El Quartelejo Museum and Jerry Thomas Gallery and Collection - El Quartelejo Museum and Jerry Thomas Gallery and Collection
Scott County Historical Society
Annual Meeting Honors
Daughters of the American Revolution Present Awards
Our Annual Meeting on April 23, 2023 had a few surprises! The William Wilson Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Regent, Marian Christy Nolan, nominated and presented the following DAR Awards:
Patsi Graham was awarded the Daughters of the American Revolution Community Service Award. The Community Service Award is presented for outstanding voluntary service in cultural, educational, humanitarian, patriotic, historical, citizenship, or environmental conservation endeavors. Patsi represents the substance of this award with her years of commitment to the Scott County Historical Society.
Dennie Siegrist was awarded the Excellence in Historic Preservation Medal. This award honors individuals who have saved and/or preserved their local history. Dennie has spent countless years preserving and telling the stories of peoples who called western Kansas their home. His passion for native cultures is especially evident in his development of the guided Historical Bus Tours which take groups to Punished Woman's Fork National Historic Site, El Quartelejo Pueblo Site, Historic Lake Scott State Park, Little Jerusalem, Monument Rocks and Duff's Buffalo Ranch.
Jerry Thomas was awarded the prestigious National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Historic Preservation Medal. Fewer than 30 Historic Preservation Medals are awarded nationwide each year following nomination by a state level DAR chapter.
"The Historic Preservation Medal recognizes and honors a person who has done extraordinary volunteer work over a long period of time in establishing a historic district, preserving landmarks, restoring, or preserving objects of historic cultural significance, or establishing or participating in oral history projects, youth leadership and education, as it pertains to historic preservation, at the state, regional, and/or national level. Mr. Thomas is that extraordinary person and he is most deserving of this recognition!
On behalf of the National Society as we 'Celebrate Stars & Stripes Forever' through Historic Preservation, we thank Jerry Thomas for his dedication to preserve for future generations the important history of the people of Kansas." Elizabeth Blake Hotchkiss, National Chairman, Historic Preservation Committee
-Photo courtesy of Rod Haxton, Editor of Scott County Record
National Register
The Battle at Punished Woman's Fork was designated in 2007 as a historic location on the National Register of Historic Places. The historic event took place on September 28, 1878~~~the last major Indian battle in Kansas. The battle site is located just North of Scott City at the South edge of Scott Lake State Park. El Cuartelejo Archelogical District was placed on the Register much earlier, in 1966.
Become a Member of SCHS!
The Scott County Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the history of the Scott County area and educating the community and visitors about the function of El Quartelejo Museum and the Jerry Thomas Gallery and Collection.
Throughout the almost 90 year existence of SCHS, individuals, families, and businesses have supported the Historical Society’s efforts. These generous people help to continue the work of the Historical Society and assist in maintaining the building and grounds, keeping the facility open to the public, guiding group tours, hosting programs for all ages, and raising funds for improvements.
There are three membership categories:
Individual $10.00
Family $20.00
Business $50.00
SCHS Board of Directors
The first meeting of the Scott County Historical Society was held on January 12, 1931. A number of Scott City, Kansas citizens and early settlers were interested in perpetuating the early history of Scott County and Western Kansas, which led them to meet at the old Steele home to make plans for a new organization.
The following officers were elected:
President: Elmer Epperson
Vice President: J.K. Freed
Secretary: Mrs. Clarence Dickhut
Treasurer: E.E. Coffin
For almost 90 years, Scott County residents have shared a common dream: to have a museum building in which to preserve and exhibit Scott County's rich and unique history. Thousands of hours from volunteers and the generous donations of Scott County residents and interested persons have kept the dream alive, and brought much of it to fulfillment. The work continues, with inspiration from those members who have watched the growth and development of the society and grounds for many years, and with the ideas and efforts of new advocates.
Those serving presently on the Board of Trustees of the Scott County Historical Society are:
Alan Graham President
Marilyn Dryer, Vice President
Ruth Dunn, Secretary
Ernie Smith, Treasurer
Pam Sourk
Jerry Thomas, Artist in Residence
Carol Trout
Barbara Wilkinson
Have an interest in serving as a Board Member? Contact us!
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
145th 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.