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

FEATURED STORIES

  • Join Marla Matkin, popular first person historical performer, as she commemorates women’s suffrage at the Smoky Hill Museum. She’ll focus on the movement’s history from 1848 to 1920 through three brief, informative and poignant first-person accounts. Meet Susan B. Anthony, Carrie Chapman Catt and a woman who represents all of those who marched, suffered and sacrified. She’ll discuss both sides of the issue, share tactics used and the part played by western women.
    Matkin has been a living historian and an independent scholar for nearly twenty-five years, traveling throughout the Midwest and West to enlighten, entertain and inspire.

    The Smoky Hill Museum hosts this free presentation on Thursday, March 5, from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

    The Smoky Hill Museum is a nationally accredited history museum, in the heart of downtown Salina, Kansas. This FREE museum is open Tuesday-Friday 11-5 and Saturday 10-5. Also, be sure to stop by the Museum Store for a wide variety of regional and Kansas products, local artwork and gifts for all ages.

    For needed accommodations, please call Nona Miller at 309-5776 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Every effort will be made to accommodate known disabilities. For material or speech access, please call at least 5 working days prior to the event.

  • 1950s exhibit

    1950s: An American Dream?
    Exhibit Open October 19 through March 2020

    Many have a nostalgic view of the 1950s. On the surface, this decade beamed with prosperity with new homes, automobiles and appliances. Yet, under this decade’s shiny appearance, many felt pressured to conform to societal norms. Changes were brewing below the surface of the American dream. This exhibit opens to the public October 19, 2019. Friends members are invited to a special preview. For information on how to become a friend, click here.

  • See the Oscar-winning Picnic at the Art Center Cinema. Picnic was filmed partially in Salina in 1956 and is based on the play by William Inge. Screening includes vintage Looney Tunes cartoons. Admission $6 age 9+. Online advance tickets available at salinaartcenter.org/nowplaying.

    Two screenings at the Art Center Cinema: Thurs, March 19, 8 pm and Fri, March 20, 3 pm.

    Movie concessions for sale.

    Hosted by Smoky Hill Museum and the Salina Art Center Cinema
    Sponsored by Heritage Real Estate Advisors and Ellsworth County Independent Reporter

  • "Thank you for letting us visit the Smoky Hill Museum. I never did those things before. Is was super fun! I want to do it all over again," Haylee, third grader, Coronado Elementary School.

    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.

    Your gift infuses the Museum the resources needed to provide young and old alike with invaluable, thought provoking and hands-on experiences that they will carry with them for a lifetime. These experiences help build a sense of self, inspire pride in our community, and ensure that Salina history will not be forgotten.

    You can give to the Friends of the Smoky Hill Museum in person from 7 am to 7 pm or online at MatchMaddnessGSCF.org from midnight to 11:59 pm.

  • Patches, a life-sized hippo made from painted salvaged steel panels by artist Dale Lewis from Hastings, Minnesota, is staying at the Museum. Sculpture Tour Salina is pleased to announce Patches as the People's Choice Award winner for 2018. more.....

  • Our programs are designed to further our mission and encourage visitors to engage with history.
    Take a look.

  • 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:

  • Benson Accounting CPA, PA & Modern Woodmen of America

    For 1950s: An American Dream?

  • Debbie & John Divine

    For 1950s: An American Dream?

  • Larry & Joy Smith

    For 1950s: An American Dream?

  • Bette Timmel

    For 1950s: An 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

  • 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"

OUR SPONSORS