Helping preserve the rich history of Douglas County, Kansas

Wednesday, June 5, 12, 19 & 26; July 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31
Family Summer Games Series
Drop by the Watkins every Wednesday in June and July for a different historic game. We’ll have fun in and around the museum, playing something new and exciting every week. Pre-registration is welcome but not required!
11 a.m.- noon. Free, all ages.

Sunday, June 16, Sunday, July 14 and Sunday, August 11
Summer Ragtime Party
An afternoon of classic ragtime with Ed Judd, Al Brune and friends! Sit back and listen or bring your own instrument to join in the fun.
2-4 p.m. Free. All ages.

Friday, June 28
Final Friday Exhibit Opening: Democracy on Display
Celebrate the opening of a new display exploring political campaigns in Kansas over the past 100 years. The Dole Institute of Politics will be on hand with activities that provide an inside look into the election process. 6-8 p.m. Free.

Tuesday, July 2
Kids’ Behind The Scenes at the Watkins Tour
Uncover the secrets behind the historic Watkins National Bank building, home to the Watkins Community Museum. Participants will be led beyond the red velvet rope to see the museum’s collection of artifacts documenting Douglas County’s history. Presented as part of the Lawrence Public Library’s summer reading program.
2:00-3:30 p.m. Free. Ages 8-12. Space for this tour is limited; sign up with the Lawrence Public Library or by calling the Watkins at 785-841-4109.

Thursday, July 11
Who Lived in My House?
Live in an old house and want to learn about its history? This program will guide you through the Watkins Museum’s resources for researching historic or (just plain old) homes or other buildings in Douglas County. Stay after the program to kick-start your project. Presented as part of the Lawrence Public Library’s summer reading program.
10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Adults and teens ages 12 and up.  Limited space available; sign up with the Lawrence Public Library or by calling the Watkins at 785-841-4109.

Tuesday, July 23
Who Lived in My House?
Live in an old house and want to learn about its history? This program will guide you through the Watkins Museum’s resources for researching historic or (just plain old) homes or other buildings in Douglas County. Stay after the program to kick-start your project. Presented as part of the Lawrence Public Library’s summer reading program.
2:00-3:00 p.m. Free. Adults and teens ages 12 and up.  Limited space available; sign up with the Lawrence Public Library or by calling the Watkins at 785-841-4109.

Friday, July 26
Final Friday
6-8 p.m. Free.

August 12–17
Civil War on the Western Frontier
150th Anniversary of Quantrill’s raid on Lawrence
Click here for more information »

Friday, August 30
Final Friday Exhibit Opening: “Modern Views of Quantrill’s Raid”
Local artists share their thoughts about the raid that changed Lawrence forever, and its impact on the town’s character. Presented in collaboration with the Lawrence Percolator.
6-8 p.m. Free. Exhibits at the Watkins Museum at the Lawrence Percolator, located in the alley behind 913 Rhode Island.

Partnership Exhibition

Download poster

The Watkins Museum and the Lawrence Percolator are excited to join forces in staging an exhibition of new artwork exploring what people think of the legacy of Quantrill’s Raid.  “Modern Views of Quantrill’s Raid” invites area artists to submit new works that answer the question:  “What does Quantrill’s Raid mean to you today?”

Works will be displayed at the Watkins and the Percolator from early August through October.  Exact dates will vary between the two locations.  All artistic media are welcome for submission. To submit works, or for more information, contact Abby Pierron at 785-841-4109 or by email at apierron@watkinsmuseum.org).  Works will be accepted at the Watkins Museum and the Percolator in late July and early August.

See submission guidelines. »

Kansas Riverkings on the Road

The program will highlight eight men who lived and fished commercially on the Kaw River from 1890 to 1970.  These men epitomize the struggles faced by early Kansans: hard-working, down to earth, rugged citizens living off the land.  As a descendent of one of the men featured, Ms. Higgins-Dover provides a particularly personal presentation, sharing images and stories and displaying artifacts used by members of her family.  The first presentation will be at the Lawrence Visitors Center at 402 N. 2nd Street in Lawrence, Kansas, on July 6th from 1 p.m.–3 p.m.

Additional Presentation Dates

• August 29, 6:30 p.m., De Soto City Hall, 32905 W. 84th Street, De Soto, Kansas
• September 12, 6 p.m., Territorial Capital Lane Museum, Lecompton, Kansas
• September 19, 7:30 p.m., Eudora Historical Society at the Eudora City Hall, Eudora, Kansas
• September 23, 6:30 p.m., Highland Community College, Perry, Kansas

New Permanent Exhibit at the Watkins Museum

Installation of the first phase of a new permanent exhibit is underway. Opening in August, the exhibit will occupy most of the second floor of the Watkins Museum and will explore Douglas County heritage and the events that made the County a focus of national attention. Incorporating a variety of interpretive techniques and interactive approaches, the exhibit will share stories of the people and issues that shaped the place we call home.

Exhibit Challenge

DCHS members and the public are invited to designate a special donation to help meet a $5,000 exhibit fundraising challenge. A one-time donation of any amount will support installation of exhibit components in the main staircase that will welcome visitors by introducing the Douglas County Historical Society and identifying historic sites across the county. Contributors to the challenge will be recognized on the exhibit donor board. Please indicate "members’ challenge" on your check and mail your donation to the Watkins Museum, 1047 Massachusetts Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

A donor made a $500 gift to kick off the challenge—so we are on our way. Thanks for your support.

• Watkins Museum Featured in NEH Magazine
• Genealogical Society Partnership
• Watkins Museum &quo;Opens&quo; Online Exhibit
• 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.