Wichita’s Old Cowtown Museum will once again offer a lecture series on various aspects of our town’s history. The lectures are held on Sunday afternoons from 2-3 p.m. and cost only $3 per person.
The Old Cowtown Museum grounds will not be open to the public during lectures.
So far, the 2017 schedule includes these lectures:
Sunday, January 22, 2017: “Lost Wichita: A Look at Wichita’s Buildings of Yesterday”
Throughout Wichita’s 146 years the city has seen many buildings torn down for “modernization”. Keith Wondra, assistant curator, will explain the history behind some of Wichita’s long lost buildings such as the Forum, Miller Theatre and Wonderland Park. (This was originally scheduled for Jan. 15, but postponed due to weather concerns.)
Sunday, January 29, 2017: “Kansas Day”
Celebrate Kansas’ Birthday and learn a bit about its history through music. The Flatland String band will provide a tour of Kansas history through song and historical anecdotes from different eras in the State’s development. Light Refreshments will be provided.
Sunday, February 12, 2017: “Valentine’s Day”
Many say the Victorians were a mix of hopeless romantics and hard core rationalists. As is often the case, the truth is somewhere in the middle. As we approach this most romantic of days, we will consider romance, affections and their expressions in the Victorian Era. Such reflections may impact your plans for the week!
Sunday, February 26, 2017: “The History of Roller Skating”
Did you know that the first patented roller skate had only three wheels? Come and learn the history of roller skating from its infancy of spools tied onto wooden blocks to the modern inline and quad skates. This lecture will highlight artistic skating, speed skating, roller hockey, and roller derby. We will discuss the touring group The Skating Vanities, roller skating movies, and even animals on skates! The hour will end with Wichita’s roller skating roots.
Sunday, March 12, 2017: “History of Music Stores in Wichita, 1875-1925”
Throughout the city’s early history Wichitans had a fascination with music especially the piano, and there were music stores to cater to the growing trend. Keith Wondra, assistant curator, will explain the history of music stores in Wichita and display some of the musical instruments in the museum’s collection.
Sunday, March 26, 2017: “Victorian Gardens”
Today, gardens are a pleasant hobby for some, but not a large part of most people’s lives. Many are concerned that their lawn look nice, but that is the extent for many. In the Victorian era, gardens, and there are many forms of them, were an essential part of life and reflected ideals and values of their age. We will look the different styles of gardens and the meanings behind them. Maybe in the end you will embrace a green thumb!
