Elizabeth M. Watkins Community Museum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Watkins Museum of History
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The Watkins Museum of History
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 Location in Kansas
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| Location | 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, Kansas |
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| Architectural style | Romanesque |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000311 |
| Added to NRHP | February 24, 1971 |
The Watkins Museum of History is a special place in Lawrence, Kansas. It is managed by the Douglas County Historical Society. This museum helps people learn about the past of Douglas County. They offer fun programs, public events, and educational activities. You can also see changing exhibits that show what life was like long ago.
The Museum's Story
The building where the Watkins Museum is today has a long history. It first opened in 1888 as the Watkins National Bank. This bank was started by a man named Jabez B. Watkins. It was located at 11th Street and Massachusetts Street in Lawrence. The bank stayed open until 1929.
After the bank closed, Jabez Watkins' wife, Elizabeth Watkins, gave the building to the city. She wanted it to be used as the city hall. The city hall stayed there for many years.
By 1970, the city hall moved to a new spot. The old Watkins building then went through a lot of work to fix it up. In 1975, it reopened as the Elizabeth M. Watkins Community Museum. Later, its name was changed to the Watkins Museum of History.
The museum's building is a great example of a style called Richardsonian Romanesque. Many people thought it was one of the most beautiful buildings west of the Mississippi River when it was first built.
See Also
- List of mayors of Lawrence, Kansas
