The Smoky Hill Museum will mark its 40th anniversary on Iron Avenue – with a new exhibit celebrating four decades of collecting and sharing local history.
The museum is hosting a public reception on Thursday, October 29th at 5:30pm. It’s a chance to explore stories, artifacts, and photographs from the museum’s collection. The exhibit highlights the people and events that shaped the region.
According to the museum, the collection began in 1879 as part of the Saline County Historical Society, initiated by town founders and brothers-in-law Col. William A. Phillips and Alexander “Alex” M. Campbell, Sr. Back then to become a member of the Society, a donation of an artifact was required. The collection outgrew his home and was moved to the public library at the southwest corner of South Eighth Street and West Iron Avenue in 1928.
The next stop for the growing collection was in the bathhouse at Oakdale Park as part of the Smoky Hill Historical Museum, from 1956 to 1985. Finally in 1986, the Smoky Hill Museum opened at its current location inside the former post office on Iron Avenue. The Smoky Hill Museum is now operated by the City of Salina and received national accreditation in 1997.
Visitors can speak with curators and volunteers during the reception. The event offers a chance to connect with neighbors and reflect on how the area has changed over the years. The celebration is Thursday, October 29th at 5:30pm. Call the Smoky Hill Museum or visit their website for more details.
