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Danger & Glory: The Life of a Civil War Soldier

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

Over three million Americans served in the Civil War, including twenty thousand Kansans. Join us in-person and online as historian Will Haynes tells stories of the adventures and harsh realities of soldier's lives. This presentation will quote from soldiers' eyewitness accounts and also feature original Civil War artifacts from the Watkins collection. This event is […]

Free

The Write Bridge Author Expo

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

This program will be held in-person and also livestreamed on the Watkins Museum Facebook and YouTube.

Free

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 […]

Free

Winter Clothing Drive

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

Help your neighbors in need! Now through January 31, we are once again partnering with the Ballard Center on a winter clothing drive. Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM to 4 PM, drop off coats, hats, gloves, and scarves at the bins inside our front and side entrances.

Free

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!

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 […]

Free

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 […]

Free

Karl Ramberg: A Sculptor’s Life

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

Karl Ramberg, a respected local artist for many years, will bring his legendary craftsmanship to the Watkins on February 26. Join us for a one-of-a-kind evening as Karl tells stories of his work on the restored Wren, the KU Grotesques, and other projects and give a live stone carving demonstration! For everyone attending the event […]

Free

Curtis Marsh: KU’s Greatest Hits

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

As the 160th anniversary of the University of Kansas approaches, there is no one better to celebrate with than KU expert Curtis Marsh! Join us as Curtis shares stories of KU history and traditions from his book KU-Phoria and offers copies for sale and signing. This event will be a slam dunk for KU alumni, […]

Free

Hemp 101

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

Hemp: it's an amazing plant! Melissa Nelson is the co-owner and field research scientist at Performance Crop Research and co-owner of South Bend Industrial Hemp. In connection with the Watkins exhibit Honk for Change, Melissa will discuss the differences between CBD, fiber and grain hemp and bring a variety of hemp products for you to […]

Free

Kansas Baseball: Book Talk with Michael J. Travis

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

Author Michael J. Travis will tell stories of his lifelong passion: Kansas Baseball! Go back to the late 1800s and the birth of Walter Johnson and George Sweatt, Humboldt kids who played ball at the highest level but in different leagues due to racism. Learn about the sixteen-year-old signed by the Kansas City Athletics, who […]