Watkins Museum of History

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Watkins Museum of History Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Watkins Museum of History, Museum, 1047 Massachusetts Street, Lawrence, KS.

The Watkins Museum of History, administrated by the Douglas County Historical Society, encourages civic engagement by sharing stories of the people and events that have shaped our communities.

10/16/2026

The Watkins will partner with the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War to host a talk by Dennis Domer, local historian and editor of the Embattled Lawrence series. Copies of Embattled Lawrence volumes 1 and 2 will be available for purchase at this event as a fundraiser for future volumes in the series.

This event will be held in-person and also livestreamed on the Watkins Museum Facebook and YouTube.

We wanna see your big ‘dos, shoulder pads, and power suits! Our “Flashback to the ‘80s” party on November 5 will include...
10/15/2026

We wanna see your big ‘dos, shoulder pads, and power suits! Our “Flashback to the ‘80s” party on November 5 will include a costume contest with prizes! Three winners will be chosen in the categories of Most Authentic Costume, Best Celebrity/Character Costume, and Most Rad Costume. Contest judges will be Curtis Marsh (University of Kansas), Janine Colter (Lawrence Juneteenth), and Marlo Angell (Lawrence Arts Center). Register for the contest when you arrive for the party.

Tickets are still on sale so snag them while you can! https://events.readysetauction.com/watkinsmuseumhistory/fbtt80s

Ask and we shall deliver.. Your major -> Your museum object is back! Have you spotted your object in the museum yet?The ...
10/14/2026

Ask and we shall deliver.. Your major -> Your museum object is back! Have you spotted your object in the museum yet?

The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Admission is always free!

The Boo-Seum Bash is back! Join us on Saturday, October 24th from 1pm – 3pm for trick-or-treating in the galleries, seas...
10/10/2026

The Boo-Seum Bash is back! Join us on Saturday, October 24th from 1pm – 3pm for trick-or-treating in the galleries, seasonal arts & crafts, and more. Show off your Halloween costume a few days early at this free family event!

Join us for the 3rd annual Museum After Dark! Travel back in time to the rising sun saloon, a mysterious ghost town barr...
10/08/2026

Join us for the 3rd annual Museum After Dark! Travel back in time to the rising sun saloon, a mysterious ghost town barroom complete with live music, dancing, & spirits...ghostly and otherwise! This year we are kicking it up a notch with a paranormal investigation experience with the Midwest Ghost Project and live country music from Lawrence’s own Ryan Manuel. This is a 21+ event, tickets include drinks, refreshments, and a guaranteed good time! Tickets are limited; don’t miss out!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/watkins-museum-after-dark-tickets-1995168464586

For the month of October we're hosting a barrel drive for the Ballard Center! We are accepting donations of non-perishab...
10/06/2026

For the month of October we're hosting a barrel drive for the Ballard Center! We are accepting donations of non-perishable food items and hygiene products for our friends at Ballard. Donations can be dropped off anytime the museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am to 4pm. The barrel is located on our second floor landing.

What a day! Look who's back working the front desk. Runner and Doug are greeting visitors until 4pm today. Don't forget,...
10/02/2026

What a day! Look who's back working the front desk. Runner and Doug are greeting visitors until 4pm today. Don't forget, admission is always free!

It's time for another round of Your Major -> Your Museum Object! What majors would you like to see included next time? R...
10/02/2026

It's time for another round of Your Major -> Your Museum Object! What majors would you like to see included next time?

Remember, the museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am to 4pm and admission is FREE.

Today is the day! We invite you to join us this afternoon for our Chamber Ribbon Cutting and to mark the official openin...
10/02/2026

Today is the day! We invite you to join us this afternoon for our Chamber Ribbon Cutting and to mark the official opening of our new exhibition "Lights, Football, Community: Haskell Memorial Stadium Turns 100." The event will be 3:30-5:00pm at the museum so stop on by! Light refreshments will be provided.

Address

1047 Massachusetts Street
Lawrence, KS
66044

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 6pm

Telephone

(785) 841-4109

Website

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