ALL ABOARD!
The Trolley has sure made a big splash since making its debut early this month! With the generous support of the Friends of the Johnson County Museum, our visitors now have the opportunity to enjoy in this new, fully ADA-accessible historic play area.
"Remembering the Past, Beginning Anew": Holocaust Survivors' Journey in Kansas City
Tuesday, April 24th, 10:30am-11:30am

In the late 1950s, a group of Kansas City Holocaust survivors came together to form the New Americans Club. Within a few years they commissioned one of the country’s first Holocaust memorials and established an annual commemorative program. Yet, they were interested in so much more than their common past that united them. By examining their projects and priorities, we gain important insight into their integration into American life and community in the metro area. This talk will follow their growth and change as the Jewish community of Kansas City moved into Johnson County.
Saturday, April 22nd, 10:30am-11:30am

It's never a dreary day at the Museum! Interact with museum staff as you learn why we collect, how we collect, and the importance to our local community. Our collection features over 19,300 3D objects and over one million images. The Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center holds the museum's two-dimensional collection, including manuscripts, maps, photographs, and quilts.

Program Cost: $11 adults / $10 seniors (60+) / $9 children. Museum members receive a 20% discount.
Lassie and Her Day in The Sun
Wednesday, May 10, 10:00am-10:45am
“LASSIE AND HER DAY IN THE SUN” - Follow Lassie the dog’s adventures as she saves the day in this Little Golden Book from 1958.

Preschoolers love stories from long ago, read by a special guest from the 1950s All-Electric House! Craft activity included after the story ends.

Program Cost: $2 per person. Children must register with at least one adult. Museum admission not included. Museum members receive a 20% discount.
Conflict and the Big Bull Creek

Johnson County Park and Recreation District's (JCPRD) Big Bull Creek Park is a beautiful, serene, natural setting located near Edgerton. Visitors likely have no idea that the area was once the setting for some of the most contested moments in the ...

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Meet Jim & Louise Mathis!
April is National Volunteer Month
We love our volunteers here at the Johnson County Museum, whether they’re helping us research new artifacts or welcoming visitors with a smiling face.

Jim and Louise Mathis, both Kansas born-and-raised, are a dynamic duo of volunteers who bring their passion for history, culture, and people to their volunteer work at our museum. 
Louise, a retired account manager, has always had a deep love for museums and meeting new people. She finds joy in continuing to learn and hearing stories from others. Louise's bright smile is contagious as she engages with visitors and makes everyone feel welcome. In her free time, Louise envelops herself into her surrounding community by traveling and exploring new cuisines, spending time with friends, and volunteering with museums and her church. 

Her favorite item in the museum is the All-Electric House! "It represents the dreams of families from my childhood," she says. In 2022, Jim and her both developed an appreciation for our temporary exhibit REDLINED as a significant and revealing part of our past.

Jim, on the other hand, is a Photoshop professional with a keen interest in history, humans, and how societies evolve. Beyond his volunteer work, Jim is also an avid traveler, a regular attendee of music festivals, and a musician in the band The Strang Line Ramblers. He also loves a coffee with his friends!

Together, Jim and Louise make an exceptional team. They help with everything from assembling new exhibits to putting KidScape back together after a day of fun. With a willingness to jump in at any chance, we are grateful to have them as part of our community.
REDLINED Digital Exhibit
Fundraising is underway to convert the award-winning special exhibit, "REDLINED: Cities, Suburbs and Segregation," into a digital experience. Your donation provides the resources needed to not only preserve the exhibit, but also give access to an even broader audience by providing a platform for further research and community convenings around the subject of redlining.
Individual and corporate sponsorships are also available. As a REDLINED online exhibit sponsor, you can enjoy exclusive access to the Johnson County Museum event invitations, rental opportunities, after-hours guided tours, complimentary admission passes, and more! Become an exhibit sponsor today.
FROM THE COLLECTION:

How did you celebrate in April?


Did you gather around the family table for a Passover celebration, like the Goller Family (right)?




Or were you fiercely searching for Easter eggs, like the kids of Olathe in 1938 (below)?

Become a Museum Member!

Enjoy FREE admission all year long when you become a member! RENEW your membership TODAY!

Membership Prices
Individual/Couple Membership - $35
Family Membership (includes up to 6 people per visit) - $60
Group Membership (includes up to 12 people per visit) - $90

Benefits of Membership
  • FREE admission to the Museum
  • Discounts on Museum programs and events
  • 10% discount at gift store
  • Monthly e-newsletter