This August, four Franklin County museums are partnering to promote local history. Appanoose Museum, the Old Depot Museum, Richmond Community Museum, and the Wellsville Historical Society are launching a first-ever Museum Hopper Weekend on August 4 and 5 to encourage visitors to explore the rich history of Franklin County. “What’s amazing about our community museums is that each museum reflects the stories of the people in the community it serves,” said Diana Staresinic-Deane, Franklin County Historical Society executive director. “By visiting each of these museums, visitors can really appreciate how…
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Discover Archaeology in Your Own Backyard on July 29
Archaeology in Your Own Backyard Sunday, July 29, 2 p.m. Neosho County Community College, 900 E Logan, Ottawa, KS The land is much older than we are, and evidence of the people who came before us can be found in the soil. As pieces of farm tools, dishes, pottery, arrowheads, and nails come to the surface, they connect us to the past. What should we do if we find something? How do we identify it? Do we get to keep it? Kansas archaeologist Aaron Colgrove will present “Archaeology in Your…
Read MorePioneer Days camp comes to Dietrich Cabin this summer!
Pioneer Days at the Little Cabin 2018 Dietrich Cabin, City Park, 5th and Main, Ottawa, KS A summer camp for kids ages 7 to 12 Session 1: May 21, 22, 23 (MTW) Session 2: June 6, 7, 8 (WThF) Session 3: June 12, 13,1 4 (TWTh) See below for camp fees and registration deadlines. Space is still available in Session 3! The deadline has been extended until June 1, 2018. Take a trip back in time and learn what it was like to live in a cabin. Dress, eat, work, and…
Read MoreDietrich Cabin Spring 2018 Hours Announced
Step back in time at the 1859 Dietrich Cabin! Learn about life in 19th-Century Franklin County. Dietrich Cabin is located in City Park at 5th and Main streets in Ottawa, Kansas. Kids are always welcome! Admission is free, but donations to help FCHS maintain the cabin are always appreciated. Spring 2018 Dietrich Cabin Hours Sunday, April 15, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. (weather cancellation) Sunday, April 29, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 20, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 10, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 16,…
Read MoreMake your own May Day basket on April 25
Old Depot Museum, 135 W Tecumseh, Ottawa, KS Wednesday, April 25, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. $7.50 per person – Ages 8 and up Learn about the history of May Day while making your own flowers and May Day basket! All materials will be provided. Registration is required. Last day to register: April 20. Register online or stop by the Old Depot Museum!
Read MoreCritter Companions exhibit opening March 17
Pets the subject of new exhibit at Old Depot Museum Ottawa, Kansas—The Old Depot Museum’s new exhibit explores Franklin County’s relationship with animals. Critter Companions, a look at working animals and companion pets, opens March 17. Before the 19th Century, most animals found in average households were working animals. Cats chased mice, dogs scented game, and horses provided transportation. During the mid-1800s, companion animals, which had once been common only among more affluent households, began to find their way into the hearts and homes of average citizens. As members of…
Read MoreHidden history of Kansas, Deborah Barker’s retirement to be featured at the 81st Annual Franklin County Historical Society Meeting
Kansas’ history runs deep, and author Adrian Zink will explore that hidden history during his presentation at the 81st Annual Meeting of the Members of the Franklin County Historical Society on Sunday, January 28, 2 p.m. at Neosho County Community College in Ottawa, Kansas. While working at Mine Creek Battlefield State Historic Site, Adrian Zink found himself following historical bread crumbs in his research. Hidden History of Kansas is a collection of those little bits of history. Tornados, the Donner Party, a mass grave discovered near Great Bend, the Brenham…
Read MoreOld Depot Museum Holiday Hours
Share the gift of history with family and friends! Make a visit to the Old Depot Museum part of your holiday season.
Read MoreDecember 12 Christmas Storytime at the Old Depot Museum
Old Depot Museum, Ottawa, Kansas Tuesday, December 12, 10 a.m., 2 p.m., & 7 p.m. Free admission, Family Friendly The Old Depot Museum and Ottawa Library are partnering to bring Christmas Storytime to the Old Depot Museum! Join us for an hour of storytime and crafts at 10 a.m., 2 p.m., or 7 p.m. This free event is perfect for the whole family.
Read MoreNovember 27 Recycled Christmas Card Decorations
Old Depot Museum, 135 West Tecumseh, Ottawa, Kansas Monday, November 27 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. AND 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. $5.00 per person – register by November 20, 11 :59 p.m. THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED. Thank you for your interest in this program! This event has been canceled because our presenter is not available that day. Note: This program will be offered TWICE on November 27. Learn the history of exchanging Christmas greetings while creating your own cards out of recycled Christmas cards and gift wrap! Some…
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