Prairie Museum of Art and History

10/23/2026

10/23/2026

A final reminder that Boo at the Mu is almost here! ✨

Join us at 2:00 PM on Sunday, October 25th for tricks, treats, and spooky fun. Bring the kids and come in your costumes— we can't wait to see you there. 🎃👻

10/21/2026

Some objects bring back memories, while others simply catch our eye!

We're sharing a few treasures from the Prairie Museum's collection and asking you to choose.

If you could take just ONE of these items home, which would it be and why?

Or maybe it's an item not pictured. Let us know in the comments what Prairie Museum item you'd take home, theoretically, of course!

10/16/2026

Remember, Boo at the Mu is coming up soon! ✨

Join us at 2:00 PM on Sunday, October 25th for tricks, treats, and spooky fun. Bring the kids and come in your costumes— we can't wait to see you there. 🎃👻

10/13/2026

Join us this Thursday, October 15, at 12 p.m. as we kick off another season of our Food for Thought series at the Prairie Museum of Art & History!

Our first presenter is Dr. Tonia M. Compton, Assistant Professor of History at Kansas Wesleyan University. With a passion for history and the American West, Dr. Compton is currently working on a book exploring women's land ownership and settler colonialism in the American West.

We can't wait to welcome everyone back for another season of learning, conversation, and history!

📅 Thursday, October 15 | 12 PM

🎟️ Register athttps://donorbox.org/events/964037/steps/choose_tickets

10/13/2026

Did you know the very first Thomas County Free Fair took place on this day in 1927?

The three-day celebration brought the community together, including a parade through downtown Colby! This historic photograph captures crowds gathering along the streets, eagerly awaiting the festivities.

Nearly 100 years later, this photo offers a glimpse into a special moment in Thomas County's history!

10/10/2026

We've made it to the final two of our 5 things you might not have known we have at the Prairie Museum! 🔎

🎭 Japanese Actor Figurine

Dating to the early 1800s according to museum records, this approximately 8½-inch-tall figurine depicts a kneeling Japanese actor with black hair, painted facial markings and colorful clothing.

Museum records identify the figure as a Japanese Kabuki actor. Kabuki is a traditional form of Japanese theatre known for its dramatic performances, elaborate costumes and distinctive makeup.

👀 Left-Looking Skookum Man

This early 20th-century Skookum doll features human hair, a leather headdress and moccasins, a composition head and the distinctive sideways glance that gives this particular figure its "left-looking" description.

Skookum dolls were Native American-themed souvenir dolls sold during the early 20th century. Despite their appearance, they were not authentic Native American-made dolls.

They originated with Mary Dwyer McAboy, and this example bears the "Skookum Indian" trademark patented in 1914.

Objects like these give us a glimpse not only into the past, but into what people collected, created and brought home from around the world.

And that wraps up our 5 Things You Didn't Know We Had series! Thank you for following along! 💙

10/09/2026

Remember, Boo at the Mu is coming soon! ✨

Join us at 2:00 PM on Sunday, October 25th for tricks, treats, and spooky fun. Bring the kids and come in your costumes— we can't wait to see you there. 🎃👻

10/06/2026

The Prairie Museum of Art & History is hiring a part-time Education Director in Colby, Kansas.

We’re looking for a reliable, creative communicator who enjoys history, art and working with people of all ages. This position will play an important role in developing and implementing educational programming and outreach for both youth and adults.

The position is approximately 28 hours per week at $20–$25 per hour, with additional hours as needed for programs and events.

Interested applicants are encouraged to send a resume or CV to [email protected].

10/03/2026

Food for Thought is back! 🍽️💭

Join us at the Prairie Museum on October 15 as we welcome Tonia Compton for “Semi-Quin Declaration Conversations.”

Come for lunch, stay to learn, and kick off another season of Food for Thought with us!

📅 October 15 | 12–1 p.m.
📍 Prairie Museum of Art & History
💻 Register on our website at https://donorbox.org/events/964037/steps/choose_tickets

A special thank you to Paul Steele, Elaine Ptacek, Thrivent Financial and Humanities Kansas for helping make this program possible!