Civil War on the Border
August 18-21, Watkins Museum of History
Douglas County's largest annual commemoration of its heritage
The 27th annual Civil War on the Border will have the theme of intersections between natural and cultural history. This four-day festival will include annual favorites like bus and walking tours of local sites and a moving memorial service for the victims of Quantrill's Raid. This year, we'll also have talks on Native American history and other topics. View the tours and events below, and learn more here>
In recent decades, historians have uncovered compelling evidence that the natural world greatly influenced events during the American Civil War. Dr. Lisa Brady, author of War Upon the Land: Military Strategy and the Transformation of Southern Landscapes during the American Civil...
Get your tickets here As 38 years of outstanding stewardship of this Lawrence landmark by Dennis and Judy Dailey come to a close, now is the perfect time for us to gather and deepen our understanding of the Miller House as a part of the Underground Railroad, Quantrill's Raid, and...
Americans in the 19th century believed they were civilized and that war had to be conducted according to principals of restraint and honor. But the extreme violence and bloodshed of the Civil War--including raids, massacres, and prisoners used as human shields--prompted...
Step back in time to the thrilling, terrifying days of the Civil War. Local historian John Jewell will lead you on a downtown walking tour of sites and stories from William Quantrill's devastating raid on Lawrence in 1863, a defining event in the city's history. Tour goers get a...
Memorial Service for the victims of Quantrill's Raid, followed by Lawrence 1867: Through the Eyes of Famed Photographer Alexander Gardner
Our annual memorial service for the victims of Quantrill's Raid will be followed by a new addition to the programming. Historian and photographer John Charlton and Will Haynes of the Watkins Museum will speak on the life of famous photographer Alexander Gardner, his 1867 trip to...
The Watkins Museum offers an exciting new way to experience the history of early Kansas! In this unique tour, you'll explore sites in Lawrence that witnessed the stirring events of Bleeding Kansas and find out how the natural landscape influenced this history. This tour involves...
Hey families and kids, join us at the Wakarusa River Valley Heritage Museum for fun activities about the natural world of Kansas! Featuring animal pelts and skulls to touch, the Stream Trailer teaching about waterways, Prairie Divination tarot card readings by Megan Kaminski, and...
Women played crucial roles in the settlement of Lawrence. Learn heroic, fascinating stories of Sara Robinson, Jetta Dix, and several other important local women in this unique bus tour led by the Watkins Museum's Natalie Vondrak. Sponsored by the Lawrence Parks and Recreation...
Join Brittany Keegan, Watkins Museum of History curator, to learn about some of the founding of our historic Oak Hill Cemetery, and hear stories of early Lawrence, including Quantrill’s Raid. You’ll also meet some of the notable people buried within the hallowed grounds.
Step back in time to the thrilling, terrifying days of the Civil War. Local historian John Jewell will lead you on a downtown walking tour of sites and stories from William Quantrill's devastating raid on Lawrence in 1863, a defining event in the city's history. Tour goers get a...
Travel back to the thrilling days of the Civil War on this popular bus tour! A Watkins Museum historian will show you sites and stories from William Quantrill's devastating raid on Lawrence in 1863--a defining event in the city's history. Sponsored by the Lawrence Parks and...
Travel back to the thrilling days of the Civil War on this popular bus tour! A Watkins Museum historian will show you sites and stories from William Quantrill's devastating raid on Lawrence in 1863--a defining event in the city's history. Sponsored by the Lawrence Parks and...
