Topeka’s Constitution Hall Receives America’s Treasures Funding

The National Park Service, Save America’s Treasures program awarded Friends of the Free State Capitol $292,000 for restoration of Constitution Hall in downtown Topeka. The nationally competitive program grants funding for properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places, specifically for significance at the national level. In 2021, just 49 historic properties in 29 states were awarded a total of $15.5 million dollars. Constitution Hall is the only Kansas site funded in this most recent round.  

“The Save America's Treasures program seeks to preserve and rehabilitate some of the most significant and iconic American structures and collections,” said NPS Deputy Director Shawn Benge. “Together with our partners, these grants help enable museums, states, Tribes, local governments, and nonprofits to fulfill their preservation work for future generations.”

The award, which must be matched dollar for dollar, will be used to fund access in public use of the building. Project components include an elevator, stairway, restrooms, and restoration of the second-floor meeting hall. The building has been stabilized in recent years, and a new stone facade has been added to match the original appearance.

Constitution Hall is important to not only Topeka, but to Kansas and the nation as well. In 1855, the antislavery Topeka Constitution was written on this site, and Cyrus K. Holiday declared “Kansas will be a free state. This is one thing I do know.” This ultimately contributed to halting the expansion of slavery in the United States.

“The funded project is especially significant as restoration of the original facade nears completion. While we have more work to do, this is a major step forward in opening the building to the public and telling the story of its rich history,” said Terry Hobbs, President, Friends of the Free State Capitol. “We have appreciated longtime support by the City of Topeka, Kansas Historical Society, the National Park Service, Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area and private donors.”

Funding for projects like Constitution Hall is provided by the Save America’s Treasures grant program through the Preservation Fund, administered by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Friends of the Free State Capitol is a registered 501(c)(3) Kansas corporation founded in 1998 to save Constitution Hall. For more information on the Constitution Hall project or the award, please contact Chris Meinhardt at 785-250-8228 or camhardt@yahoo.com.