Kandace Creel Falcón: “Marfil Grin”: How Mexican Americans Made the Flint Hills Home

Bringing together scholars, artists, and community members connected to Santa Fe Railroad bunkhouses and Mexican settlements of Kansas, this session explores how Mexican Americans shaped this land through their laboring as railroad track hands. Recognizing that all members of the family played a part in life in the bunkhouse, we will reflect on the power of repairing historical erasures by firmly situating the history of Mexican peoples as vital to the reality of the region. Through highlighting the history of Matfield Station and drawing attention to public history projects throughout the state as well as artistic interventions we honor family members’ and community members’ efforts to make Kansas home in the past and present. Tickets