Opens April 24, 2026

America turns 250 soon — a milestone built from millions of stories. Some come from the founding era, but many more were shaped in towns, cities, and communities far from the original thirteen colonies. Our nation’s history is richer and more complex because of the people who lived, worked, dreamed, and struggled in places just like Salina.

For communities like ours, the 250th anniversary is also a reminder that national history is built from local experiences. Every town has contributed to the American story through its people, industries, struggles, and triumphs. By preserving these moments, museums ensure that the voices of everyday Kansans stand alongside the better‑known chapters of our nation’s past.

To celebrate this anniversary, the Smoky Hill Museum is shining a light on the role museums play in preserving those local stories. From a musket used in the Revolutionary War to local celebrities to a sad iron, see how the Smoky Hill Museum, and museums across America, preserve, protect and share the rich history of American life. 

Museums have changed dramatically over the years, evolving from simple collections to vibrant community spaces that protect the past and help us understand our place in it. They ensure that in another 250 years, people will remember not only America’s beginnings, but the everyday lives and deep roots that shaped our shared history.

America’s 250: Connecting a Nation invites visitors to explore how museums have grown, adapted, and continue to connect us to our past. The exhibition will be on view in the Center Gallery from April 24 through October 10, 2026.

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