Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park • Kansas

Brown v Board National Historical Park

Monroe School and park visitor center

Historic classroom image, 1949

Front entrance to Monroe school

Visitors join a national park program around the Monroe school building and grounds

The path to equality has been anything but smooth. It's taken courage and dedication by everyday people coming together for a common goal to carry the country toward true equality. Parents, teachers, secretaries, welders, ministers, and students drove their communities, and the country along with them, toward justice in a series of often unsteady turns leading to the Brown v. Board decision.

The Monroe Elementary School Building.
NPS Photo

Monroe Elementary School, was one of the four segregated elementary schools for African American children in Topeka
NPS Photo

Monroe School Class Photo 1949
NPS Photo

Front entrance to historic Monroe school.
NPS Photo

Visitors join a national park program around the Monroe school building and grounds
NPS Photo

Monroe Elementary 2nd grade class in 1949

The story of Brown v. Board of Education

The US Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education (1954) is one of the most significant ever delivered by the court.

Brick and cement two story building during the day. Arched cement-work doorway.

Basic Information

Find hours of operation, contact information, and directions here.

Nine justices sit in their judicial robes

Court Decisions

The decisions from the highest court in the land shaped the world we live in today.

black and white photo of brick monroe elementary building

20 Years of Brown v. Board NHP!

We're celebrating 20 years since opening our doors to the public! Read more...

statue of a buffalo in cushinberry park, Topeka, KS.

From Segregation to Incarceration

The End of African American Higher Education Institutes in Kansas

Books, Mugs, Postcards, Shirts, Bags, Patches, Coins, and much more are available for purchase.

Books, Mugs, Postcards, Shirts, Bags, Patches, Coins, and much more may be purchased from the Western National Parks Association bookstore.

Last updated: March 5, 2026

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1515 SE Monroe Street
Topeka, KS 66612-1143

Phone:

785 354-4273

Contact Us

Tools

Stay Connected

Cultural Landscapes

Segregation & Desegregation

Courts, Congress & the Law