Break out the birthday cake! Monday, Jan. 29 is Kansas Day, a celebration of our state’s birthday and the anniversary of Kansas’ admission to the Union.

In 2024, Kansas turns 163 years old. Kansas became the 34th state in the United States on Jan. 29, 1861.

Historically, Johnson County is older than the State of Kansas. The county turns 169 years old this year as one of the original 33 counties founded on Aug. 25 by the Legislative Act of 1855 in the Territory of Kansas.

Kansas Day was first celebrated in 1877 by schoolchildren in Paola and is now an annual celebration throughout the state, including in Johnson County.

There are a variety of ways you can take in the history of Kansas this Kansas Day. First, check out the Johnson County Library’s Kansas Day list of recommended books and films.

You can also make a trip to the Johnson County Museum to learn more about local history in Johnson County. The museum is open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Additionally, Johnson County Park and Recreation District is hosting a Sunday Family Series event on Sunday, Jan. 28 at 2 p.m., themed around Kansas symbols for Kansas Day. Bring your family to Ernie Miller Nature Center to see some of the natural symbols in person.

Want to test your knowledge on Kansas symbols? Take the quiz below, and see if you can name the Sunflower State’s official state symbols, from the state bird to the state song.

Be sure to also follow Johnson County Government on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more Kansas Day fun facts and trivia.