NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Katie Broker with the Reno County Museum said the Museum is getting ready to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Hutchinson by looking back at another big celebration.
"We have published a book, it's for the 150th," Broker said. "It is a picture book of the powwow. I think it was the 75th. We have all of those pictures of Main Street full of people. There's a man on a horse on top of the Wiley Building. They are just so cool to see. There are covered wagons going down Main Street, old cars, beautiful, beautiful pictures, and I'm sure a lot of families have connections to those photos. We'll have those books available very soon."
The printing is going on right now. It will be done next month. Also new at the Museum is a new addition to their play area.
"BNSF Railroad has given us a grant, in 2021, to do an educational project for kids," Broker said. "We've completed it. It's done now. We're so excited about it. There is a large scale BNSF train replica. It's built out of wood. It's a play structure for kids, that we have put in the kids area. We actually had to take out the boat. We know that was a fan favorite, but we're replacing it with a lot of really cool stuff. So far, the kids have been just ecstatic about the train. We also have the combine cab that was a recent addition, as well. We're making some other changes with the help of the community foundation. We just received the Fund for Reno County grant."
Broker said the kids area hadn't been updated in 30 years, so they are excited about giving it more of a Reno County feel. Broker also said April's Appraisal Fair was a huge success.
"This being our first fundraiser in several years, we ended up with over $1000," Broker said. "That was just incredible to see that had such a good kickoff and we had great community support for this."
The Reno County Museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Museum is closed Sunday and Monday. For more information, go to renocomuseum.org.