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We are swinging right into summer here at the Museum! This past week was filled with delicious food, hands-on learning, new friendships, and plenty of fun.
On Thursday evening, 21 participants gathered to learn the art of making eggrolls from scratch with the always-wonderful Anna Schremmer. As usual, Anna went above and beyond—bringing an array of fun and functional door prizes, sharing expert tips, and providing each attendee with a custom booklet of recipes. Guests sampled three different dipping sauces, which they also got to take home. Best of all, everyone left with 15 freshly made, piping hot eggrolls to enjoy. It was a lively, delicious evening for all ages!
Sunday brought historian Leo Oliva to the Museum for his captivating presentation, Railroaded: The Industry That Shaped Kansas. With his deep knowledge and engaging storytelling, Leo explored how the development of the railroad industry contributed to the decline of bison and the displacement of Native American populations in Kansas. His insights offered a powerful look at how this transformative era changed the region forever.
Also on Sunday, the town of Logan was energized by an influx of Bike Across Kansas (BAK) participants. Nearly 600 cyclists rolled through town, and many stopped by the Museum to rest, explore, and enjoy the exhibits. It was a pleasure to welcome such a dynamic and diverse group of visitors—many from outside Kansas. One cyclist from Santa Fe, New Mexico, who works in exhibit design, was especially impressed by our facility, calling it “world-class.” High praise from a fellow museum professional—and a wonderful affirmation of our continued efforts.
A special highlight among the BAK visitors was seeing Nathan Rau—the talented technician who recently repaired our Museum’s historic Steinway square grand piano. Nathan stopped in during his ride and brought along his wife, Isabella, to show her the results of his craftsmanship. It was such a treat to reconnect with Nathan and to meet Isabella—it made the day even more memorable!
With June underway, we’re excited to showcase the delightful handcrafted work of Lorie Nicolaus as our new Artist of the Month. Lorie’s sewing talents shine in her charming children’s items, including birthday outfits, cuddly dolls, baby bibs, and burp cloths. She also offers fun mugs and insulated tumblers, all displayed with her signature creative flair. Be sure to stop in and pick up a few items—perfect for baby showers or gifts on the go.
Looking ahead, don’t miss your chance to experience the joy of painting with certified Bob Ross instructor Hope Blakely during our Magic of Painting classes on June 21st and 22nd. Whether you’re just beginning or want to refine your skills, this class promises a fun and rewarding creative experience. Visit hansenmuseum.org/schedule-of-classes or call 785-689-4846 to register.
Time is also running out to catch our current exhibit, A Place to Call Home, which closes on June 17th. This immersive experience explores the harsh realities faced by early Kansas settlers—from isolation and weather extremes to the challenge of survival itself. With interactive features for all ages, it’s a powerful tribute to those who helped shape the Kansas prairie.
Whether you’re drawn to history, art, or family-friendly fun, the Hansen Museum has something for everyone. We’re open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday and holidays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Museum is fully handicap accessible, and thanks to the generous support of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, admission is always free. We can’t wait to welcome you soon!
