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

FEATURED STORIES

  • If floorboards could speak, what stories they would tell! Join Judy Lilly as she shares a few stories of the upstairs rooms of Salina’s downtown buildings. Since Salina’s beginning in 1858, second stories along Santa Fe and Iron Avenues held business, amusements, shopping and all manner of services – dentists, dressmakers, milliners, shoemakers, tailors, beer joint owners and more. Hear stories of the upstairs downtown, sometimes short-lived, always varied. Lilly is a writer, local history researcher and member of Western Writers of America.

    The Smoky Hill Museum will host this free Zoom presentation on Thursday, May 6, 5:30-6:30p. Check our website to stay informed.

    *Online only. Museum & Store will be closed.

  • In 1858, the story of Salina began with a group of six individuals who envisioned a community on the central plains of Kansas. This community was not only located at a natural crossroads, but also defined a new one centered at Iron and Santa Fe Avenues. This crossroads marks where Salina began. Born from a few wooden structures, downtown was once the sole destination for food, merchandise, transportation and services. 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 are encouraged to 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 the From Sod to Stone area

  • For the Industry On the Move case.

  • Morrie and Sydney Soderberg

    For the Mercantile

  • For The Crossroads

  • For The Crossroads and For Breaking the Sod Platform

  • For The Crossroads

  • For The Crossroads

  • For The Crossroads

OUR SPONSORS