The Kansas Industrial Farm for Women

In 1917, the Kansas Industrial Farm for Women was established in Lansing, Kansas, to house women found in violation of new quarantine laws intended to prevent the spread of venereal diseases.

As males troops enlisted for World War I, large numbers were found to have syphilis and gonorrhea. It was a public health crisis. To counter this, five-mile "morality zones" were established around Kansas military installations to keep soldiers away from 'lewd' women. The women who were arrested, incarcerated, and kept until the prison officials felt otherwise, were taught to grow crops, raise chickens, sew, and cook. This presentation explores life on this unusual farm and the women who lived there.​​​​

Presented by Laura Phillippi. Laura is the Lansing Historical Museum site supervisor. She is a Kansas native and has a bachelor of science in history from Emporia State University and a master's degree in history from Fort Hays State University.

This will be held in the Conference Rooms at the Advanced Learning Library. No registration is required - free and open to the public.