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Each time you visit the Smoky Hill Museum, a new story inspires you. See what we do.

FEATURED STORIES

  • The Smoky Hill Museum will host this free Zoom presentation on Thursday, March 4, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Click on the photo to register.

    Roughly two years ago, Dr. Donald Blakeslee visited to discuss his discovery of Etzanoa – an ancient settlement that was home to more than 20,000 ancestral Wichita Native Americans. It’s time for an update! Join Sandy Randel, Director of the Etzanoa Project as she shares what they’ve discovered and what’s surprised them. She’ll also talk about what mysteries they’re working on as they strive to understand one of the largest Native American cities in North America. Randel has been with the Etzanoa Project since it began in 2015 and became director in 2019.

  • When the Smoky Hill Museum reopens to the public on Tuesday, September 29, 2020, visitors will be able to see the new exhibit The 1950s Part 2: Beyond the American Dream. Hours of operation are Tuesdays through Fridays 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Saturdays 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. more...

  • Museum visitors will need to be aware of the following changes:
    • Masks are required to be worn at all times in the Museum.
    • Visitors must follow social distancing rules and keep six feet between their group and other visitors, staff and volunteers.
    • It is also requested that children remain with their party at all times and be fully supervised.
    A full list of safety measures and protocols is available here.

  • Online Resources

    While the Museum was closed, staff worked hard to provide online resources for you. Check out the following:

    • Check out past exhibits in the special Online Exhibits section.

    • Access Exhibit handouts featuring such topics as the Indian Burial Pit and the Battle of Indian Rock.

    • Like crosswords or word searches? Check out the Fun & Games page.

    • Educators can enhance their lessons with free video presentations. Check out the topics available in the Educational Lending Library.

  • Discover how we were founded and remain true to our original mission.

  • Special thanks go to our exhibit and case sponsors. The Museum is able to continue its strong exhibits and educational programming through their generosity. Interested in sponsoring an exhibit? Contact Kay Quinn at kay.quinn@salina.org.

Welcome to the Smoky Hill Museum

The Smoky Hill Museum explores history in unexpected ways with interactive fun around every corner. It’s a big-city museum in a small package intentionally designed to make kids eager to stay longer and adults want to come back for more.

Special thanks to our sponsors:

  • For the 1950s Part 2: Beyond the American Dream

  • Debbie & John Divine

    For the 1950s Part 2: Beyond the American Dream

  • Ken & Susie Guest
    Ken & Susie Guest

    For the 1950s Part 2: Beyond the American Dream

  • Jeff Denton

    For the Dugout

  • For Breaking the Sod Platform

  • For the From Sod to Stone area

  • For the Industry On the Move case.

  • Morrie and Sydney Soderberg

    For the Mercantile

  • Heritage Real Estate Advisors, LLC

    For the film series featuring "Picnic"

  • Ellsworth County Independent Reporter

    For the film series featuring "Picnic"

  • Salina Art Center Cinema

    For the film series featuring "Picnic"

  • For At the Crossroads: Salina's Downtown

OUR SPONSORS