May 4 In the News

May 4 National Historic Landmark Site Updates

A refreshed May 4 National Historic Landmark Site Tour will premiere during the 2024 May 4 commemoration this weekend. The outdoor tour signs, which debuted in 2010 during the 40th commemoration, allow Kent State visitors to trace the steps of history of the events of May 4, 1970, through text, video, image, and narration.

Historian's New Book Gives 360-Degree View of May 4 Tragedy

Brian VanDeMark, a historian with the United States Naval Academy, has written a new book “Kent State: An American Tragedy.” He will participate in a panel discussion at Kent State on Sept. 27.

President Diacon explores the May 4 Visitors Center

“You don't have to be a historian to understand the role Kent State has played in the history of modern America.”

Jeffrey Miller: A Snapshot in Time

An exhibition at the May 4 Visitors Center will highlight the personalities of each of the four students who were killed on May 4.

Personal items of Bill Schroeder, including his Eagle Scout Award and Boy Scout sash showing his merit badges, are on display in a new exhibition at Kent State University’s May 4 Visitors Center called “Bill: An All-American Boy.”

Kent State’s May 4 Visitors Center Celebrates Life With “Bill: An All-American Boy” Exhibition

From April 22 to Aug. 1, Kent State University’s May 4 Visitors Center will honor Bill Schroeder’s life with an exhibition titled “Bill: An All-American Boy.” Mr. Schroeder’s sister, Nancy Tuttle, and nephew, David Tuttle, helped create the exhibition by loaning some of his personal items to the May 4 Visitors Center.

Tram Nguyen was drawn to Kent State after seeing one of the tragic May 4, 1970, and learning the sacrifices the students made.

Vietnamese Student Feels Connection to May 4

Vietnamese student Tram Nguyen made a connection to Kent State when she saw a picture of student Jeffrey Miller after the May 4 shooting. Recently she visited the Prentice Parking Lot Memorial Marker dedicated to Miller.

Young woman standing in front of display at May 4 Visitors Center

Exit Interview

Congratulations to May 4 Visitors Center intern Emma McNichols who will graduate in December. She has recently accepted a position at Andersonville National Historic Site, a National Park Site in Georgia dedicated to American Prisoners of War. 

We chatted with Emma about her experience as a student intern here at the May 4 Visitor

Caplan, Dellinger, Prufer, and Giffels review material in the May 4 Visitors Center

The Beginning Was the End: Devo in Ohio

New Wave ’80s band Devo isn’t just from Ohio. Devo wasn’t just created in Akron. Devo was forged at Kent State University under the pressure of the turmoil of the late ’60s and the events surrounding May 4, 1970. Authors David Giffels and Jade Dellinger brought their book “The Beginning Was the End: Devo in Ohio” to Kent State for a book signing and discussion.

‘May 4 Moments’

In her first year as the director of the May 4 Visitor Center, Alison Caplan has enjoyed uniquely wonderful and "magical" experiences in how Kent State's history creates connections and inspiration.