Upcoming Events
El Quartelejo Museum and Jerry Thomas Gallery and Collection
Celebration in Honor of Dennie Siegrist
Birthday & Retirement Reception
Join us at the El Quartelejo Museum & Jerry Thomas Gallery as we celebrate a wonderful milestone! We are coming together to honor Dennie Siegrist on the occasion of both his 94th birthday and his retirement.
Come share stories, enjoy good company, and wish Dennie the very best!
Everyone is welcome! Please drop in to say hello, enjoy refreshments, and celebrate with us.
The 1950s: An American Dream? Traveling Exhibition
Memories are a funny thing—we rarely recall life exactly as it was, but often through a haze of nostalgia. Even bad times can lose their bite given enough time. This is especially true of eras where joy and optimism coexisted with struggle and conflict. Perhaps the 1950s stand as a moment in the twentieth century that captures this duality better than any other in American history.
Does that mean the 1950s wasn’t all it was cracked up to be? Not necessarily. It reminds us that nostalgia often glosses over complexity—and that every era holds contradictions worth exploring. It’s important to see the whole picture and not just a snapshot in time.
Look past the nostalgia of the 1950s to what else was brewing below the surface with this traveling exhibit. Let your visitors dive deeper into this fascinating era.
4th of July Celebration
4th of July Celebration and Ice Cream Social! Join us in celebrating America's 250th and Scott City's 140th Birthdays with ice cream sundaes at the Soda Fountain and entertainment by WinterGreen Park, a new local musical group performing from 2 - 4 pm.
There will be some fun activities for all ages and some prize give-aways!
This is a free event open to the public. Free will donations accepted.
Western Kansas Fossil Fest
Special Thank You to Scott City Travel & Tourism for their sponsorship and to Scott County Record for their additional articles.
Meet the Author: Debbie Gassert — Mighty Neighborly
Join Kansas author and retired investigator Debbie Gassert for an engaging talk about her book, Mighty Neighborly: A True Story of the Fredrick Iwert Murder. The program explores a 1983 Kansas homicide that made state history when a man born in Scott County was convicted of murder without a witness, weapon, or recovered body.
Drawing on court records, interviews, and historical research, Gassert discusses how the case unfolded, how investigators and courts worked with limited evidence, and why the case continues to raise questions decades later. The presentation focuses on historical context rather than sensationalism, offering insight into how significant criminal cases become part of a county’s collective history.
The program will include an author talk, a brief reading, and a question‑and‑answer session. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Annual Meeting
Join us for the Annual Meeting of the Scott County Historical Society. The brief business meeting will be followed by a presentation from Alan and Glenda Graham; Museums of Kansas. Refreshments will be served. This meeting as well as the museum, fossil lab, and gallery are open to the public! We look forward to seeing you.
MARCH MATCH-NESS
Thanks to the generosity of a donor, we have the chance to MATCH dollar for dollar up to $50,000 towards a Farm Equipment and Agricultural Exhibit Building! We’re excited to introduce MARCH MATCH-NESS! It’s a winning bracket!
A tax-deductible donation of any amount, big or small, can be made to Scott County Historical Society. You can mail a check to P.O. Box 155, Scott City, KS 67871, drop a donation at the museum during our regular hours, or donate online at:
Troy Krehbiel presents "Rebs in Kansas"
Troy Krehbiel, a history enthusiast and reenactor from Holcomb, Kansas, will deliver a presentation, "Rebs in Kansas; a short history of the Galvanized Yankees." These were former Confederate soldiers and prisoners of war who pledged allegiance to serve with the Union Army, tasked with protecting western forts and railroads from Native American attacks.
Troy's presentation promises to be both engaging and informative, shedding light on a lesser-known chapter of American history. He will bring to life the experiences of these soldiers, exploring the complex motivations and challenges they faced during this tumultuous period. Whether you’re a history buff or new to the topic, Troy's presentation is sure to spark curiosity and deepen your appreciation for the complex tapestry of American history.
Troy Krehbiel presents "Rebs in Kansas"
Troy Krehbiel, a history enthusiast and reenactor from Holcomb, Kansas, will deliver a presentation, "Rebs in Kansas; a short history of the Galvanized Yankees." These were former Confederate soldiers and prisoners of war who pledged allegiance to serve with the Union Army, tasked with protecting western forts and railroads from Native American attacks.
Troy's presentation promises to be both engaging and informative, shedding light on a lesser-known chapter of American history. He will bring to life the experiences of these soldiers, exploring the complex motivations and challenges they faced during this tumultuous period. Whether you’re a history buff or new to the topic, Troy's presentation is sure to spark curiosity and deepen your appreciation for the complex tapestry of American history.
Sugar Plum Sale, Soup Supper, & Raffle
The Holiday Tradition Continues with the Annual Sugar Plum Sale and Soup Supper fundraiser for the Scott County Historical Society! Our evening kicks off with the Sugar Plum Sale of Christmas Goodies by the pound and Soup Supper. We will have raffle and silent auction items as well as some special entertainment (TBA)! Bring the kids to visit with Santa from 5:00 - 6:00 pm. We hear he is bringing a special treat and there may be Reindeer Games!! Our raffle and silent auction drawings will conclude the evening at 6:30 pm.
Holiday Open House
It's the most wonderful time of the year! Join us as we kick off the Holiday Season in Scott City with an afternoon filled with festive decor, gifts, and refreshments. We will be serving Holiday Ice Cream Shakes at the Soda Fountain. Enjoy strolling through history with gift shop specials and more.
Anniversary Weekend
Celebrating a weekend of Anniversaries! El Quartelejo Museum, 25 Years & Jerry Thomas Gallery and Collection, 15 Years!
Weekend Encampment featuring Steve and Troy Krehbiel and Friends
Friday evening Reception celebrating the Gallery, more info coming soon.
Saturday events: 2 PM Dedication of Refugees, Reservations, Reconciliation Smithsonian Partner Site Exhibit with special guests
Saturday evening: 5 PM Pulled Pork Meal with progrom, Founders to Future.
Sunday afternoon, Soda Fountain open for Sundaes
This map shows our parking and the overflow parking to our west. Please be respectful of our area businesses and use any street parking away from their customer parking. Also, do not park in front of storage units.
Walk with the Spirits, annual commemoration of the Battle of Punished Woman's Fork
Join us as we commemorate the 147th Anniversary of the Battle of Punished Woman's Fork, the last battle in Kansas between Native Americans and US Troops. Hear the story of the Northern Cheyenne Odyssey as they seek to travel back home and how a clash with U.S. Military brought both peoples together today as Sister Cities.
Hike with Historians as we trace the story throughout the battle site at 1:00 PM. A bus will be available leaving the museum at 12:45 PM. All others may meet at the battle site for the hike.
Tour Guide Workshop
We are offering a special workshop for people interested in becoming volunteer tour guides. This morning workshop will introduce you to the exhibits in the museum and gallery, give the historic background and account, and experience the battle ground with Dennie Siegrist, our Historian who is passionate about the preservation of the Battle of Punished Woman’s Fork National Historic Site and its incredible story.
We will begin the day at the museum and gallery at 11:00 AM, followed by a light lunch, then travel to the battle site at 1:00 PM for our annual observance, Walk with the Spirits. We should return to town by 3:00 pm.
Call to reserve your spot today, 620-872-5912, or email scmuseum@sbcglobal.net
Irrigation and the Aquifer History Exhibit
New Exhibit Opening: History of Scott County Irrigation and Ogallala Aquifer! We will be joined by our partners who helped to design and build this great experiential space; Groundwater Management Dist. 1, Kansas Geological Survey, and KU Student Intern, Sunday Siomades.
10:00-10:15 – Fossils, Water, and Rocks, Oh My: The Geologic Tale of Scott City
Dr. Blair Schneider (Kansas Geological Survey) discusses the geologic history of Scott County
10:15-10:30 – Teaching Scott Geoscience
Kristopher Super (El Quartelejo Museum) discusses local paleontology and geo-education
10:30-11:30 – Game Session 1: Specimania
Participants will compete to obtain Kansas fossils and curate the most elaborate exhibits
11:30-12:00 – What’s in Your Water? State-Supported Initiatives to Protect Water Resources
Nick Schneider (Kansas Geological Survey) discusses water quality and the AWQUA program
Keadron Pearson (Kansas Water Office) highlights successful water programs and policies
12:00-1:00 – Lunch
Join Dr. Blair Schneider for an informal discussion on careers in the Earth sciences
1:00-2:00 – Game Session 2: Ogallala
Participants will compete to run the most lucrative Kansas farm...without depleting the aquifer that makes it all possible
2:00 – Exhibit ribbon-cutting
Participants can tour the exhibit and visit the KGS booth to explore lesson plans and activities about water resources
5:00 – Event end
Soda Fountain and VanAntwerp Exhibit Opening
Join us as we open our Newest Exhibit; VanAntwerp’s Rexall Soda Fountain and Clothing Display. There will even be ice cream sodas!
Fossil Talk with Kris Super
Bring your own lunch for this informative hour with Kris Super, Fossil Lab Manager and Preparator of the Western KS Fossil Lab. You’ll get to know our local fossils and hear about his latest work.
America 250!
William Wilson Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will be sharing how you can begin your celebrations for our country’s sesquicentennial, America 250!
America 250! for Kids
Join us and members of the William Wilson Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution for an informative hour learning about the 250th Birthday of America! Kids will enjoy a craft during this interactive hour.
Art Talk with Stephanie
If you are interested in Art and History, you'll enjoy this enlightening afternoon guided art tour in the Jerry Thomas Gallery and Collection with Director, Stephanie Fisher. This talk is geared to adults of all ages who are welcome to join us for the hour as we explore the stories behind the historical paintings and artifacts.
Art Detective (ages 8+)
Want to experience art and learn the stories behind the paintings? Join us for this engaging morning exploring the Jerry Thomas Gallery & Collection and make your own work of art! This activity will be best for ages K-5. Youth ages 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
$5 each participant for non members (materials fees), Free for members.
Summer Saturdays: Mini Fossil Lab
Join us for Summer Saturdays! Opening at 10 AM - 5 PM, June - August.
Our Mini Fossil Lab is open to budding paleontologists and hosted by our own, Kris Super. Ages 8 and up are welcome to come learn how to prepare a fossil. RSVP: (620) 872-5912 or scmuseum@sbcglobal.org.
$5 each participant for non members, Free for members. Annual memberships are $10 for Individual or $20 for a Family. Members receive free benefits and activities all summer and throughout the year! You can join at the museum or online: https://www.elquartelejomuseum.org/membership
Summer Saturday: Get to Know Your Museum Scavenger Hunt
Join us for our first Summer Saturday! We will be opening from 10 AM to 5 PM on Saturdays, June - August, with fun and informative programs.
This Saturday is a "Get to know your museum scavenger hunt". Stop in anytime throughout the day and start your adventure! Travel through time from Fossils to the Frontier and Where Art and History tell a Story!
Free to participate and Free Admission!
Annual Meeting and Program
Celebrate Archeology History Month with our special guest, Paige Bump. Paige is the Project and Outreach Coordinator with the Kansas Historical Society specializing in outreach, archeology, and the KS Archeology Training Program. She welcomes you to bring an artifact or two for identification. No appraisals will be offered.
Her program will follow our Annual Business Meeting.
Discover the Library of Congress
Come experience our history and learn how to access the treasures of the Library of Congress from ANYWHERE.
The Library of Congress will have FREE in person workshops each hour throughout the day.
Explore Library of Congress digital collections without traveling to Washington D.C.
Connect your family heritage with regional and national history
Learn about the Veteran’s History Project and how the American Folkife Center preserves individual veteran’s collections
Discover Chronicling America: a historic newspaper resource
Sugar Plum Sale
The Annual Scott County Historical Society Sugar Plum Sale has expanded! We will begin the evening with our Sugar Plum Sale with goodies by the pound at 4:30 PM at the Western KS Child Advocacy Center, 212 E. 5th Street.
December Membership Coffee
December Dues Paying Members are invited to our Monthly Coffee and Conversation.
Holiday Open House
Enjoy the museum and gallery for a Holiday Open House featuring specials and discounts in the gift shop, door prizes, and refreshments. See our antique ornament display and enjoy a festive afternoon.
November Membership Coffee
November Dues Paying Members are invited to our Monthly Coffee and Conversation.
Giving Day 2024
Your support of Scott County Historical Society through the Scott Community Foundation on Giving Day goes even farther with bonus funds to boost your donations! Our goal is to raise $5,000 to help us with our exhibit enhancements and expansions.