📅 August 13 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

📍 Botanica Wichita

🎟 Free and open to the public

RSVP:  316-312-3079

The Untold Stories of Wichita: Preserving Our Past and Shaping Our Future

The stories we share help define who we are, where we come from, and the communities we call home. History is more than dates and landmarks—it is the people, places, and moments that shape our identity and connect us across generations.

Explore Wichita’s early history and discover how the people, places, and moments of our past continue to influence the community we know today. This program also explores the importance of preserving personal stories and memories because the experiences we share help future generations understand not only where we came from but also who we are.

About our Program:

Stories That Shaped Wichita’s Early History

From remarkable places to influential people, the stories of our past help us understand the community we’ve become. Local historian Mike Maxton will share three fascinating pieces of Wichita’s early history—from a landmark building to a pioneering citizen to a remarkable home—and explore how these stories helped shape our community. Join us for a journey into Wichita’s past and discover how remembering where we came from helps us better understand the community we share today.

Mike Maxton

Mike was born and raised in Wichita and grew up in the College Hill neighborhood. After serving four years in the U.S. Air Force, he applied for a part-time job with the United States Postal Service while attending Wichita State University and unexpectedly discovered a 30-year career. His work with the Postal Service took him across the country, eventually leading him to Dallas, where he retired as Executive Manager of Plant Support for a five-state region.

Following retirement, Mike and his wife, Wanda, returned to Wichita to be closer to family. As his parents entered the final chapter of their lives, Mike developed an interest in his family genealogy—an interest that soon grew into a lasting passion for Wichita history.

Your Story Matters: Preserving the Memories That Connect Us

History isn’t just about the past—it’s about the people, experiences, and stories that shape who we are. Discover simple ways to capture and preserve your own memories so they can be shared with family, friends, and future generations. We are the keepers of history, and your story is part of the legacy that keeps families and communities connected.

Jill D. Miller
https://www.finishingschoolformodernwomen.com/

Jill D. Miller is an entrepreneur, educator, author, storyteller, and community builder who is passionate about helping people continue to grow—professionally, personally, and in every season of life. She is the Program Director for the Empowered Seniors Seminar Series, where she helps create meaningful opportunities for mature adults to learn, connect, and embrace new possibilities.

Through her consulting company, Creative Solutions, Jill has spent nearly three decades helping individuals and organizations clarify their message, share their ideas, and create meaningful connections. She is also the Headmistress of the Finishing School for Modern Women and founder of the Badass Women of Wichita Alliance, where she creates opportunities for women to learn, connect, support one another, and step boldly into new chapters of life. She believes community is built one conversation, one connection, and one shared experience at a time.

A lifelong collector of stories and champion of human connection, Jill is fascinated by the experiences, memories, and lessons that shape our lives and communities. She believes every person has a story worth preserving and that the memories we pass along become part of the legacy we leave behind—connecting families, strengthening communities, and helping future generations understand where they came from.

Please note: This event may be photographed and recorded for promotional and broadcast purposes. By attending, participants consent to the use of their image or likeness in media coverage and future promotional materials.