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Elizabeth M. Watkins Community Museum facts for kids

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Watkins Museum of History
Watkins Museum.JPG
The Watkins Museum of History
Elizabeth M. Watkins Community Museum is located in Kansas
Elizabeth M. Watkins Community Museum
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.

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