Speaker’s Bureau and Traveling Exhibits

Affordable, entertaining and educational programs and exhibits for:

• Retirement communities
• Retirement communities
• Civic organizations
• Church groups
• Family reunions
• Class reunions
• Service organizations
• Social clubs
• Annual meetings
• And more!

 

To schedule a program:

Harvey County Historical

Museum & Archives

P.O. Box 4

Newton, KS 67114

(316) 283-2221

director@hchm.org

 

Programs

• All programs (except Common to Downright Strange and Antique American Indian Art) require a table, slide screen, and sound system. Common and Indian Art require a table, and a sound system if speaking to a large group.
• We provide the Powerpoint equipment unless other arrangements are made.
• The program fee is $25.
• A travel charge will be added for sites outside of Harvey County.
• Programs are also available at the museum, with tables and chairs for your meeting.

 

Topics

 

A Moment of Fame: Newton's Puckett Sisters

Seeking fame, fortune and fun, Adelaide and Eleanor Puckett left Newton for the opportunities of New York City, changing their name to "Ambrose" along the way. Addie was a publisher, Eleanor an international dance star, but both returned to Newton. Hear about their fascinating journey around the world and back home.

 

Common to Downright Strange

Object from History—Examine assorted items from the near and far past and hear the stories that go along with them. This presentation is suitable for large or small groups and is highly interactive with hands-on exploration of objects and conversation between presenter and audience.

 

A Pile of Pictures, A Heap of History

A "family album" of past Newton families, events and architecture using images from the over 8,000 historic photos housed in the Museum collection.

 

An Accomplished Young Lady

The author of an 1890’s article advised “If you have daughters, teach them all needlework . . . . Dress modestly, but not fine, unless the world knows you can afford it.” Young ladies and their mothers faithfully followed this advice and the results are evident in popular activities and hand crafts of young ladies from the 1880s through today. Related exhibit available.

 

 

A Kodak Girl in Kansas

Kodak founder Mr. George Eastman’s desire was to make photography an everyday affair – “to make the camera as convenient as a pencil.” Mr. Eastman is reported to have said “A picture of a pretty girl sells more than a tree or a house.” So in 1893, he introduced the “Kodak Girl,” a fashionable, young, independent woman, who traveled the world. Meet a Kodak girl from Kansas, Miss Lucile Mitchell of Newton. Lucile was devoted to the No. 1- A Kodak Jr. and she used this camera exclusively for about 60 years, from 1914 to the mid-1970s, recording many special and everyday events in Harvey County and beyond.

 

'Wish You Were Here': Postcards from Harvey County and Beyond

Get a taste of the rich history of that document the county.

 

 

Inside & Out: A Hunt for Architectural Accents in Harvey County

Take a tour of some of the fascinating features of our county buildings, both inside and out. An interactive "quiz" adds extra fun to this presentation.

 

Pulpits & Potlucks: A Photographic History of the Churches of Harvey County from 1872 through 2007

Highlighting the rich faith history of the county through the exploration of worship, fellowship, service, architecture and more. Underwritten by Midland National Bank (Newton) and the Kansas Humanities Council.

 

Newton's Bloody Sunday: The Gunfight at Hide Park

Perhaps no Harvey County legend gets as much attention as the events surrounding the early morning of Aug. 20, 1871. Known as "Newton's General Massacre," the event established Newton's reputation as "the wickedest town in the West." This program examines the facts, the legends, the myths and some of the unanswered questions that remain to this day.

 

Good Roads: From Cowpaths to Interstates

Explore the “good road movement” that bicycle enthusiasts began in the late 1800s and how the movement led to the development of the modern interstate system. Related exhibit available.

 

Antique American Indian Art & the Fred Harvey Company

Explore the weavings, basketry, pottery, jewelry and kachinas promoted so heartily by the Fred Harvey Company in the early 1900’s. Enjoy a look at the materials and construction techniques of these artistic pieces, the influences on the art and more.

 

Harvey County’s Foulest Crime and Greatest Legal Battle

What do you get when you start with an 1893 arson in the office of the Harvey County Register of Deeds, add an individual who then just happens to possess the only complete set of deeds for Harvey County, and multiply by several attorneys, law enforcement officers, newspaper publishers and other interesting characters? A fascinating story of crime and corruption.

 

Up the Beaten Path

Following the Chisholm Trail—An estimated 700,000 Texas longhorns were driven from Texas to shipping points in Kansas in 1871 alone. Hear first-hand accounts of trail drivers and cowboys who were involved in “the greatest migration of animals ever known” that included soaking downpours, frustrations with other cowboys and stubborn cattle. Related exhibit available.

 

Traveling Exhibits

• Traveling exhibit space requirements vary with each topic and can be adjusted for your available space.
• A secure case or wall display is required for most exhibits.
• Exhibits may visit your site for one to three months, depending on other obligations, for a set-up fee of $25.
• A travel charge will be added for sites outside of Harvey County.

 

Topics

• Up the Beaten Path: The Chisholm Trail In Kansas
• Stroll Through the 1960s
• Aprons: Tied with Love
• Road-Making: The Construction of the Meridian Highway
• An Accomplished Young Lady
• Our Hats are Off
• Piece by Piece: Quilts from Our Collection
• Weddings On the Prairie

 

2011 Speaker's Bureau Brochure (1.5MB PDF)