Policies
Max Kade Center for German-American Studies Policies (MKC), effective January 14, 2022
Visiting
The MKC and its collections and exhibits are well suited for University class meetings focused on exploring the many forms of German ethnic history in the United States. Individuals and community groups interested in this history are also invited to visit for a tour of our building and an introduction to our collections and exhibits. Visits must be arranged in advance.
Visits are currently subject to Covid considerations, as required by KU policies. The Director reserves the right to take additional precautions at her discretion.
Collections
The MKC houses significant collections related to Turner history in the U. S., for example, a collection of mid-century commercial artwork by Fritz Blumenau, original early 19th-century letters written by Ernst Moritz Arndt, the John Spalek Collection of books written by or about German refugee writers, artists, and intellectuals after World War II, and a collection of books by Franz Werfel.
We have exhibits on Dr. Mervin T. Sudler, who built the home in 1927, on Henry Remple, a German-speaking Mennonite who fled Alexanderwohl (Ukraine) during the Russian Revolution and eventually made his home in Lawrence, on Albert Bloch, an American early modernist painter and KU faculty member with the German Blue Rider group of artists, and on James Lane's connection with the MKC annex.
Collections Accessibility
We have been inventorying our collections and are beginning to digitize individual items, to make them more readily available to scholars. To ensure the preservation and accessibility of our collections, we partner with KU Libraries and have transferred some collections to Kenneth Spencer Research Library, where they are included in the online catalogue, stored in optimal, climate-controlled conditions and can be viewed in the Reading Room.
Parking
One ADA accessible parking spot is available in the north lot adjacent to the building. Both the south and north lot require KU red parking permits. With sufficient advance notice, parking permits can be arranged for non-University visitors to the Center.
Donations
The Max Kade Center has built its significant collections of books, periodicals, artwork, and artifacts in large part with gifts entrusted to us by generous donors. At present, due to space limitations and our commitment to managing our collections effectively, we generally consider gifts only if they enhance one of our existing collections. We are always interested in learning about your treasures, however, and are happy to try helping you find the best possible home for them! We ask that you please not leave books outside the building, where they are subject to the weather.
Facility Use
Due to staffing and collections considerations as well as ongoing projects at the Max Kade Center, use of the Center is limited to mission-related events during normal business hours. Charges may apply.
Apartment availability
The Center is currently unable to host guests in its apartment. We are working to mitigate factors concerning the security not only of guests but also of the students, interns, and staff who work in the building, and of our collections. When we are able once again to host guests, preference will be given to short-term visitors planning to work with German-American collections on campus and in Lawrence.
For more information about these policies, contact Marike Janzen (mjanzen@ku.edu), Director of the Max Kade Center for German-American Studies.
KU Concealed Carry Policy
- Must be under the constant control of the carrier.
- Must be out of view, concealed either on the body of the carrier, or backpack, purse, or bag that remains under the carrier’s custody and control.
- Must be in a holster that covers the trigger area and secures any external hammer in an un-cocked position
- Must have the safety on, and have no round in the chamber.
Individuals who violate the KU weapons policy may be asked to leave campus with the weapon and may face disciplinary action under the appropriate university code of conduct.