The Beyond the Classroom Experience at the Shawnee Indian Mission is an interactive educational series that brings history, culture, and storytelling to life. Each session features engaging activities led by experts, including hands-on learning, demonstrations, and discussions. The series connects participants with Indigenous traditions, history, and perspectives in an immersive setting. Designed for all ages, Beyond the Classroom offers a unique opportunity to learn and experience history beyond textbooks.
March 7, 10:00 a.m.: The Spirit of Quindaro
Our Beyond the Classroom family series starts in 2026 with “The Spirit of Quindaro” by Fran Borin. Join us for a fun, interactive and educational morning with the author. “The Spirit of Quindaro” refers to Borin’s children’s book, Orion O’Brien and the Spirit of Quindaro, selected in 2025 to represent Kansas at the Library of Congress’s “Great Reads from Great Places” book festival. This book highlights historic Quindaro, Kansas, an important Underground Railroad site, in a story about local history for young readers. The book connects to the rich history of Quindaro, a free Black community founded by the Wyandot tribe and abolitionists, known for its role as a gateway to freedom and its vibrant, inclusive early Kansas spirit. Pre registration is not required!
“When the Shadbush Blooms” by Carla Messinger is a children’s book that follows the life of two Lenape girls, one contemporary and one traditional, throughout the year beginning at the start of spring. The book parallels their two lives, showing the similarities and differences of present-day life and the life of her ancestors. Despite adapting to a modern world, many things remain the same, like their close relationships to family and to the land.This program will be led by Lenape member, Mary Grinter. Pre-registration is not required.
2025 Beyond the Classroom Workshops:
May 17, 10 a.m.: I am Truly, presented by Pateisha Royal. Join us for an inspiring and joy-filled session as the vibrant and dynamic Pateisha Royal brings I Am Truly to life! This Beyond the Classroom Experience invites children to celebrate self-confidence, strength, and imagination through story time and hands-on fun. After the reading, participants will dive into engaging, interactive activities that reinforce the book’s empowering message. Perfect for curious minds and joyful hearts—don’t miss this opportunity to learn, play, and grow!
September 6, 10 a.m.: My Powerful Hair — To kick-off our fall Beyond the Classroom series, our free youth programming, we will feature the children’s book, My Powerful Hair.
Our ancestors say our hair is our memories, our source of strength and power, a celebration of our lives. From Carole Lindstrom, author of the New York Times bestseller and Caldecott Medal winner We Are Water Protectors, and debut illustrator Steph Littlebird comes an empowering and healing celebration of hair and its significance across Indigenous cultures.
October 18, 10 a.m.: The First Thanksgiving — Free youth programming! We will explore the children’s book: “Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun’s Thanksgiving Story” by Danielle Greendeer [Wampanoag story of the first Thanksgiving and 3 sisters companion gardening]. Children will learn about the story, make a craft and even take a walk (weather permitting) to our own garden!
Our presenter will be Mary Grinter, a member of the Lenape Tribe who is also a descendent of students who attended the Mission.
November 1, 10 a.m.: Rock Your Mocs — For our last Beyond the Classroom program of the year, we will focus on the book, Rock Your Mocs, in coordination of the annual event. We will also have members of multiple tribes who will share their tribal customs and regalia to help show those attending the diversity within tribes.
This will be an amazing event for people of all ages to learn more about our Indigenous community members and this national movement.
***Rock Your Mocs has grown into a week-long celebration that takes place from November 12 to 18, with the original day being November 15. Indigenous Americans from all walks of life participate in Rock Your Mocs by wearing their mocs wherever they go, whether it is to school, work, or a special event.