Event to focus on life, impact of Dyche, 'the dashing Kansan'
LAWRENCE — In small towns across Kansas, Lewis Lindsay Dyche thrilled audiences with tales of his Arctic adventures at the turn of the last century.
Reproductions of the glass slides that he displayed in these "magic lantern" talks have not been seen by the public in more than 100 years and will be featured in an exhibition opening and major public event on Nov. 4 at the University of Kansas.
"The Adventures of Lewis Lindsay Dyche and the Advent of Kansas Conservation," a lecture and performance, will be at 7 p.m. Nov. 4 in The Commons at Spooner Hall, across the street from the KU Natural History Museum. The event is free and open to the public.
Bill Sharp, co-author of "The Dashing Kansan," will talk about the life and impact of Lewis Lindsay Dyche from his early days at KU, to the 1893 World's Fair, to his push for conservation laws in Kansas in the early 1900s. The event includes exhibits of artifacts from Dyche's expeditions and personal possessions; a book signing with Sharp; and a post-talk reception with dessert and coffee.
In addition, actor Chris Roady will perform as Lewis Lindsay Dyche during the event. The performance will include presentation of images from Dyche's travels, much as Dyche would have shared with audiences at his famous lectures.
Starting at 6 p.m. Nov. 4, the KU Natural History Museum will offer a reception to mark the opening of "The Magic Lantern Revisited," an exhibition of images that highlight Dyche's career and construction of the KU Natural History Museum. The opening is limited to museum members and guests. Appetizers and wine will be served. Members are encouraged to RSVP by calling 785-864-4450 or by sending an email to naturalhistory@ku.edu. The exhibition will remain on view at the museum through 2013.
This event is sponsored by the KU Natural History Museum, the KU Memorial Unions and KUHistory.com, in partnership with the Spencer Museum of Art and the Kenneth Spencer Research Library.