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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
On Sunday, October 9 from 2:00 - 4:00 PM you can volunteer to clean up historic Oak Hill Cemetery! Clean-up will focus on removing dead branches, fallen leaves, and other […]
Our popular genealogy classes are back! Genealogy expert Alisa Branham will provide clear guidance on how to start and organize your family history research, along with advice on which DNA […]
Spend an eerie evening at VIBE in Downtown Lawrence playing trivia amongst friends! The trivia game will include six rounds of questions ranging from local folklore to general Halloween and […]
