For four years, noted pedestrian Henry Fortunato, the Library’s director of public affairs, has been planning and preparing for his trans-Kansas trek, a 500-mile expedition on foot starting at his front door in Overland Park.

In September and October 2014, he finally did it. Fortunato spent the night at Truckhenge and climbed to the top of the Capitol dome with the lieutenant governor. He judged a chili contest in Wilson and walked in darkness for nearly half an hour on a dirt road in blind faith that he would find the rural farmhouse where he was supposed to stay. He also had numerous encounters with county sheriffs, visited a family living in a former missile silo, and gained first-hand experience with the unique qualities of Kansas mud.

Hudson Auditorium, Nerman Museum Johnson County Community College 12345 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS Map & directions