Final Friday at the Watkins

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

There are several recently opened exhibits here at the Watkins, including parts of our exciting new third floor gallery. Drop by during Final Friday to check us out and earn yourself a coupon for 15% off at Latchkey Deli!

Remembering Glenn Kappelman: A Life of Service

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

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 […]

Environmental History of the Civil War: Online Talk with Lisa Brady

Online

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 […]

Structure and Story: Tour of the Robert H. Miller House

Robert H. Miller House 1111 E. 19th Street, Lawrence, Kansas

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 […]

$20 – $30

Retaliation during the Civil War: Online Talk with Lorien Foote

Online

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 […]

Quantrill’s Raid Walking Tour

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

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, […]

$15 – $25

Lawrence 1867: Through the Eyes of Famed Photographer Alexander Gardner

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 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 […]

Bus Tour: The Landscape of Bleeding Kansas

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

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 […]

$20 – $30

Hands-On Natural History at Clinton Lake

Wakarusa River Valley Heritage Museum 716 N. 1190 Road, Lawrence, Kansas

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 […]

Bus Tour: Women of Early Lawrence

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

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. […]

Quantrill’s Raid Graveyard Walking Tour

Oak Hill Cemetery 1605 Oak Hill Ave, Lawrence, Kansas

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 = […]

$25

Morning Walking Tour: Quantrill’s Raid

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

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, […]

$15 – $25