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Liberating Lawrence: Gay Activism in the 1970s at KU

Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United States

Author Kathy Rose-Mockry will speak on the subject of her new book. Liberating Lawrence tells the first-hand story of the Lawrence Gay Liberation Front (LGLF), a KU student organization that began in 1970. Having conducted sixty-seven interviews with people who were involved at the time, Rose-Mockry focuses on the group’s early formative years between the founding […]

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Watkins Museum Town Hall

Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United States

Founded in 1975, the Watkins will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in spring 2025. Join us as we engage in a conversation about how the Watkins Museum can continue to be a welcoming space for local history, educational programming, and independent research while evolving to meet the needs of the growing Douglas County community. Refreshments […]

The Merc Exhibit Reception

Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United States

Stop by to view our collaborative exhibit 50 Years of Cooperation: The History of The Merc Co+op and enjoy a photo slideshow and refreshments provided by The Merc!

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Combee: Harriet Tubman, the Combahee River Raid, and Black Freedom During the Civil War

Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United States

In June 1863, Harriet Tubman ventured into the heart of slave territory in South Carolina to carry out one of the most daring and extraordinary missions of the Civil War. Join us at the Watkins for a special author event. In her new book Combee: Harriet Tubman, the Combahee River Raid, and Black Freedom during the […]

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Halloween at the Watkins

Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United States

Our biggest event of the year returns! Drop by the museum for trick-or-treating and a ghostly scavenger hunt with prizes.

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The Bowersock Mills and Power Co. 150th Anniversary Friendsgiving

500 S Powerhouse Rd Lawrence, Kansas

Our friends at the Bowersock Mills and Power Co. are celebrating their 150th anniversary this year! Join us at the Bowersock South Powerhouse for live music by Lyle Griggs, light food and libations, and tours of both powerhouses. This event is free but advance registration is requested.

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Watkins Tiny Tours: Stories Lead the Way (Maps)

Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United States

Tiny Tours is a popular, free museum series for kids age 3-5 and their grownups. Activities offer a play-based approach to learning and include stories, crafting, and more! Register your child by contacting Education Coordinator Shannon Hodges at shodges@watkinsmuseum.org

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Tails & Traditions Holiday Festival

Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United States

One of our most popular events returns! Bring the kids inside for holiday-themed crafts and activities, including the famous WATKINS HOBBY HORSES and the return of a new favorite, the Ellie on the Shelf scavenger hunt. Then grab seats outside to watch the Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade. Featuring craft activities courtesy of:Spencer Museum of ArtDole […]

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Ellie on the Shelf: Holiday Scavenger Hunt

Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United States

A holiday favorite returns! From 9 AM-4 PM on December 7, bring the kids to the Watkins to search for little versions of our mascot, Ellie the Electric Car, throughout the building. Then be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card to The Toy Store!

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Watkins Tiny Tours: Snapshot Stories (Photography)

Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United States

Tiny Tours is a popular, free museum series for kids age 3-5 and their grownups. Activities offer a play-based approach to learning and include stories, crafting, and more! Register your child by contacting Education Coordinator Shannon Hodges at shodges@watkinsmuseum.org

Free

Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America’s History-Making Women

Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United States

Remember the First Ladies is a groundbreaking book showing the evolutionary role of first lady and its historic importance on the American presidency. The book shines a light on the influential women who broke barriers and made a mark on our country and, at times, our world, during their tenures in the White House. Join us as author […]

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Remembering Two Kansas Poets: William Stafford and Ronda Miller

Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United States

We invite you to a special version of the annual "Celebration of William Stafford." This year, the poetry community will gather to mark not only the 111th birthday of famed Kansas poet William Stafford but also beloved local poet Ronda Miller, who recently passed away. Readings by numerous poets will include Stafford's work, Miller's work, original […]

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