What is the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics website?

Updated

The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics website (doleinstitute.org) is the online home of the Dole Institute, an institution at the University of Kansas that honors the life and legacy of Kansas Senator Bob Dole. It serves as a hub for public programming, a museum and galleries, archival collections, and civic education resources. The site is aimed at a broad audience — students, teachers, researchers, veterans, and the general public — who want to engage with U.S. political history, the democratic process, and the Dole legacy.

What the site covers

The homepage and navigation point to several core areas:

  • Events — A calendar of upcoming programs, including the Ft. Leavenworth Series, Dole Forums, and discussion groups. Examples from the site include "Clausewitz, Mao, and Operational Art" (October 7, 2026), "The Constitution in Context: Constitutional Structure and Individual Rights in Crowther v. Board of Regents" (October 8, 2026), and "Previewing the Midterm Elections" (October 14, 2026).
  • Museum & Galleries — Rotating special exhibits, the Kansas Veterans Virtual Memory Wall, an architectural-scale stained-glass American flag, a September 11 memorial, and permanent displays on Senator Bob Dole's life and legacy. The site notes the museum was named by Tripadvisor as one of the top attractions in Lawrence.
  • Archives — Collections such as "Dwell in Possibility: Space Exploration in the Dole Archives," available for researchers and the public.
  • Civic Engagement & Education — Programs for students of all ages and their teachers to build understanding of U.S. history and the democratic process, and to engage with politics and government at all levels.
  • Dole Legacies — Content related to Senator Dole's enduring impact and the institute's mission.
  • News — Updates on programming and initiatives, such as the Fall 2026 lineup featuring former Archivist of the U.S. Colleen Shogan, former FDIC Chair Sheila Bair, and the Bipartisan Policy Center's VP of Energy.

Who it's for

The site is designed for multiple audiences:

  • Students and teachers — through civic education and engagement opportunities.
  • Researchers and historians — via the archives and museum collections.
  • Veterans and their families — through the Kansas Veterans Virtual Memory Wall, where visitors can explore a database of thousands of veterans and submit profiles.
  • The general public — anyone interested in U.S. political history, current events, or visiting the museum in Lawrence, Kansas.

A resource for political history and civic participation

Beyond exhibits and events, the site encourages democratic participation. It includes a call to action to get #VoteReady by checking voter registration or registering to vote online, framing it as a first step toward community leadership. The institute also offers a space for dialogue through its forums and discussion groups, continuing Senator Dole's commitment to honest public service — as the site quotes him: "For greatness lies not in what office you hold, but in how honest you are, in how you face adversity, and in your willingness to stand fast in hard places."

Whether you're planning a museum visit, looking for an upcoming event, researching in the archives, or seeking civic education resources, doleinstitute.org is the central entry point for the Dole Institute's programs and collections.