Speaker’s Bureau and Traveling Exhibits

Affordable, entertaining and educational programs and exhibits for:

• 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 require a table, slide screen, and sound system if speaking to a large group (except Common to Downright Strange and Antique American Indian Art, which do not require a slide screen).
• We provide the Powerpoint equipment unless other arrangements are made.
• The program fee is $50.
• 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.

 

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.

 

 

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

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

 

 

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 $50.
• A travel charge will be added for sites outside of Harvey County.

 

Topics

• Best-dressed Dolls: Doll Hats & Clothing and Makin’ A Splash: Story of the Newton Municipal Pool
• 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

 

2012 Speaker's Bureau Brochure (717KB PDF)