As things warm up across the High Plains, and as the vaccination roll-out rolls on, many organizations are kickin’ up the community outreach with educational programming, entertainment, and fundraising get-togethers. Today, we had Executive Director Steve Quakenbush of the Finney County Historical Museum to share information about their upcoming events, lectures, exhibits, and presentations. There’s a LOT to digest, so see below for the rundown. Remember: Please continue to wear masks and practice social distancing while visiting the museum!
The museum is located at 403 S. Fourth Street in Garden City, KS —the entrance is located at the edge of the Lee Richarson Zoo, located next to the pedestrian entrance for the zoo. For more information, visit the website. If you’d like to get involved or volunteer, call Steve at 620-272-3664 or via email.
Click the link below for our full interview.
More about their artifact collection: Approximately 21,000 cataloged artifacts, ranging from hat pins and campaign buttons to an 1887 fire wagon and a 1930 Ford Model A. (Steve’s favorite item is an 1864 US Army issue carbine rifle; his least favorite item is a cow hairball.)
More about the “History Lecture Series”: There are two different series in effect: History at High Noon and Evening at the Museum. Both are free and open to the public, thanks to the sponsors at AT&T Pioneers & Southern Council. Coffee and tea is provided; please wear a mask and practice social distancing.
-----History at High Noon (12p CT)
Second Wednesday of Jan., Feb., March and April
(NO LECTURES: MAY/JUNE/JULY/AUG)
Second Wednesday of Sept., Oct., Nov.
Next presentation: Influenza 1918 (Wednesday, March 10) ~ See description below.
-----Evening at the Museum (7 p CT)
Third Tuesday of Jan., Feb., March and April
(NO LECTURES: MAY/JUNE/JULY/AUG)
Third Tuesday Sept., Oct., Nov.
Next presentation: Influenza 1918 (Tuesday, March 16) ~ See description below.
About Influenza 1918: The Finney County Historical Society will offer another pair of free evening and noon-hour history programs for the public in March as part of the History at High Noon and Evening at the Museum series in Garden City. Sessions for 2021 are taking place with socially-distanced seating and additional COVID-19 precautions. Each is scheduled in the Mary Regan Conference Room of the Finney County Museum, 403 S. Fourth Street in Garden City’s Finnup Park, with access via the north entrance. Programs are sponsored by the Southern Council of the AT&T Pioneers. Up next is “Influenza 1918,” set for noon March 10 and 7 p.m. March 16. Rather than hosting a live speaker this time, the museum is sharing a 60-minute PBS documentary that chronicles what is still termed “the worst pandemic in American history.” The program was produced in 1998 as part of the PBS “American Experience” program series, and is still drawing favorable reviews for the insight it provides on today’s Coronavirus pandemic.
EXHIBITS: GOING ON NOW
-Ad Astra Per Aspera – 160th birthday of Kansas on 1/29; celebrating with this exhibit.
-True Crime Exhibit (Of particular interest): Chronicles how SW Kansas law enforcement personnel sold the 1920s crime spree of the Ralph and Jake Fleagle Gang, and the 1959 Clutter family murders that led to Truman Capote’s novel, In Cold Blood.
UPCOMING: Front Door Gallery (Temporary Exhibits)
-April: History of Philanthropy/WKCF
-June: The Unmentionables: Historic corsets/girdles/bloomers/pantaloons
-Aug/Sept: 9/11 Recollections: Photos, news clippings, short recollections on the 20th anniversary of the attacks.
-Fall 2021: Children’s clothing
-Holiday 2021: Santa’s Workshop: Animatronic display that happens every other holiday season!
Ongoing exhibits: Buffalo Jones, Last of the Plainsmen; My Place in Time; Big Pool; 19th Century Kitchen; Blizzard of 57/Tornado of 67/Flood of 65; Finney County Agriculture; Windsor Hotel/Dress Up Room; Finney County Veterans; Discover Kansas; Take Stock in Finney County; Spirit of the Plains; True Crime/Historic 1884 William Fulton House
Other Events & Activities: Upcoming
-Flea Market Festival (July 10, 2021) ~ 8:00a to 2:00p CT
-Labor Day Rib Sale (Sept. 2, 2021)
-Fall History Picnic (Oct. 3, 2021)
-Historic Walking Tours of Valley View Cemetery (Oct. 14, 15, & 16, 2021 ~ 6p & 8p CT)
-Finney County Pioneer Awards Banquet (Nov. 6, 2021)
-Holiday Open House (Dec. 11, 2021)
Museum hours:
Business hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT, Weekdays
Exhibits hours:
Winter, Spring & Fall: Throughout school year
-Exhibits: 1-5 p.m. CT ~ Every weekday
Summer: After Memorial Day through mid-August
-Exhibits: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. CT on Mondays through Saturdays; 1-5 p.m. CT on Sundays
