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Presentation by Eric Smallwood: Men’s Summer Clothing in the 1860s

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

Our annual memorial service for the victims of Quantrill's Raid will be followed by a new presentation by clothing historian and tailor Eric Smallwood. Using original pieces from the collection of the Merchant Tailor Museum, Eric will discuss the evolution of menswear during the mid-1800s. This talk will be a follow-up to his highly popular […]

Free

Online Talk with Shae Smith Cox: The Fabric of Civil War Society

Military uniforms, badges, flags, and other material objects have been used to represent the identity of Americans throughout history. In her new book The Fabric of Civil War Society, Shae Smith Cox examines the material culture of America’s bloodiest conflict, offering a deeper understanding of the war and its commemoration. Join us on the Watkins Museum […]

Free

Bleeding Kansas Bus Tours

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

The Watkins Museum offers an exciting way to experience the history of early Kansas! In this unique tour, you'll explore sites in Lawrence that witnessed the stirring events of Bleeding Kansas. This tour involves stopping and walking at three different locations. Those wishing to remain on the bus may do so. Sponsored by the Lawrence […]

$30 – $35

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

Homeschool History: I am a Story

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

Bring your kids age 5-10 for a class based on local history! Our first topic of the year will be "I am a Story" (personal and community storytelling). Topics will be explored using hands-on activities, art projects, and will be multisubject when appropriate. Parents may attend class, or this can be a drop off program. […]

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

Hands-On History: Building a Conversation

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

Hands-On History is a project-based educational program for middle and high school students aged 11 – 16 years. The program is cumulative and offers students the opportunity to create a unique exhibit display for summer 2025 in the Watkins Community Gallery. Content and lessons are adapted from the Facing History & Ourselves curriculum, and designed […]

Watkins Tiny Tours: Artifacts All Around

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 [email protected]

Free

Homeschool History: Journeys in Journaling

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

Bring your kids age 5-10 for a class based on local history! Topics will be explored using hands-on activities, art projects, and will be multisubject when appropriate. Parents may attend class, or this can be a drop off program. Class registrations may be purchased by the school year, September to May, or for individual classes. […]

Creeping Glaciers and Ancient Oceans: The Geologic Story of Douglas County

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

Did you know you can find fossils just by walking through downtown?  Learn this and more with Andy Connolly, educator at the Kansas Geological Survey, who will talk about the geology of Douglas County. This presentation will cover ancient oceans, glaciers, and ice age mammals (and a little bit of architecture to boot).  You'll also […]

Free

Hands-On History: Saving the Last Word

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

Hands-On History is a project-based educational program for middle and high school students aged 11 – 16 years. The program is cumulative and offers students the opportunity to create a unique exhibit display for summer 2025 in the Watkins Community Gallery. Content and lessons are adapted from the Facing History & Ourselves curriculum, and designed […]

Unsung Olympians: Behind the Scenes at the 1984 Summer Olympics

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

The Olympic Games celebrate athletic achievement and international cooperation. But the Olympics could never happen without the dedication of thousands of people helping to make the athletes shine. Join us for a special gallery talk with two unsung Olympians, Ann Frame Hertzog and David Rankin. As Athletics Personnel Coordinator and as a member of the […]

Free

Book Talk with Dr. Bob Dinsdale: “Massachusetts Street”

Lawrence Public Library 707 Vermont St.

The Lawrence Public Library is pleased to host a book launch of "Massachusetts Street" by Lawrence physician and founder of lawrencehistorytours.com, Dr. Bob Dinsdale, in partnership with the Watkins Museum. Bob spent a year collecting photos and stories about Mass Street, the heart of Lawrence, where we all gather to celebrate, campaign, and complain! Covering the […]

Free

Homeschool History: Symbolism in Storytelling

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

Bring your kids age 5-10 for a class based on local history! Topics will be explored using hands-on activities, art projects, and will be multisubject when appropriate. Parents may attend class, or this can be a drop off program. Class registrations may be purchased by the school year, September to May, or for individual classes. […]

Book Talk with Dr. Bob Dinsdale: “Massachusetts Street”

Sunflower Outdoor & Bike Shop 804 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, Kansas, United States

Mass Street has been the heart of Lawrence since its founding in 1854. This is the place to be, the place where people live, shop, parade, protest, and be themselves! Join us at Sunflower Outdoor & Bike Shop for a talk with Dr. Bob Dinsdale, author of the newly published Massachusetts Street. Filled with photographs […]

Free

Hands-On History: Personal Identity

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

Hands-On History is a project-based educational program for middle and high school students aged 11 – 16 years. The program is cumulative and offers students the opportunity to create a unique exhibit display for summer 2025 in the Watkins Community Gallery. Content and lessons are adapted from the Facing History & Ourselves curriculum, and designed […]

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 […]

Free
Featured Featured

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!

Free

Homeschool History: Holiday (Halloween) Storytelling

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

Bring your kids age 5-10 for a class based on local history! Topics will be explored using hands-on activities, art projects, and will be multisubject when appropriate. Parents may attend class, or this can be a drop off program. Class registrations may be purchased by the school year, September to May, or for individual classes. […]

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

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.

Free

Watkins Museum AFTER DARK!

Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United States
$15 – $20

Hands-On History: Identity & Names

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

Hands-On History is a project-based educational program for middle and high school students aged 11 – 16 years. The program is cumulative and offers students the opportunity to create a unique exhibit display for summer 2025 in the Watkins Community Gallery. Content and lessons are adapted from the Facing History & Ourselves curriculum, and designed […]

Homeschool History: Sharing Stories Together (Indigenous Peoples’ Month/Oral Tradition)

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

Bring your kids age 5-10 for a class based on local history! Topics will be explored using hands-on activities, art projects, and will be multisubject when appropriate. Parents may attend class, or this can be a drop off program. Class registrations may be purchased by the school year, September to May, or for individual classes. […]

Hands-On History: Community Identity

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

Hands-On History is a project-based educational program for middle and high school students aged 11 – 16 years. The program is cumulative and offers students the opportunity to create a unique exhibit display for summer 2025 in the Watkins Community Gallery. Content and lessons are adapted from the Facing History & Ourselves curriculum, and designed […]

Annual Members’ Meeting

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

Museum members are invited to our annual meeting. Our theme this year is "Looking Forward." The Watkins turns 50 next April and we want to launch the festivities early! Join us for a night of community and conversation. We'll have the business meeting at 5:45, followed by engagement activities from 6:30-8 PM, including exploration of […]

$15

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.

Free

Hands-On History: Connecting to the Past, Part 1

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

Hands-On History is a project-based educational program for middle and high school students aged 11 – 16 years. The program is cumulative and offers students the opportunity to create a unique exhibit display for summer 2025 in the Watkins Community Gallery. Content and lessons are adapted from the Facing History & Ourselves curriculum, and designed […]

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 [email protected]

Free

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.

Free

Homeschool History: Making Stories Stick (Indigenous Peoples’ Month/Oral Tradition)

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

Bring your kids age 5-10 for a class based on local history! Topics will be explored using hands-on activities, art projects, and will be multisubject when appropriate. Parents may attend class, or this can be a drop off program. Class registrations may be purchased by the school year, September to May, or for individual classes. […]

Hands-On History: Connecting to the Past, Part 2

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

Hands-On History is a project-based educational program for middle and high school students aged 11 – 16 years. The program is cumulative and offers students the opportunity to create a unique exhibit display for summer 2025 in the Watkins Community Gallery. Content and lessons are adapted from the Facing History & Ourselves curriculum, and designed […]

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 [email protected]

Free

Homeschool History: Snapshot Storytelling (Photography)

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

Bring your kids age 5-10 for a class based on local history! Topics will be explored using hands-on activities, art projects, and will be multisubject when appropriate. Parents may attend class, or this can be a drop off program. Class registrations may be purchased by the school year, September to May, or for individual classes. […]

Homeschool History: Movie Magic

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

Bring your kids age 5-10 for a class based on local history! Topics will be explored using hands-on activities, art projects, and will be multisubject when appropriate. Parents may attend class, or this can be a drop off program. Class registrations may be purchased by the school year, September to May, or for individual classes. […]

Homeschool History: Art is Everywhere

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

Bring your kids age 5-10 for a class based on local history! Topics will be explored using hands-on activities, art projects, and will be multisubject when appropriate. Parents may attend class, or this can be a drop off program. Class registrations may be purchased by the school year, September to May, or for individual classes. […]

Homeschool History: Counter Storytelling (Black History Month)

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

Bring your kids age 5-10 for a class based on local history! Topics will be explored using hands-on activities, art projects, and will be multisubject when appropriate. Parents may attend class, or this can be a drop off program. Class registrations may be purchased by the school year, September to May, or for individual classes. […]

Watkins Tiny Tours: Seeing the Story

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 [email protected]

Free