Skip to main content

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

FEATURED STORIES

  • 1950s Film Series: Picnic
    1950s Film Series: Picnic

    "Picnic" will play on the big screen on Tuesday, February 9 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Salina Art Center Cinema, 150 S. Santa Fe. Vintage Looney Tunes cartoons will air before the feature film at each screening. Admission is $6 for ages eight and up. Concessions will be for sale. All at-the-door donations and a portion of movie-ticket proceeds will benefit the Friends of the Smoky Hill Museum.

    The Film Series, sponsored by Heritage Real Estate Advisors and the Ellsworth Independent-Reporter newspaper, features the 1956 Oscar-winning film "Picnic," filmed largely in Salina and other Kansas communities. It stars Kim Novak, William Holden and Rosalind Russell in the story of Hal, a handsome drifter who stirs up conflict and romance when he comes to town over Labor Day weekend.

    Tickets for “Picnic” are $6 at the door or can be ordered online in advance at salinaartcenter.org/nowplaying.

  • 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