Lansing Historical Society Announces Exciting Developments for Kansas State
Penitentiary Site
Lansing, KS — The Lansing Historical Society is excited to provide updates on the development at the former Kansas State Penitentiary. First proposed to the Lansing Historical Society by Kansas Senator Jeff Pittman and his wife, Leavenworth Mayor Pro Tem Holly Pittman, the proposed development – inspired by the Missouri State Penitentiary’s work – has the potential to not only save the Penitentiary from demolition and reduce the financial burden on taxpayers, but also to transform it into a thriving hub for tourism, attracting visitors from all over.
“After a comprehensive tour of the prison and a thorough understanding of the potential it holds, we unanimously agreed that this was an opportunity not to be missed,” said the Lansing Historical Society, showing their full support for the project.
The Kansas Department of Corrections and the Lansing Historical Society recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the Historic Kansas State Penitentiary Site.
Additionally, Senator Pittman secured state funding to stabilize the roof and walls while partners develop a comprehensive plan for the site.
“The former Penitentiary has so much history – Johnny Cash performed for prisoners there in 1970, it’s the site of some of the highest profile executions in Kansas history, and the stories from the guards and inmates from the prison’s founding during the Civil War provide a unique story that deserves to be told,” Senator Jeff Pittman said. “We’re working with stakeholders to develop branding and acquire historical artifacts to present this rich history in a compelling way to visitors.”
The project has already attracted national attention. The Discovery Channel is planning a 2-hour special at the Kansas State Penitentiary to air on Halloween. The first annual “Behind the Walls” car show is a unique event inside the prison wall of the old Penitentiary, which is scheduled for Saturday, September 28, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. And the Lansing Historical Society is developing a new website for ticket sales in the works, and a raffle for ten lucky winners, who will be the first to tour the prison, is on the horizon.
