Trails That Connect Us
1927 Moodie Rd.Join us for the family-friendly Trails that Connect Us event! Come to the Free State Brewing Bottling Facility on the Burroughs Creek Trail Loop section, located at 1927 Moodie Rd., […]
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Online Book Talk: Native Americans After World War I
Drawing from archival sources and oral histories, author Thomas Grillot demonstrates how the relationship between Native American tribes and the United States was reinvented in the years following World War […]
The Munsee Tribe in Kansas
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesThrough a grant from Humanities Kansas, the Munsee Tribe in Kansas has embarked on “Niiloona Munsiiw: We Are Munsee,” a cultural preservation project and series of events that will protect […]
Free
Swimming in Change: Researching Lawrence’s First Integrated Swimming Pool
Outdoor Aquatic Center 727 Kentucky St., Lawrence, KansasJoin us at the Outdoor Aquatic Center as KU graduate student Maggie Brown-Peoples details her research into the issues around the creation of Lawrence’s first integrated swimming pool. From the […]
On Two Fronts: Kansans Fighting the Great War
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesIn this special three-part exhibit, audiences will encounter the harrowing experiences of Kansans in WWI using first-hand accounts, artifacts, and interactives. The ticketed experience features the traveling exhibit, Life in the […]
$10
Tiny Tours: Springtime Planting
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesTiny Tours are a once-a-month program for children ages 3-5 who have not entered school. The tour focuses on an interactive and a hands-on activities based on Lawrence history. Tour activities […]
Free
Oak Hill Cemetery Tour: Black Civil War Veterans
Oak Hill Cemetery 1605 Oak Hill Ave, Lawrence, KansasJoin local historian Jeanne Klein for a tour of historic Oak Hill Cemetery. Jeanne will draw on her years of research to present this new tour on Black Civil War […]
$20 – $30
Homeschool History: 19th Century Schooling
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesLooking for a fun event for your homeschool child? The Watkins Museum shares Lawrence history with homeschool students ages 5-12 every month throughout the school year. Each lesson studies a […]
Free
Homeschool History: 19th Century Schooling
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesLooking for a fun event for your homeschool child? The Watkins Museum shares Lawrence history with homeschool students ages 5-12 every month throughout the school year. Each lesson studies a […]
Free
Pocket History Packets Summer Program
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesThis summer, the Watkins Museum is offering a new program for Douglas County students who have just finished kindergarten through fifth grade in the latest school year. In June, July, […]
Free
Underground Railroad Bus Tour
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesIMPORTANT UPDATE: All seats have been reserved. Add your name to the waiting list here. Part of the Lawrence Juneteenth Celebration: a new bus tour developed by the Watkins Museum of […]
Free
Lawrence 1933 Walking Tour
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesUpdate: This tour is sold out. Thank you for your interest! What was it like living in Lawrence during the New Deal and the Great Depression? As we celebrate the […]
What’s That? Wednesdays
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesSchool’s Out! Want to have fun and see some cool stuff with your friends? Then stop by the Watkins to participate in our newest program What’s That? Wednesdays. Every Wednesday in […]
Free
Celebrate 70s Lawrence: Three Short Films from a Groovy Time
Lawrence Public Library 707 Vermont St.Join us at the Lawrence Public Library as we turn back the clock with an entertaining showcase of short films made in Lawrence! No tickets are needed. About the films: […]
Free
What’s That? Wednesdays
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesSchool’s Out! Want to have fun and see some cool stuff with your friends? Then stop by the Watkins to participate in our newest program What’s That? Wednesdays. Every Wednesday in […]
Free
What’s That? Wednesdays
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesSchool’s Out! Want to have fun and see some cool stuff with your friends? Then stop by the Watkins to participate in our newest program What’s That? Wednesdays. Every Wednesday in […]
Free
Film Screening: “1917”
Lawrence Arts Center 940 New Hampshire St., Lawrence, KansasJoin us at the Lawrence Arts Center for a screening of the critically acclaimed film 1917. SCHEDULE 12:30 pm | Doors Open 1 pm | Opening Remarks from Watkins Museum of […]
$5
What’s That? Wednesdays
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesSchool’s Out! Want to have fun and see some cool stuff with your friends? Then stop by the Watkins to participate in our newest program What’s That? Wednesdays. Every Wednesday in […]
Free
From the Great War: A Postcard Message Sent, Received, and then Retrieved
Lawrence Public Library 707 Vermont St.Join us at the Lawrence Public Library for a unique presentation by Prof. James J. Heiman of Metropolitan Community College, Blue River. Selected, written, and sent by soldiers and civilians […]
Free
Raffle Contest: Historic Lawrence Print
Enter for a chance to win a piece of Lawrence history! This reproduction print of 1859 Lawrence has been custom matted and framed by Framewoods Gallery using antique wood from […]
Disorder on the Border
This August, a broad-based group of historians will again gather to discuss the conflict and casualties of one of the most divisive periods of American history at the Harrisonville Community […]
$35
Book Release Celebration
Merchants Pub & Plate 746 Massachusetts Street, Lawrence, Kansas, United StatesJoin us in celebrating the highly-anticipated book Embattled Lawrence Vol. 2 at Merchants Pub & Plate on Tuesday, August 15. The Raven Book Store will be selling copies of the […]
Food & Agriculture during the Civil War
How did food production and scarcities change the course of history during the American Civil War? Join us for a live online discussion with renowned historian R. Douglas Hurt, author […]
Cemetery Tours
In these two unique and separate walking tours, participants will learn about the cemetery's connection to the Civil War era and the people buried there. Hosted by Lawrence Parks and […]
$25
Quantrill’s Raid Victims Memorial and Historical Talk
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesJoin us at the Watkins for the most moving, important event of Civil War on the Border. After a reading by Anthony Boynton, writer and member of B.L.A.C.K. Lawrence, community […]
Free
Bus Tour: Women of Early Lawrence
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesWomen played crucial roles leading up to, during, and after the destruction of Quantrill's Raid on Lawrence. Learn the heroic, fascinating stories of Sara Robinson, Jetta Dix, and several other […]
$25 – $35
Film Screening: “I’m So Glad: Kansas City and the Roots of Black Gospel Music”
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesJoin us at the Watkins for this free screening, a partnership with the I'm So Glad Project and the Lawrence Branch NAACP. From its pre-Civil War roots to today, Kansas […]
Free
Postwar Journeys: Discussing the Vietnam War’s Effects
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesWe invite you to join us for a unique two-part program: We'll mark the opening of our exhibit about the postwar lives of Vietnam veterans with discussions involving Hang Le-Tormala, […]
Free
Watkins Museum Book Sale
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesJoin us in the Watkins Museum's Community Room for a book sale! After completing the archives and research room renovation in 2022, staff conducted an inventory into the materials stored […]
$1 – $15
Journal Release Celebration
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesHelp Anamcara Press celebrate the release of their first print journal The Write Bridge: Perilous and Playful, at the Watkins!In addition to celebrating contributing authors and artists, they will introduce you […]
Free
Tiny Tours: Butterflies! Maggie’s Garden to Migration to Mexico
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 […]
Film Screening: Garden City, Kansas
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesLife, liberty, and the struggle for America. Join us as we partner with director Bob Hurst on a free screening of his acclaimed documentary, Garden City, Kansas. The film is […]
Free
Author Talk with Margie Carr: “Kansas City’s Montgall Avenue”
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesMargie Carr’s Kansas City’s Montgall Avenue: Black Leaders and the Street They Called Home is the extraordinary, century-old history of one city block whose residents shaped the changing status of Black people […]
Tiny Tours: Ways to Have Fun! Amusements in Lawrence
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 […]
Researching Your Ancestors from Scotland and Ireland
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesUpdate: This class is sold out. Thank you for your interest. The first class in our 2023-24 genealogy series. First offered in 2019, this topic is very popular! The presentation […]
$15 – $25
Book Talk: Forgotten Senator Preston B. Plumb
Watkins Museum of History 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS, United StatesSenator Preston B. Plumb is little known today, but in his lifetime he was a legend. Plumb smuggled guns for the Free State movement, pursued Quantrill's raiders, and served Kansas […]
Free
Walking Tour of Black Jack Battlefield
Black Jack Battlefield 163 E. 2000 Road, Wellsville, KansasExperience the Battle of Black Jack in a walking tour led by legendary 19th century abolitionist John Brown (AKA local historian Kerry Altenbernd). The tour will involve an explanation of […]
Free
Haunting Humanities
Abe & Jake's Landing 8 E 6th St., Lawrence, KansasHaunting Humanities--the one-of-a-kind series of presentations, activities, games, and performances during the spooky season--returns to Abe & Jake's! For Haunting Humanities 2023, the Watkins will partner with Bleeding Kansas living […]
Free
Walking Tour: Growing Downtown Lawrence 1850-1910
This walk through downtown Lawrence lets us learn about the early entrepreneurs, architects, social and business leaders who laid the foundation for our city. Just for good measure we'll add […]
History in a New Light: DCHS 90th Anniversary Fundraiser
Juniper Hill Farm 1547 N 2000 Rd, Lawrence, Kansas, United StatesEnjoy a night of music, pizza, and history at Juniper Hill Farm. All proceeds will benefit the stained-glass window restoration project at the Watkins Museum of History. The project will […]
$75
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
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 […]
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 […]
$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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
$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 […]
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 […]
$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 […]
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 […]
Featured
Lawrence 1970s Project
Since 2020, the Watkins Museum has hosted a series of events to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1970s. Events related to the 1970s will be hosted throughout the city until […]
Free
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Scavenger Hunt Saturdays!
A great activity for kids up to age 10. Every Saturday at the Watkins is Scavenger Hunt Saturday: Drop by the museum to search for objects around the building and […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
$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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
$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 […]
$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 […]
$100