Fall Newsletter

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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.