Wichita has a rich and storied history behind the bustling city we know today. In fact, the area served as a meeting place and trading center for nomadic people for 11,000 years before the city was founded. Although it looks much different today, the culture and heritage of Native American residents of the Wichita area lives on. Explore this history, as well as other elements of Wichita culture, at these breathtaking museums.
Indian Center Museum
The Indian Center Museum in the Mid-America All-Indian Center houses works from Native Americans throughout the country. The highlight of this museum is the expansive collection of pieces from Oklahoma-born artist Blackbear Bosin. Designer of the iconic Keeper of the Plains statue, his largest collection of works is featured here. The museum also features interactive displays and exquisite pieces of art to highlight the history of Native Americans in this region.
Wichita Art Museum
Home to a variety of artistic styles and influences, the Wichita Art Museum showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Great Plains as well as the broader development of art in America. Over 8,000 permanent pieces are featured here. Exhibits change frequently and focus on specific time periods in American history, highlight works by individual artists, and educate visitors about unique artistic mediums. Each time you visit this expansive museum, you’re bound to find something new to learn and explore.
Old Cowtown Museum
The Old Cowtown Museum is a one-of-a-kind experience that allows visitors to step back in time and see first-hand the transformation of Wichita from a frontier settlement to a fully functioning cattle town. History truly comes alive in Cowtown through daily activities, special events, and education programs. It hosts over 10,000 artifacts in its permanent collection, made up of textiles, furnishings, furniture, tools, and art.
Cowtown is truly an entire town filled with educational opportunities. The 1880 DeVore farm replicates a farm of the era, complete with animals and machinery. The Blood Family Homestead is an extraordinarily well-preserved “hall and parlor” style of residence common in the era. Other structures in this vivid recreation of old Wichita include a one-room schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, meat market, and so much more. Make sure you have plenty of time to dedicate to exploring Cowtown because this is one experience you won’t want to rush through.
Kansas Aviation Museum
Aviation is an enormous part of Kansas history, and there is no better place to connect with this history than the Kansas Aviation Museum. Housed in the original Wichita Municipal Airport Terminal Building, this museum features a wide collection of aircraft and aviation-related artifacts. Visitors will learn about the growth and development of aviation in Kansas and view exhibits showcasing the growth of aviation in this area. Many restored aircraft are available to view up close, making this an awe-inspiring experience.
Wichita is built upon a vibrant and fascinating history, and there is no limit to what you can learn. Each of these museums offers a unique lens through which to view the foundations of our great city. Connect more deeply with your home community by visiting one of these great museums today.
Photo via Flickr by fireboat895 | under cc BY 2.0Licensed
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