Western K.S. (Kris Super) Fossil Lab

Fossil Lab has Grand Opening

The Western K.S. Fossil Lab held its GRAND OPENING on Saturday, April 29, 2023.  Kris Super cut the ribbon on the exhibit and working lab featuring the Elasmosaur he found in 2021.  Two years in the making, Kris was able to free the near 1,000 lb. chalk and body of this rare fossil last summer and with some strong community help, it made its way to El Quartelejo Museum.

Making this specimen more rare is the skull of the animal.  Thanks to the Scott County Hospital and Mark Burnett, the skull block was placed in their state-of-the-art CT-scanner.  What was revealed is a stunning find!  Few skulls of an elasmosaur have been found and fewer with their body, but this one is in amazing condition inside the Smoky Hill Chalk making it one of the most complete finds of an elasmosaur in Kansas and possibly beyond.

The lab is under the direction of Kris Super, local SCHS Science Teacher whose degree specialty is in Geology and Paleontology from Kansas University and Fort Hays State University where he has worked and contributed to their natural history museums including the Sternberg Museum.  Kris has made many other unique and incredible fossil finds that have led to study and publication.  You can learn more about Kris by visiting the lab!

Kris will be in throughout the summer working on the fossil, hosting workshops, and educating guests about this enormous project.

The In-Between Winter and Spring

As winter has given us a hint of spring we are looking forward to longer days of sunshine.   The promises of spring bring anticipation. Our calendar is filling up with programs, exhibits, and events. We are working to finalize times and dates but here is a rough draft:

We are full of anticipation as we finalize the exhibit panels for the Western K.S. Fossil Lab at El Quartelejo Museum. Kris Super has put together an incredible amount of information along with photos, historical drawings, relevant current events in order to tell his story and the story of the most complete elasmosaur found in Kansas (quite possibly in the world). The working lab will have beautiful exhibit and interpretive panels that are to arrive by the end of March. Our anticipated Grand Opening to the public will be in April.   No Foolin'!

April showers bring - Annual Meeting and Program:  Sunday, April 23 at 2:00 PM. This event includes a brief business meeting required for our organization and is open to all. You will hear updates on the museum and gallery and we also elect board members. If you are interested in serving as a board member, please contact us!

Our very special guest will be Marian Nolan. Marian serves as the Regent of the William Wilson Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She will be presenting     "Are you a Revolutionary?" You could find out! Join us and bring some family history. Marian and other William Wilson Members can show you how to trace your ancestors to 1776. We will have other special guests along with refreshments. It will be a wonderful and inspiring afternoon.

Marla Matkin will be returning to Scott City with her special story telling talent in May. Marla has written two historical fiction children's picture books that she will be sharing at Scott Count Library’s Storytime in May. Marla will have her books for sale as well as signing those at the library. That evening at 7:00 PM, she will present Women of the Santa Fe Trail at the museum and gallery. And, for those who have kids, grand kids, or are a kid at heart - Marla will have her children's books available as well. We will have the exact date soon - but free up your Tuesdays in May.

Kansas Archeology Training Program, June 2-18, 2023. June brings in the Summer Months and this year we are excited that it is bringing the Kansas Archeology Training Program, June 2- 18. This program is open to the public. Sign up today to dig a day or multiple days: https://kansashistoricalsociety.regfox.com/2023-katp-field-school

145^th Commemoration of Battle of Punished Woman’s Fork, Sunday, September 24 @ 3:00 PM.  Walk with the Spirits is our annual commemoration of the Battle of Punished Woman's Fork. We will be hosting a hike with historians from Camp Christy as well as dinner with special guests. Jerry Thomas will be unveiling special works and new exhibits in honor of this remembrance. More details, dinner ticket info coming soon.  Save the Date!

Artifact of the month - Vietnam Remembrance Day-March 29, 2023. The United States became increasingly involved in the Vietnam conflict in the early 1960s. Perhaps one of the most volatile moments in our recently history, the "conflict" escalated to war. Becoming a hotly debated topic, Vietnam defined a generation of politics, protests, and people. We honor those who found themselves in the midst of an Era and a History that should be remembered.  We would like to recognize our Vietnam Veterans with a special pin available at the museum and gallery.  Stop in today.

Fall Newsletter

Fall 2022

Plans shaping up for Fossil Lab!

Something Super is coming to the museum!

Kris Super, local High School Science Teacher, has partnered with us to put together a Fossil Preparatory Lab. Kris has some amazing fossils to share with us including his recent HUGE find, a Plesiosaur. This large marine reptile once swam in the Western Interior Seaway that had covered Kansas.

We are most excited for this joint venture where we can experience, learn, study, and research the fossils from this seaway and others.

Special thanks to our supporters, donors, and to Kris! It is truly SUPER!

Walk with the Spirits; Hike with Historians, Sept. 25

Join us as we commemorate the Battle of Punished Woman’s Fork at the National Historic Site on Sunday, September 25th from 3—5 pm (at your own pace).

Experienced historians will be stationed around the site to visit with you and convey the stories of those who were caught up in this exodus. Hear, view, and engage in their accounts as you hike the Battle Site.

This will be our observance of the 144th Anniversary of the Battle of Punished Woman’s Fork which took place on September 27, 1878. It was the last Indian battle in Kansas between the Northern Cheyenne and U.S. Troops.

Water, hat, walking shoes, and sunscreen recommended. Weather can change this time of year, so be prepared with a jacket as well.

In Memory

Friends and Family said “Good-Bye” to

Marilyn Kendrick in July. Marilyn worked for several years at the museum and gallery. She was gifted at arranging displays and our gift shop.

"Heaven is a beautiful place to be, full of beautiful people having a beautiful time."

Jerry Thomas Named Artist of the Year; Custer Battlefield Historical & Museum Association for 2022 & 2023

Jerry Thomas was once again featured on the cover of the Greasy Grass Magazine as Artist of the Year. Greasy Grass is a publication of the Custer Battlefield Historical & Museum Association.

"Just Ahead" depicts Lt. Col. George A. Custer and Seventh U.S. Cavalry troopers as they pause, gazing upon the horizon, hoping to determine what lies ahead and what awaits them beyond.

"Just Ahead" is proudly featured on the cover of the 2022 "Greasy Grass" Magazine for the Custer Battlefield Historical and Museum Association! Thank you to Jerry’s good friends, Ted Heath (President) and Em Hurley (Editor), for the opportunity to create "Just Ahead" for the special new issue! It is a wonderful magazine with great authors, fascinating history and information.

“Big thanks to my good friends, amazing actors and Custer historians , Bill Rini and Steve Alexander, whose wonderful and expert knowledge helped in putting together the painting!” - Jerry Thomas

Honored to be the 2022 Artist of the Year for the Custer Battlefield Historical and Museum Association, Jerry presented and displayed his new artwork in Hardin, Montana June 22-25, 2022 for the CBHMA Convention.

Jerry’s artwork which shows not only his dedication and passion for keeping history alive, inspires others to know the stories of the past. Because of this, he has been selected to be the 2023 Artist of the Year! Congratulations, Jerry!

New Wildlife Painting Selected for 100th Anniversary of Western Assoc. of Fish & Wildlife Agencies: Watchful Eyes

Jerry was selected in a juried Kansas wildlife contest to unveil his beautiful new painting, Watchful Eyes, at the 100th Anniversary of WAFWA held in July at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. It was an honor to be selected to represent the beauty of the State of Kansas by the Association at the nationally acclaimed institution of Western art, heritage, and culture.

Watchful Eyes was inspired by scene on a winter day where Jerry captured a photo of a fox walking by. He added the cardinal after he had stepped outside on another day and was greeted by the striking red bird; a reminder of his dear dad, Clyde.

You can view both of Jerry’s newest works in the Gallery and Collection along with another Western painting he brought in recently, Lawman.

Special points of interest

· Sept. 17: Constitution Day with come-and-go activities hosted by Daughters of the American Revolution, 1—4 pm.

· Sept. 25: Walk with the Spirits; hike with historians at the Battle of Punished Woman’s Fork National Historic Site, 3—5 pm

· Sept. 27: 144th Anniversary of the Battle of Punished Woman’s Fork

· Sept. 28: Maria DeGeer Founders Day

· October Volunteer Work Day, TBA:   give us a much needed Fall spruce up and winter prep.

· Oct. 23: Membership Appreciation Day @ 2 pm with guest speaker, Stephen Morefield author of But the Blood; a Novel based on the True Story of America’s Bloodiest County Seat Battle.