Halloween at the Watkins
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesOur biggest event of the year returns! Drop by the museum for trick-or-treating and a ghostly scavenger hunt with prizes.
Free
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Book Talk: Abolitionist of the Most Dangerous Kind
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesA controversial character largely known (as depicted in the movie Glory) as a Union colonel who led Black soldiers in the Civil War, James Montgomery waged a far more personal and radical war against slavery than popular history suggests. It is the true story of this militant abolitionist that Todd Mildfelt and David D. Schafer tell […]
Free
Using Find-A-Grave for Genealogy Research
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesIn this new class, we'll explore this powerful, free website. We'll discuss how to navigate the site to find additional family members and how to collaborate with others by adding new memorials and photos. Space is limited; please register in advance. Registration is $15 for Watkins members, $25 general admission. or by calling the Watkins […]
$15 – $25
Oak Hill Cemetery Fall Clean Up
Oak Hill Cemetery 1605 Oak Hill Ave, Lawrence, KansasHelp the Oak Hill Cemetery Committee cleanup historic Oak Hill cemetery by picking up sticks and trash, and raking leaves. Please bring your own rakes, gloves, and hand rakes. Bags will be provided. Dress accordingly and please bring water. About the Oak Hill Cemetery Committee: In 2022, the Douglas County Historical Society, which manages the […]
Free
Author Talk with Tom Clavin: “The Last Outlaws”
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesDon't miss your chance to meet bestselling author Tom Clavin as he discusses his latest book, The Last Outlaws: The Desperate Final Days of the Dalton Gang. Copies will be available for purchase and author signing courtesy of our partners at the Raven Bookstore! This event will be held in-person at the Watkins and also […]
Free
Homeschool History II (Ages 11-16)
Join us at the Watkins Museum for classes based on Lawrence and/or Douglas County History. Topics will be explored using hands-on activities, art projects, and will be multi-subject when appropriate. Parents may attend class, or this can be a drop-off program. Time: 10:30-11:30 AM Enrollment: Students may enroll for the entire school year, or they may enrollmonthly. You […]
Television Event: Screening & Discussion
Liberty Hall 644 Massachusetts S, Lawrence, KansasJoin us at Liberty Hall on December 4, 2024, for a special screening of Television Event followed by a 40th anniversary reunion Q&A featuring The Day After’s cast and crew both in-person and virtually including: - Actor, Steve Guttenberg- TDA Director, Nicholas Meyer (Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan)- TDA Producer, Bob Papazian (Rome, […]
$12
War on the Wakarusa: A Living History Event
South Park 1141 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, KansasJoin us in South Park for a time traveling adventure! In December 1855, the Wakarusa War began the violent struggle over whether Kansas would become a free or a slave state, and it happened right under our feet, on ground we walk every day. Nearly 800 Kansans responded to the defense of Lawrence, threatened by […]
Free
Researching Your Ancestors from Scotland and Ireland
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesOur October 14 class has sold out, so we're offering it again! First offered in 2019, this topic is very popular. The presentation will include a large handout listing many online and video resources so you can continue learning after the class. Space is limited; please register in advance. Registration is $15 for Watkins members, […]
$15 – $25
Tiny Tours: Snow Days: Frightful or Fun?
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesEach month throughout the school year, the Watkins Museum’s education team offers interactive hands-on activities based on Lawrence history for children ages 3-5 who have not entered school. Tours include story time, videos, time in the galleries, handling artifacts, arts, crafts, and games depending on the month’s topic. Children must be accompanied by an adult […]
Homeschool History II (Ages 11-16)
Join us at the Watkins Museum for classes based on Lawrence and/or Douglas County History. Topics will be explored using hands-on activities, art projects, and will be multi-subject when appropriate. Parents may attend class, or this can be a drop-off program. Time: 10:30-11:30 AM Enrollment: Students may enroll for the entire school year, or they may enrollmonthly. You […]
Winter Clothing Drive
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesIn connection with our exhibit Bundle Up: Battling the Cold in 1850s Kansas, the Watkins is partnering with the Ballard Center on a winter clothing drive. During our open hours, 10 AM-4 PM Tuesday through Saturday, stop by the Watkins to donate coats, hats, and other winter clothing items for community members in need.
Homeschool History II (Ages 11-16)
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesJoin us at the Watkins Museum for classes based on Lawrence and/or Douglas County History. Topics will be explored using hands-on activities, art projects, and will be multi-subject when appropriate. Parents may attend class, or this can be a drop-off program. Time: 10:30-11:30 AM Enrollment: Students may enroll for the entire school year, or they may enrollmonthly. You […]
Bundle Up! Dressing for Winter in Territorial Kansas
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesWhat did settlers wear to survive the harsh winters of 1850s Kansas? In this public talk, Eric Smallwood, 19th-century men's fashion historian and tailor, will use images, historical accounts, and original pieces from the collection of the Merchant Tailor Museum to address this topic. This event will be held in-person and also livestreamed on our Facebook and YouTube. […]
Free
Celebration of William Stafford: Living a Poetic Life
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesWe invite you to the Watkins for the annual celebration of famed Kansas poet William Stafford. This drop-in event features readings by area Kansas and Missouri poets.
Free
Homeschool History I (Ages 5-10)
Join us at the Watkins Museum for classes based on Lawrence and/or Douglas County History. Topics will be explored using hands-on activities, art projects, and will be multi-subject when appropriate. Parents may attend class, or this can be a drop-off program. Students can be enrolled for Tuesday or Friday classes. Time: 10:30-11:30 AM Enrollment: Students may enroll for […]
Tiny Tours: Friendship for All: Being Inclusive
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesEach month throughout the school year, the Watkins Museum’s education team offers interactive hands-on activities based on Lawrence history for children ages 3-5 who have not entered school. Tours include story time, videos, time in the galleries, handling artifacts, arts, crafts, and games depending on the month’s topic. Children must be accompanied by an adult […]
Homeschool History II (Ages 11-16)
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesJoin us at the Watkins Museum for classes based on Lawrence and/or Douglas County History. Topics will be explored using hands-on activities, art projects, and will be multi-subject when appropriate. Parents may attend class, or this can be a drop-off program. Time: 10:30-11:30 AM Enrollment: Students may enroll for the entire school year, or they may enrollmonthly. You […]
Homeschool History I (Ages 5-10)
Join us at the Watkins Museum for classes based on Lawrence and/or Douglas County History. Topics will be explored using hands-on activities, art projects, and will be multi-subject when appropriate. Parents may attend class, or this can be a drop-off program. Students can be enrolled for Tuesday or Friday classes. Time: 10:30-11:30 AM Enrollment: Students may enroll for […]
Introduction to Genealogy
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesGenealogy is one of the most popular hobbies in the US. We want to help you get started! Our resident genealogist, Alisa Branham, has been teaching classes at the Watkins for several years and will guide you with her expertise and several useful handouts. Space is limited; please register in advance. Registration is $15 for […]
$15 – $25
Vietnam Veterans Exhibit Talk with Pat Donahue
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesIn connection with our exhibit Soldiers Return: Coming Home from Vietnam, former US Marine Pat Donahue has generously agreed to give a short gallery talk discussing his life during and after the war and the items he loaned to the exhibit. This event will be free to the public but space is limited and registration required.
Free
Tiny Tours: Magical Music: Hands-On Instruments
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesEach month throughout the school year, the Watkins Museum’s education team offers interactive hands-on activities based on Lawrence history for children ages 3-5 who have not entered school. Tours include story time, videos, time in the galleries, handling artifacts, arts, crafts, and games depending on the month’s topic. Children must be accompanied by an adult […]
Homeschool History II (Ages 11-16)
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesJoin us at the Watkins Museum for classes based on Lawrence and/or Douglas County History. Topics will be explored using hands-on activities, art projects, and will be multi-subject when appropriate. Parents may attend class, or this can be a drop-off program. Time: 10:30-11:30 AM Enrollment: Students may enroll for the entire school year, or they may enrollmonthly. You […]
Homeschool History I (Ages 5-10)
Join us at the Watkins Museum for classes based on Lawrence and/or Douglas County History. Topics will be explored using hands-on activities, art projects, and will be multi-subject when appropriate. Parents may attend class, or this can be a drop-off program. Students can be enrolled for Tuesday or Friday classes. Time: 10:30-11:30 AM Enrollment: Students may enroll for […]
Oak Hill Cemetery Cleanup Day
Oak Hill Cemetery 1605 Oak Hill Ave, Lawrence, KansasThe Oak Hill Cemetery Committee invites you to help with spring cleanup! Volunteers will assist with raking leaves and picking up branches and trash. The committee will provide leaf bags. We ask volunteers to wear work clothes and bring leaf rakes, hand trimmers, hand rakes, and loppers. To volunteer, email [email protected]
Tiny Tours: Critters of Kansas: Animals of All Kinds
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesEach month throughout the school year, the Watkins Museum’s education team offers interactive hands-on activities based on Lawrence history for children ages 3-5 who have not entered school. Tours include story time, videos, time in the galleries, handling artifacts, arts, crafts, and games depending on the month’s topic. Children must be accompanied by an adult […]
Stories For All Festival
Lawrence Public Library 707 Vermont St.Stories for All: A Digital Storytelling Project for the Twenty-First Century brings together over forty Kansas-based partner projects dedicated to gathering marginalized and suppressed histories, interconnecting them, and sharing them widely through digital media. Open to the public and featuring a wide array of interactive presentations, exhibits, film screenings, and more, the Stories For All Festival […]
Free
Homeschool History II (Ages 11-16)
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesJoin us at the Watkins Museum for classes based on Lawrence and/or Douglas County History. Topics will be explored using hands-on activities, art projects, and will be multi-subject when appropriate. Parents may attend class, or this can be a drop-off program. Time: 10:30-11:30 AM Enrollment: Students may enroll for the entire school year, or they may enrollmonthly. You […]
Jennie Brooks: A Nature Lover in Lawrence
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesJoin us as historian Jeanne Klein speaks about Jennie Brooks (1853-1934), a local woman who studied plants and wildlife, published widely on them, and was one of the first observers of Monarch butterfly migrations. The talk will be held in person and livestreamed on the Watkins Museum Facebook and YouTube. This event is part of […]
Lawrence Earth Day Fair
South Park 1141 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, KansasThe City of Lawrence and the Watkins Museum invite you to the annual Lawrence Earth Day Fair! This free event will happen in South Park and feature lots of earth-friendly crafts and activities for you and your family. The "price of admission" is one used can for Cans for the Community or an item of […]
Free
Watkins Building Print Contest!
Enter for a chance to win a piece of Lawrence history! This framed blueprint of the Watkins Building was created by the Historic American Buildings Survey ca. 1960-1975. The framed print measures 27.5" x 21.5". Tickets are $5 each or three for $10. Enter as many times as you'd like. The winner will be drawn […]
Tiny Tours: Life in a Cabin: Small Living
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesEach month throughout the school year, the Watkins Museum’s education team offers interactive hands-on activities based on Lawrence history for children ages 3-5 who have not entered school. Tours include story time, videos, time in the galleries, handling artifacts, arts, crafts, and games depending on the month’s topic. Children must be accompanied by an adult […]
Homeschool History II (Ages 11-16)
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesJoin us at the Watkins Museum for classes based on Lawrence and/or Douglas County History. Topics will be explored using hands-on activities, art projects, and will be multi-subject when appropriate. Parents may attend class, or this can be a drop-off program. Time: 10:30-11:30 AM Enrollment: Students may enroll for the entire school year, or they may enrollmonthly. You […]
Poster Sale
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesWe're holding a poster sale! We have deaccessioned duplicate copies of posters and other archival materials already in the museum’s collections and several posters unrelated to Douglas County history. All proceeds from sales of these items will go toward the Watkins Acquisitions and Conservation Fund. The fund will be used to purchase materials for the […]
Homeschool History I (Ages 5-10)
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesJoin us at the Watkins Museum for classes based on Lawrence and/or Douglas County History. Topics will be explored using hands-on activities, art projects, and will be multi-subject when appropriate. Parents may attend class, or this can be a drop-off program. Students can be enrolled for Tuesday or Friday classes. Time: 10:30-11:30 AM Enrollment: Students may enroll for […]
Online Talk: How Do You Conserve a Cemetery?
Join us on the Watkins Facebook and YouTube as we talk with Lucinda Linderman, Sculpture Conservator with Pacific Coast Conservators, and Kerry Altenbernd of the Oak Hill Cemetery Committee about the do's and don'ts of conserving cemeteries and gravestones for the education and memorialization of ourselves and future generations. This event is a partnership with […]
Lawrence Poetry Fair
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesThe 11th annual Lawrence Poetry Fair will be hosted at the Watkins. Poets and poetry aficionados, lovers of spring and dancing in the rain among flowers, please join us as we celebrate the sweet song of poetry. If you care to share your Voice, please message Ronda Miller of the Kansas Authors Club at [email protected] […]
Free
Walking Tour: Founders of Oak Hill Cemetery
Oak Hill Cemetery 1605 Oak Hill Ave, Lawrence, KansasLeslie Beesley of the Oak Hill Cemetery Committee will present her popular walking tour of this Lawrence landmark site and the people responsible for creating it. The tour will begin from the Citizens Monument to the victims of Quantrill's Raid. All ticket proceeds will go toward the committee's work to preserve and beautify Oak Hill. […]
Watkins Summer Games!
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesWatkins Summer Games are back! Every Wednesday in June and July, bring your kids age 10 and under to the museum for super fun games, crafts, and dances. AND you can enter a drawing to win a $50 gift card to The Toy Store! The theme for each Wednesday will be a different state from […]
Free
African Americans in Oak Hill Cemetery
Oak Hill Cemetery 1605 Oak Hill Ave, Lawrence, KansasJeanne Klein will lead a walking tour of prominent African Americans buried in old Section 5 at Oak Hill Cemetery. Sites will include civil rights advocates, attorneys, policemen, business owners, church ministers, elementary school teachers, and other occupations. The tour will begin at the Langston’s family plot on the far eastern side of old Section […]
Primary Candidates Forum
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United States
The East Bottoms: A Landscape History of Lawrence’s Red-Light District
Cider Gallery 810 Pennsylvania St., Lawrence, Kansas, United StatesJoin us on Wednesdays in July as Bon Bon holds East Lawrence History Salons at the Cider Gallery, featuring Dennis Domer and guests. Chef Simon Bates and Codi Bates have planned inspired evenings of food, drink, and conversation while raising funds to support the Embattled Lawrence book series. This is a continuation of the first […]
$100
Downtown through the Decades Walking Tour: July 13
200 W 9th Street Lawrence, Kansas, United StatesDowntown Through the Decades: Exploring Lawrence's Evolution Through Architecture is a roughly 60-minute walking tour of downtown Lawrence that highlights historic architecture hidden among the storefronts and brick buildings downtown. The tour reveals a glimpse into several distinct eras of Lawrence's past. Your tour guide will be history teacher Andrew Morris. Tours meet outside the front […]
$15 – $20
Primary Candidates Forum
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesAJ Griffin & Mary Carroll: A Pioneer Partnership, 1867-1907
Cider Gallery 810 Pennsylvania St., Lawrence, Kansas, United StatesJoin us on Wednesdays in July as Bon Bon holds East Lawrence History Salons at the Cider Gallery, featuring Dennis Domer and guests. Chef Simon Bates and Codi Bates have planned inspired evenings of food, drink, and conversation while raising funds to support the Embattled Lawrence book series. This is a continuation of the first […]
$100
Downtown through the Decades Walking Tour: July 20
200 W 9th Street Lawrence, Kansas, United StatesDowntown Through the Decades: Exploring Lawrence's Evolution Through Architecture is a roughly 60-minute walking tour of downtown Lawrence that highlights historic architecture hidden among the storefronts and brick buildings downtown. The tour reveals a glimpse into several distinct eras of Lawrence's past. Your tour guide will be history teacher Andrew Morris. Tours meet outside the front […]
$15 – $20
48StateTour: Oak Hill Cemetery
Oak Hill Cemetery 1605 Oak Hill Ave, Lawrence, KansasOur Sewers, Ourselves: Everyday Life in the Open Sewers of Early Lawrence
Cider Gallery 810 Pennsylvania St., Lawrence, Kansas, United StatesJoin us on Wednesdays in July as Bon Bon holds East Lawrence History Salons at the Cider Gallery, featuring Dennis Domer and guests. Chef Simon Bates and Codi Bates have planned inspired evenings of food, drink, and conversation while raising funds to support the Embattled Lawrence book series. This is a continuation of the first […]
$100
Downtown through the Decades Walking Tour: July 27
200 W 9th Street Lawrence, Kansas, United StatesDowntown Through the Decades: Exploring Lawrence's Evolution Through Architecture is a roughly 60-minute walking tour of downtown Lawrence that highlights historic architecture hidden among the storefronts and brick buildings downtown. The tour reveals a glimpse into several distinct eras of Lawrence's past. Your tour guide will be history teacher Andrew Morris. Tours meet outside the front […]
$15 – $20
Red Cross Blood Drive
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesYour local American Red Cross is in urgent need of blood donations. Step up and save lives! The Watkins will host a blood drive on Tuesday, July 30. To make your lifesaving appointment, download and use the Blood Donor App, call 800-RED-CROSS, or visit RedCrossBlood.org.All donors receive a Fandango Movie Ticket code via email good […]
Free
Not in My Backyard: 50 Years of Defending East Lawrence
Cider Gallery 810 Pennsylvania St., Lawrence, Kansas, United StatesJoin us on Wednesdays in July as Bon Bon holds East Lawrence History Salons at the Cider Gallery, featuring Dennis Domer and guests. Chef Simon Bates and Codi Bates have planned inspired evenings of food, drink, and conversation while raising funds to support the Embattled Lawrence book series. This is a continuation of the first […]
$100