Newsletter - Summer 2019
Hello Everyone!
What a spring and summer we have had!! All I can say is, we have been in “clean up” mode since the rains flooded Cowley County in the latter part of May. For those of you who are not aware of the extent of the damage at the museum, here's a snapshot of what we have been dealing with. We had massive amounts of water in the basement. A continuous stream for several days flowed through– one sump pump burned up, the other couldn’t keep up. We hand-bailed for 4+ days- 100s of shopvaced buckets from the basement. We thought we had it dried and conquered, but mold had set in. We had A1 dealing with hidden moisture and mold and had to remove the dry-wall about 3 feet up around the perimeter. It ended up with 95% of the dry wall in the basement cut out. The museum was closed for over a month while the office, ephemeral archives, and all material archives were moved or relocated while the basement was being rebuilt. It has been a monumental mess and project, and we are STILL not done! The museum, as al-ways, is accepting donations, but if you want to help for this specific rehabilitation, we would greatly appreciate it. You can donate on our website, on Facebook, by mail, or feel free to contact us directly! Thank you all for your continued support!
Take care,
Stephanie Humphries
SHARING OUR KNOWLEDGE WITH STUDENTS
Our board president, Janet Hostetter, took part in a super cool school project at Ark City Middle school. She advised students on how to archive, preserve, research, display and catalog items. A week later, these students shared their new knowledge by creating and displaying their own museum "artifacts" from around the ancient world in an event at the end of the school year! We love being asked to take part in any school activity that pertains to history! Thanks ACMS for asking us!
HEAD ‘EM UP AND MOVE ‘EM OUT!
The old west was revisited with our fun event at the fairgrounds! Jim Gray and Jeff Davidson entertained the audience with cowboy songs, poetry, and stories. We had a real chuck wagon, singing by Josh and Jennifer Melcher, games for all ages, and awesome catered BBQ!
WHEN IT RAINS- IT POURS!
Snapshots of the basement post floods! Construction continues!
“KANSAS WOMEN AND THEIR QUILTS” TRAVELING TRUNK CLASS!
The Winfield Arts and Humanities Commission and the Cowley County Historical Society partnered recently to utilize a teaching trunk made available by the Kansas State Historical Society. Students under the direction of Becky Waldorf and personnel at the Cowley County Historical Museum used the materials contained in the “Kansas Women and Their Quilts Traveling Trunk” to provide engaging hands-on learning activities. Kansas history was explored using quilts, antique objects, historical documents and photos to explore women’s roles and responsibilities in settling Kansas. Classes were available for individuals of all ages. Elementary school students as well as residents of Cumbernauld participated.
The Cowley County Historical Society dates from 1931 with a major reorganization and move to our present location in 1967. The CCHS’s mission is to preserve and make available the colorful history of our county. We also support and encourage activities pertaining to local history throughout the county. Our bookstore makes available an assortment of items dealing with local history, The historical society also maintains a fine collection of historical records and vintage photographs.
IMPORTANT NOTES!
We are in need of boys’ toys! We have many girls’ dolls and toys, but not enough boys’! If you have any you are willing to donate, please contact us! Thanks!
FUTURE EVENTS!
September 23—Membership drive begins. CCHSM membership information will be mailed out that week. Be sure to watch for that special envelope so that you can renew your membership for the next year. Please share the information with friends as well. We are hoping to add many more members , and your help would be appreciated. Additional membership information can be found on the museum website, cchsm.com.
Monday, September 16, 4:30, CCHSM meeting room—Museum Friends
September 30-October 11--“History Alive”—l and ½ hour “hands-on learning activities” for county 3rd grade students.
Saturday, October 5, Island Park, 9:00-4:00—Art in the Park. Be sure to look for our booth.
Sunday, Oct 13, 2:00, CCHS south lawn--Annual fall gathering. Business meeting 1:30 in the museum meeting room. All members are encouraged to attend the business meeting prior to the public annual fall gathering. FREE
Sunday, October 20, Union Cemetery—“Voices from the Past” presents the annual cemetery walk with costumed re-enactors telling the stories of interesting Winfield residents. Purchase your ticket for 3 or 3:30, 4:00 or 4:30 pm. Tickets: $10 Ticket sales begin Sept 10 at Graves Drug Winfield or CCHSM. Credit cards and cash accepted. Credit card purchase of tickets may be made on-line at cchsm.com or at the museum.
Monday, November 18, 4:30, CCHSM meeting room—Museum Friends
Monday, December 16, 4:30, CCHSM meeting room—Museum Friends
Saturday, January 25, 9:00, Baden Square—Celebrate Cowley County History. FREE
BOARD MEMBER POSITIONS WILL BE OPEN
Are you interested in history? Love historical buildings? Interested in being part of a working board? Then please contact the muse-um for details! We will have several board positions opening at the end of this museum calendar year in September!
VOLUNTEERS!!
We appreciate the individuals, groups, and businesses which have helped us. These partnerships are invaluable. Remember that we are always in need of volunteers, so please contact us to see how you can be of help.