In honor of America at 250, the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics, the Watkins Museum of History, the City of Lawrence, and Douglas County are partnering to celebrate the public servants who help our community thrive.

The new "Douglas County, Kansas Public Servants Past & Present Tribute Gallery" will debut at Summerfest on July 4 and will honor current and former public servants from across Douglas County, including educators, first responders, military service members and veterans, city and county employees, university staff and faculty, and state and federal workers.

Residents of Douglas County who are current or former public servants are invited to submit a photo and basic information about their public service through an online submission portal on or before June 20 to be included in the tribute gallery. Residents are also invited to submit profiles of family members or relatives who lived in Douglas County and were public servants at any point during their careers. Submission guidelines and requirements can be found on the project website.