Helping preserve the rich history of Douglas County, Kansas

May 25, Final Friday, 6–8 p.m., free
Celebrate the opening of two new exhibitions at the Watkins

June 16, Walking Tour of Downtown Lawrence, 10 a.m., free
Presented in partnership with the Lawrence Public Library’s summer reading program "Summer in the City."

July 8, August 12, Summer Sunday Ragtime Concert Series, 2:00 p.m., free

June 13, June 22, July 17, Who Lived in My House?, 1:30 p.m., free
Kids in 5^th-8^th grades use historical records to explore the past in this program presented in partnership with the Lawrence Public Library’s summer reading program "Summer in the City."

June 29, Final Friday, 6–8 p.m., free
Featuring the work of photographer Roger Spohn.

July 5, 12, 19, and 26, Summer Sidewalk Games, 11-12 p.m., free
Try your hand at jacks, marbles, and other indoor/outdoor games that parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents all played during long summer breaks.  Fun for the whole family.

July 14, Walking Tour of Oak Hill Cemetery, 10 a.m., free
Presented in partnership with the Lawrence Public Library’s summer reading program "Summer in the City."

Adopt-a-Window

The Douglas County Historical Society is proud to call the Watkins National Bank Building home.  Protecting this architectural treasure requires regular upkeep and investment, and right now some of the building’s windows are in critical need of restoration.  Phase I of the project, with an estimated cost of $60,000, will address repair and painting of the third floor windows on the east and south facades and will begin this summer.  Please consider helping this project by "adopting" a window for $3,000 or a half window for $1,500.  Contributors will be recognized in the annual report and with a label on a newly restored window.  The label will remain in place for five years following the date of the gift.  If you contribute to this project before June 30, 2012, your donation will qualify for a 2012 Kansas tax credit equal to 50% of the amount donated.  The minimum donation qualifying for a tax credit is $1,000.  For more information contact Steve Nowak at 785-841-4109 or snowak@watkinsmuseum.org.

2012 Membership Campaign

The Douglas County Historical Society will kick-off their 2012 membership campaign with a special reception and preview of the exhibition More than a Game: Basketball and Community Spirit on Friday, March 30, at 5 p.m.  Refreshments will be available.  The evening will include a sneak peak at upcoming programs and exhibitions.  The campaign has a goal of increasing DCHS membership by at least 50 individuals.  Members receive an array of benefits and access to up-to-date information.  Membership funds provide support for expanded programming and exhibitions at the Watkins Museum.  Now is a great time to join the DCHS.

Genealogical Society Partnership

The Watkins Museum and the Douglas County Genealogical Society are working together to help those researching family history.  From 5:30–7 p.m. on the final Friday of the month, members of the Genealogical Society will be at the Museum to help researchers find ways to overcome roadblocks they have encountered when exploring their family history.

Watkins Museum "Opens" Online Exhibit

Massachusetts Street: Monuments and Milestones, draws on photographs primarily from the Watkins collection to trace the development of several businesses on Mass Street and to chronicle the street’s changing appearance through the years.  The exhibit provides a history of several long-time Lawrence businesses; connects local history to events important state- and nationwide; and provides a brief history of the founding of Lawrence.  Intern Cristina Chavez, a recent KU Museum Studies graduate, developed the exhibit.  Her internship was funded by a 2011 grant from the Ethel and Raymond F. Rice Foundation.
View the exhibit here »

• Book explores lives of Quantrill Raid survivors
• Museum commemorates raid anniversary

Community Room is available for your receptions, birthday party or reunion. Call 1-785-841-4109 for more information.
Read more here.