Watkins Community Museum-History — Attraction in Lawrence

I personally really enjoyed going there. The Museum of the quiet stale type, what you could expect from a small history museum. I have no complaints whatsoever this stuff for friendly I enjoyed the self-paced atmosphere and the option for tours if you like. the only thing I would advise is that if you have children or to bring a stroller and prepare them to be bored, this is at no fault of the museum it's simply because well it's a history museum it's not very Interactive or aimed directly at young children and that's okay it's not supposed to! It's certainly not the atmosphere they're going for, if your child is over 3 though they will have a great time playing in the playhouse it is small but to a child imagination it might well be everything! My review about family was only honest because my visit was with our young toddler. As far as what is in the museum I'm browsing around itself it's very interesting, we learned a lot about Lawrence that we certainly did not know before as well as many historical spots that were pointed out and Watkins that we could later go visit. I believe they do City tours using a bus as well please don't quote me on that but if so that'd be another star I would add. It is definitely worth a couple hours of your weekend!!! Extremely interesting, friendly staff, well kept,...

I never realized how much history this place held until today. Growing up, I would come to this museum constantly with family, friends, or on school trips, but I never really understood the impact that these artifacts and historic treasures have had on this city. From the displays on Quantrill's Raid (which came through the street that I grew up on; fun fact) the Historic Smells drawer (easily my favorite thing here), and the information about slavery and Kansas's history as a literal free state, this all really humbled me and gave me a perspective shift. I think I'll be visiting this establishment more often in the coming years. Thank you for that.

(Also, if Parks and Rec could do literally anything in regards to the Zen Garden's general upkeep and maintenance, that would be...

The new permanent exhibit on the 3rd floor is so cool!

My favorite thing about the museum is the running theme throughout all of the permanent exhibits highlighting the participation of Lawrencians in nationwide struggles for justice.

They also have so many fun slice-of-life artifacts from all throughout the city's history. You really get a sense of the way Lawrence participated in and helped shape American popular culture, and of the unique quirks that make life in the city unique.

The exhibits are professionally displayed, and the layout guides the viewer through the city's story while leaving you the freedom to go straight to the bits you find most interesting. I am especially impressed by the interactive installations!

I visit every time...