Glenn Kappelman led an extraordinary life. A WWII veteran known for the images he captured using an illicit camera during the war, Kappelman later took a prominent role in Lawrence’s growth during the latter half of the 20th century. He helped achieve the Lawrence Fair Housing Ordinance of 1967, supported social services such as the Women's Transitional Care Facility […]
In recent decades, historians have uncovered compelling evidence that the natural world greatly influenced events during the American Civil War. Dr. Lisa Brady, author of War Upon the Land: Military Strategy and the Transformation of Southern Landscapes during the American Civil War, will tell us about Americans' attempts to master the environment and how the war […]
Step inside the famous, historic Miller House! As 38 years of outstanding stewardship of this Lawrence landmark by Dennis and Judy Dailey come to a close, now is the perfect time for us to gather and deepen our understanding of the Miller House during the Underground Railroad, Quantrill's Raid, and ever since. During this outdoor […]
Americans in the 19th century believed they were civilized and that war had to be conducted according to principals of restraint and honor. But the extreme violence and bloodshed of the Civil War--including raids, massacres, and prisoners used as human shields--prompted controversy between North and South over forms of retaliation and who deserved protection during […]
Step back in time to the thrilling, terrifying days of the Civil War. Local historian John Jewell will lead you on a downtown walking tour of sites and stories from William Quantrill's devastating raid on Lawrence in 1863, a defining event in the city's history. Tour goers get a free information packet full of maps, […]
Our annual memorial service for the victims of Quantrill's Raid will be followed by a new addition to our programming. Historian and photographer John Charlton and Will Haynes of the Watkins Museum will speak on the life of famous photographer Alexander Gardner, his 1867 trip to document the progress of the Kansas Pacific Railway, and Charlton's […]
The Watkins Museum offers an exciting new way to experience the history of early Kansas! In this unique bus tour, you'll explore sites in Lawrence that witnessed the stirring events of Bleeding Kansas and find out how the natural landscape influenced this history. This tour involves dismounting from the bus and walking around three different […]
Hey families and kids, join us at the Wakarusa River Valley Heritage Museum for fun activities about the natural world of Kansas! Featuring animal pelts and skulls to touch, the Stream Trailer teaching about waterways, Prairie Divination tarot card readings by Megan Kaminski, and more! There is no set fee; please pay what you can. All proceeds will benefit the […]
Women played crucial roles in the settlement of Lawrence. Learn heroic, fascinating stories of Sara Robinson, Jetta Dix, and several other important local women in this unique bus tour led by the Watkins Museum's Natalie Vondrak. Sponsored by the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department. Qualify for discount tickets by becoming a Watkins Museum member! Details here. […]
Join Brittany Keegan, Watkins Museum of History curator, to learn about historic Oak Hill Cemetery, early Lawrence settlers buried there, and hear stories of early Lawrence and Quantrill’s Raid. To register, visit Lawrence Parks and Recreation's website by clicking here and enter 321710 in Activity Number. Saturday, August 20, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm CDT Tickets = […]
Step back in time to the thrilling, terrifying days of the Civil War. Local historian John Jewell will lead you on a downtown walking tour of sites and stories from William Quantrill's devastating raid on Lawrence in 1863, a defining event in the city's history. Tour goers get a free information packet full of maps, […]
Travel back to the thrilling days of the Civil War on this popular bus tour! A Watkins Museum historian will show you sites and stories from William Quantrill's devastating raid on Lawrence in 1863--a defining event in the city's history. Sponsored by the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department. Qualify for discount tickets by becoming a […]
Travel back to the thrilling days of the Civil War on this popular bus tour! A Watkins Museum historian will show you sites and stories from William Quantrill's devastating raid on Lawrence in 1863--a defining event in the city's history. Sponsored by the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department. Qualify for discount tickets by becoming a […]
Black Jack Battlefield and Nature Park is a non-profit organization devoted to preserving and sharing the history of the Battle of Black Jack, Pearson Farmstead, woodland nature trails, and restored native prairie area. Tour Black Jack Battlefield and learn about the sites local and national significance during Bleeding Kansas.
For our concluding events of Civil War on the Border 2022, join us at the Watkins for talks with two scholars of American Indian issues. Dr. Eric Anderson of Haskell Indian Nations University will relate the history of the early tribes of Kansas. This will be followed by Melissa M. Peterson, Director of Tribal Relations […]
Join former board members, staff, and supporters of The Willow Domestic Violence Center for an inaugural event celebrating the month-long exhibit The Willow In Lawrence: A 45-Year History. Learn about The Willow from the folks who helped make it happen over the years. Part of the Lawrence 1970s Project. Friday, August 26, 5:30pm - 7:00 pm
The Watkins Museum announces a fun filled year of history, stories and activities for preschool ages 3-5! Tiny Tours will be held at the museum every second Thursday of the month starting September 8th from 10:30-11:30. Our first topic will be Clothing! Why Do We Need It? Future topics include What’s a Uniform?, Spilt Milk, […]
After a year of traveling and visiting every brewery in Kansas, Michael Travis has written a book that captures the heartbeat and story behind the owners and head brewers who make the magic happen. Join us in-person at the Watkins Museum on Thursday, September 8, as Michael introduces his new book, Celebrating Kansas Breweries: People, […]
After eight years of planning and installation, our third floor permanent exhibit will finally be unveiled! Drop by between 10 AM-4 PM Saturday and 1-4 PM Sunday to experience artifacts, images, and videos telling amazing stories from Lawrence history. Check out new areas on the third floor including: Molding Minds, Making Memories: The Universities of […]
Prior to 1969, Lawrence, Kansas, did not have an integrated public swimming pool. The only option that non-white residents had was to swim in the Kansas River, which was dangerous and proved deadly for a number of unfortunate individuals. There was a concerted effort throughout the decade of the 1960s to get the City of […]
In February 1972, they took a stand. By occupying a KU building and demanding gender equity in policies that affected women students, faculty, and staff on campus, the courageous February Sisters spurred change locally and nationally. Join us 50 years later as Christine Smith and Kathryn Tuttle recreate these events with special readings, discuss the February […]
Wunderbar! Lawrence Oktoberfest is finally back, and Watkins staff will be on hand with family activities. We'll have coloring, Turner exercises, a sheet of German phrases, a guide to researching German ancestry, exhibit panels about the Lawrence Turnverein, and a root beet stein hoist for kids! Get your tickets at this link.
