Saturday, April 2nd at 3pm at the library (730 1st Terrace). Members of the community are invited to attend the free program. Contact the Lansing Community Library at 913-727-929 to register or for more information. The program is made possible by Humanities Kansas.

It will also be live streamed via zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89008096449?pwd=emZoVGhDSTFwcStCd0M1RWxXSWdhdz09).

Kansas was on the forefront of the temperance movement, and eventually became the first state to prohibit alcohol consumption. This enforced abstinence clashed with the many German, Czech, and other immigrant groups who had settled across the state. In fact, anti-immigrant prejudice helped drive support for prohibition in some areas. In response, ethnic communities frequently violated prohibition laws in an effort to preserve an important expression of cultural identity.

Dr. Isaias J. McCaffery is a history professor at Independence Community College and is past president (and a present board member) of the Kansas Association of Historians. He authored “Wi Leahre Plautdietsch: An Beginner’s Guide to Mennonite Low German,” which was published in 2009.

“During the 1800s the consumption of alcohol became associated with immigrant cultures, at a time in which native-born citizens often perceived foreigners as potential threats to American morality,” said McCaffery. “To many ethnic Kansans, hysterical rhetoric concerning the evil that lurked in a mug of beer or a glass of wine seemed nothing short of ludicrous.”

About Humanities Kansas

Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit spearheading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, our pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and supporters, we inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.