“I have always thought that the Smoky Hill Museum had innovative exhibit ideas . . . You choose a slice of life and bring it into focus.”

-- Marci Penner, Kansas Sampler Foundation 

“Salina should be proud of their museum and its contents.  We found it very interesting and the staff was very knowledgeable about the wonderful history contained in the museum.”

 – Thelma Pollom, Kansas Dental Association 

Each of us has a history – an account of our past that tells us where we’ve come from and helps guide as to where we are going.  Communities also have a history – a story that is interwoven with experiences, tales, and events that characterizes a community’s sense of being.  By telling these stories, the Smoky Hill Museum creates an experience that helps visitors connect with their past. 

During 2001, the Museum offered a variety of programs and exhibitions that featured the stories and experiences of the Smoky Hill region.  The exhibition “Construction Zone” invited visitors to don a hard hat and tool apron and become a certified inspector of history, while the annual Noon Cooler lecture series featured such topics as conquistadors and Cozy’s hamburgers.  The exhibition “Landmarks, Legends, and Lore” responded to community requests, showcasing the people, places, and stories that make up the history of the Smoky Hills.  Schools also continued utilizing the museum as a learning resource, with over 3,000 students experiencing hands-on history through tours, programs, and classroom education. 

The Smoky Hill Museum features unique and exciting exhibits, including a full-sized sod dugout and a General Store. Children and adults alike will enjoy exploring One Keeper's Place and learning about the region's history and heritage. The Museum hosts a variety of educational programs throughout the year. Admission is free to this handicap-accessible museum located in Downtown Salina in the old U.S. Post Office. 

Museum Staff: 
Dee Harris - Director
Diane Angelotti - Secretary
Donna Tope - Volunteer Coordinator
Dorothy Boyle - Registrar
Earl Horton - Museum Assistant
Jenny Disney - Education Coordinator
Jan Carr - Museum Assistant
Lisa Upshaw - Curator of Collections and Research
Marilyn Apel - Museum Assistant
Becky Miller - Museum Store Manager
Susan Dame - Curator of Exhibits

For further information, contact:
Salina Arts and Humanities Commission
P.O. Box 2181 • Salina, KS 67402-2181
phone (785) 309-5770 • fax (785) 826-7444
e-mail: sahc@salina.org