Concerned that the Watkins National Bank Building serve a public function, Elizabeth Miller Watkins allowed the City of Lawrence to use it as city hall when the bank closed in 1929.  Her foresight became a catalyst for the museum’s opening decades later. In 1933, shortly after this building became Lawrence City Hall, the Douglas County Historical Society was established. Their focus on preserving community history created a collection, even though they had no museum to display artifacts. When city government moved out of this building in 1970, community members and the historical society stepped up to transform the historic structure into the Watkins Museum.

This exhibition is about more than the museum marking 50 years of existence; it is really a celebration of our community’s efforts to preserve its heritage. Countless volunteers and community partners in local government, non-profits, and the private sector keep the Watkins anchored at 1047 Massachusetts.

This exhibit was made possible through support from: