Being Modern
This exhibition follows (and is directly patterned after) the Museum’s previous exhibit Art Deco on the Plains. It takes the timeline forward to explore modern design experienced locally in the 1950s and 1960s. The exhibition is a feature of the Lois Kay Walls Local Visual Art History Series. Wichitans desired
Thunderbolt Sirens
We hear them every Monday at noon but fear them if sounded during stormy weather when tornados threaten our community. The Thunderbolt Sirens have a rich history and are being celebrated this weekend including a special exhibit at the Historical Museum opening this Sunday. The Sirens were originally installed in
Why We Collect What We Collect
The Museum’s mission involves collecting, preserving and interpreting artifacts of significance to our local history. Beginning with a donation from the Pioneer Society of Sedgwick County in 1939, the Museum has added over 70,000 artifacts including photographs and archival material to its permanent collection. The collection plan organizes artifacts by
Art Deco on the Plains
This special exhibit explores Art Deco design locally. The term Art Deco, popularized in the 1960s, applies to the predominant decorative art and design style that visually defined an era encompassing the Roaring 1920s – known for its post-war exuberance, decadence, and prohibition – through the 1930s – remembered for
Turn It Up to 90! – The Electric Guitar and the 90th Anniversary of its Wichita World Debut
This special exhibit, featuring dozens of historic electric guitars and, explores Wichita’s connection to the most popular musical instrument of our time. The Museum has researched this subject since 2002, producing several well-received exhibits, revealing Wichita’s unique place in the instrument’s history. Visitors will also see the electric guitars from
The Parking Meter
History museum exhibits often encourage exploring the familiar by viewing it through the lens of the past.The parking meter struck us as an obvious artifact to examine. It is typically the last thing encountered by visitors before they walk through our doors. As more and more cars packed city
Art Exhibition: Genevieve Frickel
THE ARTISTIC LIFE and WORK of GENEVIEVE FRICKEL Genevieve Ingram Frickel (1900-1985) was an independent visual artist and remarkable figure in the local art and culture scene of mid-century Wichita. Frickel led the Art Department at the Wichita School of Fine Arts before moving to Tucson, Arizona in 1953, where
METAL to the PEDAL — Vintage Pedal Cars
June 2020 – December 2021 50 Years of American Pedal Cars Children’s toys hold a place among the most ancient artifacts. They typically mirror the adult world children aspire to and often teach children how to look forward to life as a grown-up. The pedal car holds a unique position
80th Anniversary Exhibit
April 2019 – November 2020 This year marks the 80th Anniversary of the Museum and celebrates its work to collect, preserve and educate through the interpretation of our local history. Over the years the Museum has featured an encyclopedic range of exhibits telling stories using artifacts – material culture bearing
Prairie Print Makers of Wichita
April 2019 – July 2020 When the Prairie Print Makers organized in 1930 “to further the interest of both artist and laymen in printmaking and collecting” they followed a tradition of print societies established in the nineteenth century to promote fine art and cultivate patronage. From a charter membership of
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