In touch with the world ... at home on the High Plains
The Finney County Historical Museum in Garden City is showing a new exhibit in the Front Door Gallery marking the 160th birthday of Kansas. Entitled “Ad Astra Per Aspera” after the state’s Latin motto, it tells how the admission of Kansas to the Union on Jan. 29 of 1861 helped touch off the American Civil War. In addition, the display includes a section with 17 artistic creations by local children entitled “Images of Kansas,” designed to honor the anniversary and share each young artist’s impression of his or her home state. The work was produced through Garden City Arts, led by Executive Director Katy Guthrie. The historical segment of the exhibit includes pictures of Abraham Lincoln raising the first 34-star American flag for Kansas at Philadelphia’s Independence Hall in 1861, fiery Kansas abolitionist John Brown and other images. Visitors can trace how the question of whether Kansas would accept or reject slavery became a contentious national issue, learn the story behind the state flag and read about the selection of “Home on the Range” as the state’s official song. The front door gallery is a small space where exhibits change repeatedly throughout the year. The museum is located at 403 S. Fourth Street, adjacent to the pedestrian arches at Lee Richardson Zoo, and admission is free. The new exhibit will remain in place at least through the end of February.