The Dole Institute goes digital during the coronavirus closure


LAWRENCE — The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas has announced that it will provide free, online, educational programs and content while it remains closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This will include new features as well as virtual versions of previously scheduled events and discussion groups, educational programming for children 12 and under, and more.   

Beginning on Friday, March 27, the Dole Institute will release fresh content online in what it is calling “The Digital Dole Institute.” Twice weekly, the Dole Institute will send out an email newsletter with a new listing of available programs, which can also be found on the institute’s website.   

“While the Dole Institute of Politics has suspended our spring programs in the face of the national health crisis we are pleased to debut the Digital Dole Institute to provide new programs and old favorites to educate and entertain you during this time of social distancing,” said Bill Lacy, director of the Dole Institute. “The goal is to bring enriching and educational content to those who are stuck at home during this unprecedented time.”

The Digital Dole Institute’s extensive programming will include never-before-seen videos, ranging from tours of the building and exhibitions to interviews with Dole Institute staff and Student Advisory Board members. In an upcoming feature, Audrey Coleman, associate director and director of museum and archives, will lead a video tour of “What Would a Woman Offer Her Country?: Elizabeth Dole’s Ground-breaking, Trail-blazing Life of Service,” in the newly opened Elizabeth Dole Gallery and Reading Room.   

Additionally, the institute’s archivists will present hand-picked favorite items from the collections and share the history of each, as well as feature select recordings from our Oral History Project.  

It will also showcase some of the “Greatest Hits” of the Dole Institute’s world-class programs that you may have never seen before alongside relevant companion pieces.   

For those with children ages 12 and under, tune in live at 2 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays in April for the special online educational workshop “Discover with Dole.” Public Education Coordinator Julie Bergene will be leading a dynamic class, utilizing primary sources from the Dole Archives. Details on how to participate can be found on the Dole Institute’s website.   

The Dole Institute will finish out its popular Spring 2020 Discussion Group “Spying in the Cyber Age,” led by former CIA spy and cyberindustry executive Ron Marks, online. Tune in live at 4 p.m. Wednesdays throughout April using the Zoom teleconferencing platform or Facebook Live.  

In the coming weeks, additional programs will be added, and the best way to stay up to date is to subscribe to the Dole Institute’s email newsletter. To sign up for the newsletter and more information on programs, visit the Dole Institute’s website. Follow the Dole Institute on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.   

The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics is dedicated to promoting political and civic participation as well as civil discourse in a bipartisan, philosophically balanced manner. It is located in KU’s West District and houses the Dole Archive and Special Collections. Through its robust public programming, congressional archive and museum, the Dole Institute strives to celebrate public service and the legacies of U.S. Senators Bob Dole and Elizabeth Dole. 

Thu, 03/26/2020

author

Zachary Walker

Media Contacts

Zachary Walker

Dole Institute of Politics

785-864-9319