Step inside the famous, historic Miller House! As 38 years of outstanding stewardship of this Lawrence landmark by Dennis and Judy Dailey come to a close, now is the perfect time for us to gather and deepen our understanding of the Miller House during the Underground Railroad, Quantrill's Raid, and ever since. During this outdoor […]
Step back in time to the thrilling, terrifying days of the Civil War. Local historian John Jewell will lead you on a downtown walking tour of sites and stories from William Quantrill's devastating raid on Lawrence in 1863, a defining event in the city's history. Tour goers get a free information packet full of maps, […]
The Watkins Museum offers an exciting new way to experience the history of early Kansas! In this unique bus tour, you'll explore sites in Lawrence that witnessed the stirring events of Bleeding Kansas and find out how the natural landscape influenced this history. This tour involves dismounting from the bus and walking around three different […]
Women played crucial roles in the settlement of Lawrence. Learn heroic, fascinating stories of Sara Robinson, Jetta Dix, and several other important local women in this unique bus tour led by the Watkins Museum's Natalie Vondrak. Sponsored by the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department. Qualify for discount tickets by becoming a Watkins Museum member! Details here. […]
Join Brittany Keegan, Watkins Museum of History curator, to learn about historic Oak Hill Cemetery, early Lawrence settlers buried there, and hear stories of early Lawrence and Quantrill’s Raid. To register, visit Lawrence Parks and Recreation's website by clicking here and enter 321710 in Activity Number. Saturday, August 20, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm CDT Tickets = […]
Step back in time to the thrilling, terrifying days of the Civil War. Local historian John Jewell will lead you on a downtown walking tour of sites and stories from William Quantrill's devastating raid on Lawrence in 1863, a defining event in the city's history. Tour goers get a free information packet full of maps, […]
Travel back to the thrilling days of the Civil War on this popular bus tour! A Watkins Museum historian will show you sites and stories from William Quantrill's devastating raid on Lawrence in 1863--a defining event in the city's history. Sponsored by the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department. Qualify for discount tickets by becoming a […]
Travel back to the thrilling days of the Civil War on this popular bus tour! A Watkins Museum historian will show you sites and stories from William Quantrill's devastating raid on Lawrence in 1863--a defining event in the city's history. Sponsored by the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department. Qualify for discount tickets by becoming a […]
Join former board members, staff, and supporters of The Willow Domestic Violence Center for an inaugural event celebrating the month-long exhibit The Willow In Lawrence: A 45-Year History. Learn about The Willow from the folks who helped make it happen over the years. Part of the Lawrence 1970s Project. Friday, August 26, 5:30pm - 7:00 pm
Wunderbar! Lawrence Oktoberfest is finally back, and Watkins staff will be on hand with family activities. We'll have coloring, Turner exercises, a sheet of German phrases, a guide to researching German ancestry, exhibit panels about the Lawrence Turnverein, and a root beet stein hoist for kids! Get your tickets at this link.
Our popular genealogy classes are back! Genealogy expert Alisa Branham will provide clear guidance on how to start and organize your family history research, along with advice on which DNA tests are best for beginners. A handout will be provided, including a list of great how-to books, helpful videos and links to various online resources. […]
Spend an eerie evening at VIBE in Downtown Lawrence playing trivia amongst friends! The trivia game will include six rounds of questions ranging from local folklore to general Halloween and Fall knowledge. It will be a fun and frightening time! Teams must be 3-5 people. A cash bar will be available. The $25.00 fee covers […]
Federal and state census records are filled with useful information for genealogists. Understanding how to interpret and analyze these records is a key skill for building your family tree and learning more about the context of your ancestors’ lives. Alisa Branham's class presentation will show various census examples, including the recently released 1950 US Census; […]
Due to the success of our January 10 Genealogy + Local History Spotlight, we're hosting another one! Researching your house’s history, delving into genealogy, or exploring Kansas’s storied past? Join us to get acquainted with resources for digging into local and family history. Meet Lawrence Public Library staff at the Watkins Museum for an introduction […]