Tonganoxie Community Historical Society

10/06/2026

We are gathering kindling for the campfire, the Arts Council is stocking up on marshmallows, chocolate bars, and graham crackers for s’mores, and the Recreation Commission is buying spices for hot apple c***r. Meanwhile, the ghosts are rehearsing their stories!

Join us on October 17...if you are brave enough

10/06/2026

All are welcome to join us for Ghost Stories around the Campfire with the Tonganoxie Arts Council

The Historical Society is gathering kindling for the campfire, the Arts Council is stocking up on marshmallows, chocolate bars, and graham crackers for s’mores, and the Recreation Commission is buying spices for hot apple c***r. Meanwhile, the ghosts are rehearsing their stories!

Just 11 days until Ghost Stories Around the Campfire. Are you brave enough to join us?

10/03/2026

The class fees include materials and instructions to create your own Barn Quilt Block. Patterns are available at the class, or you can bring your own.

The 2' x 2' and 4' x 4' blocks are exterior-grade signboard, primed. Exterior paints in many colors are available at the class.

Costs for the Barn Block Workshop are
- $65 for a 2' x 2' block
- $180 for a 4' x 4' block

Arrive at 9:00am and walk out at 2:00pm with your own Barn Quilt Block!

To reserve your space in the workshop or for more information, email [email protected] or call the museum, 913-845-2960.

09/30/2026

The Protest of the Tyson Project is the centerpiece of our Moments That Made US exhibit as it is Tonganoxie's example of the idea "Consent of the Governed" theme in our Declaration of Independence.

The Athletics exhibit focuses on team sports including uniforms, trophies and photos dating back to 1913.

Please come by during Museum hours to see our latest exhibits ending Oct 17
Tuesdays – 9am to 1pm
Wednesdays – 9am to noon
Saturdays – 10am to 2pm
Other times can be arranged by appointment just email: [email protected]

09/23/2026

We are on the Kaw Valley Farm Tour - explore the agriculture and history of the Kaw Valley.

Saturday, Oct. 3: 9 am - 5 pm

Sunday, Oct. 4: 10 am - 4 pm

More information in comments

09/13/2026

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, September 22

Everyone is invited to the free Tonganoxie Community Historical Society 4th Tuesday Meeting and Exhibit Opening.

The TCHS will host a new exhibit and a program entitled “Moments That Made US.” This presentation will be facilitated by TCHS members Anne Brockhoff and Kay Soetaert.

The program and exhibit explore the ideals at the heart of the Declaration of Independence through events in regional and local history. A portion of the exhibit and program focuses on the community response to the proposed Tyson project of 2017.

Special music for the program will be provided by Michael Stephenson (THS class of 2004).
The exhibit will run through October 17th during museum hours or by appointment. Tuesday 9 to 4 | Wednesday 9 to Noon |
Saturday 10 to 2

08/20/2026

Dispelling ‘Myth Perceptions’ about American Indians and the U.S. Government

This program will explore Constitutional recognition of tribes, the relationships of different administrative policies, assimilation efforts by the government, termination efforts, the era of Self-Determination, and consultation between the tribes and the federal government. The presentation will also include historical perspectives, family stories, and work experiences that will help refute common misperceptions of held by many non-Indians.

Cathy is an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma and a retired lawyer. She has a vast amount of work experience including serving at Indian Health Service as the National Director for Emergency Medical Services and National Director for Community Health Representatives. She also worked as the Clients’ Rights Advocate at the San Diego Regional Center, a non-profit agency that served persons with developmental disabilities.

Cathy and her husband are retired and have resided in Basehor for 21 years.

The event begins at 7 pm with a brief business meeting followed by the historical program.

All are welcome for this free program. Refreshments will be served following the program.

07/18/2026

Humanities Kansas Declaration Conversations

In honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Humanities Kansas, in partnership with 51 Kansas communities, brought America’s founding document to life through Declaration at 250. Produced by Humanities Kansas and the Creative Impact Alliance, the film captures the spirit of Kansans coming together for readings and discussions about the Declaration of Independence in Belleville, Franklin, Overland Park, and Tonganoxie.

This is "Humanities Kansas Declarations Conversations" by Marlo Angell on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

07/06/2026

The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776. But it would take several days for colonists to hear or read the document. We will celebrate the first reading of the Declaration of Independence by Colonel John Nixon, who read the document on the State House Lawn in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.

Join communities across the United States and its Territories in an initiative led by the Hawai’i America 250 Commission in reading the Declaration at 5:00 pm Central Standard Time on July 8, 2026.

Communities across the United States and its Territories will also read the Declaration at the same time.

07/02/2026

On July 3 of 1776, John Adams wrote home to his wife, Abigail, as he did so often while he was part of the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia and she was at home in Massachusetts. In this letter, Adams recounted the drama of July 2, when the Continental Congress, with one vote for each colony represented, passed a resolution on Independence as outlined in the Declaration of Independence.

Adams was beside himself with pride, writing that “The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America…[and] ought to be commemorated…[and] celebrated by succeeding generations as the great American Festival [with] pomp and parade, shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations.”

John Adams got the date wrong, but he did forecast the celebratory way in which we celebrate Independence.

On July 3, only member of the Continental Congress had seen the Declaration, which was carefully guarded form the eyes of the British. However, a printer in Philadelphia was occupied laying out the document for printing. The Declaration was printed and delivered by messengers on horseback to all of the thirteen colonies and by ship to Europe.

The Declaration was first read to the public for the first time a few days later on July 8, 1776. Colonel John Nixon, a Philadelphia militiaman, read the document in a park (now Independence Square). TCHS and Tonganoxie are joining communities across the country and its territories at 5:00 pm CST on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 to read the Declaration of Independence aloud in Gallagher Park. Local Tonganoxie citizens will read the document. Copies of the Declaration will be available for all in attendance so that you can follow along. Feel free to bring lawn chairs and blankets.

Enjoy your Fourth of July this weekend, and then join us at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, July 8 at the new gazebo in Gallagher Park, 301 S. Main Street, Tonganoxie.

The TCHS Board of Directors