Tag: History

Discover Archaeology in Your Own Backyard on July 29

Diana Staresinic-Deane

Archaeology in Your Own Backyard Sunday, July 29, 2 p.m. Neosho County Community College, 900 E Logan, Ottawa, KS The land is much older than we are, and evidence of the people who came before us can be found in the soil. As pieces of farm tools, dishes, pottery, arrowheads, and nails come to the surface, they connect us to the past. What should we do if we find something? How do we identify it? Do we get to keep it? Kansas archaeologist Aaron Colgrove will present “Archaeology in Your…

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FCHS board votes not to pursue barn project

Diana Staresinic-Deane

Ottawa, Kansas—After months of research and investigation, the Franklin County Historical Society Board of Trustees unanimously voted against pursuing the acquisition of the 1894 Hatfield-Wolf-Bowers barn, located near the corner of Seventh Street and Eisenhower Road in Ottawa, Kansas. In 2017, the Bowers family approached the Franklin County Historical Society about the possibility of donating the barn and some land to the historical society. “FCHS saw a potential opportunity to develop an agricultural museum and meeting space,” said Diana Staresinic-Deane, executive director of the Franklin County Historical Society. “We saw…

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Dietrich Cabin Spring 2018 Hours Announced

Diana Staresinic-Deane

Step back in time at the 1859 Dietrich Cabin! Learn about life in 19th-Century Franklin County. Dietrich Cabin is located in City Park at 5th and Main streets in Ottawa, Kansas. Kids are always welcome! Admission is free, but donations to help FCHS maintain the cabin are always appreciated. Spring 2018 Dietrich Cabin Hours  Sunday, April 15, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.  (weather cancellation) Sunday, April 29, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 20, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.  Sunday, June 10, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 16,…

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Critter Companions exhibit opening March 17

Diana Staresinic-Deane

Pets the subject of new exhibit at Old Depot Museum Ottawa, Kansas—The Old Depot Museum’s new exhibit explores Franklin County’s relationship with animals. Critter Companions, a look at working animals and companion pets, opens March 17. Before the 19th Century, most animals found in average households were working animals. Cats chased mice, dogs scented game, and horses provided transportation. During the mid-1800s, companion animals, which had once been common only among more affluent households, began to find their way into the hearts and homes of average citizens. As members of…

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Cemetery tour explores history and art in Ottawa’s Highland Cemetery

Diana Staresinic-Deane

Cemeteries are a snapshot of a community’s history, and on Sunday, October 15 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., the Franklin County Historical Society will host a special event at Highland Cemetery in Ottawa, Kansas. This year’s tour is designed to help participants discover the stories of Franklin County through the history of its people and funerary art. Established in 1886, Highland Cemetery is Ottawa’s second cemetery. The first, Hope Cemetery, was established in 1865, but Ottawans quickly discovered that Hope Cemetery was prone to flooding. They chose a new…

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New exhibit explores how history shapes people, communities, and the future

Diana Staresinic-Deane

The Old Depot Museum is kicking off the year with an interactive exhibit exploring the role history plays in who we are and how it shapes our communities. The grand opening for “Historically Significant: How History Shapes Us, Our Communities, and Our Future” will be Sunday, February 12, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to the museum will be free to all visitors that day. “This year marks the eightieth anniversary of the Franklin County Historical Society,” said Deborah Barker, FCHS executive director. “We wanted to create an exhibit…

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