Elizabeth M. Watkins Community Museum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Watkins Museum of History
|
|
The Watkins Museum of History
|
|
 Location in Kansas
|
|
| Location | 1047 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, Kansas |
|---|---|
| Architectural style | Romanesque |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000311 |
| Added to NRHP | February 24, 1971 |
The Watkins Museum of History is a super interesting place in Lawrence, Kansas. It's managed by the Douglas County Historical Society. This museum helps people learn about the past of Douglas County. They offer fun programs, educational activities, and changing exhibits.
A Look Back: The Museum's Story
From Bank to Museum
The building where the Watkins Museum is today has a long history. It first opened as the Watkins National Bank in 1888. A man named Jabez B. Watkins started this bank. It was located at 11th and Massachusetts Street. The bank helped the community for many years. It closed its doors in 1929.
After the bank closed, Jabez's wife, Elizabeth M. Watkins, did something special. She gave the bank building to the city of Lawrence. The city used it as their city hall. In 1970, the city built a new city hall building.
A New Purpose
After the city hall moved, the old bank building got a big makeover. It was carefully fixed up and improved. In 1975, the building reopened with a brand new purpose. It became the Elizabeth M. Watkins Community Museum. This is the museum we know today as the Watkins Museum of History. It continues to share the stories of Douglas County's past.
