Public Programs
Upcoming Programs
The Watkins offers a range of in-person and virtual programming. Visit the Watkins Museum calendar to see a full list of upcoming lectures and events.
Watkins Genealogy Group
The Watkins Genealogy Group offers engaging, informative classes aimed at helping a wide range of family historians from novice to experienced. The group’s emphasis on history and context makes them a great partner to the museum, which provides a meeting space and staff support for their classes and events.
Past Programs & Lectures
More online programming can be found on the Watkins Museum’s YouTube page. The programs are grouped into playlists based on different topics and themes. See below.
Free History
A series of interviews with expert scholars about connections between important historical events and issues today.
Portals to the Past
In 2020 and 2021, the Watkins partnered with Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area on a series of interviews with important historical persons and scholars. Travel back in time with us!
Civil War on the Border
The Civil War was pivotal in the development of Lawrence and the United States. Watch these interviews and other videos to find out why!
African American History
From the Underground Railroad to anti-KKK activism in the late 20th century, these videos explore many different struggles for Black civil rights.
Women’s History
Explore a variety of videos about women’s experiences in the histories of Lawrence and beyond.
Encounter on the Underground Railroad
In 2021, we partnered with Lawrence historians to recreate the dangerous journey of 12 freedom seekers who stopped here in 1859, as John Brown led them north out of slavery.
Virtual Earth Day
In 2020, the Watkins led several local organizations in celebrating the 50th anniversary of Earth Day with these entertaining and informative videos!