Family Fun - The Johnson County Museum

 Are you a local to Johnson County or a transplant like myself? Did you know that this county is steeped in history? Like that the Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center is located inside the beloved King Louise bowling alley? If you lived in Overland Park, or its surrounding suburbs, then you more than likely bowled a frame or two here or took a spin around the ice skating rink located on the lower level. And now that lower level is a hub to all things Johnson County. We have visited this museum a handful of times, but every time we go, we learn something new. It's truly an in-depth overview of Becoming Johnson County.

It starts with an overview of how Johnson County began. For instance, do you know the story of Thomas Johnson, the namesake behind our county? Based on historical data, his time as a missionary, and pro-slavery stance, made him very controversial. Charles Bluejacket was a native of the Shawnee tribe who was able to integrate himself into white society while staying true to his native tribe. He owned a successful farm in present-day Shawnee, and as a tribal leader, became an interpreter during treaty talks between the federal government and the tribe. There are so many other smaller details to read regarding the women and men who were integral in creating the county we call home. 

 From there, you are introduced to Kansas and Missouri and how the Border War truly got its start. Here's a hint, it began during the Civil War, not over MU/KU football or basketball. I love how they created a split wall between the states and then lined the floor with where our current cities would have resided during that time. Pick a state and learn about which side of the war they were for. Were they Union or Confederates? Did they believe in pro-slavery or freeing them? And where do you fall in your beliefs? Would you have fought for those beliefs along side others? The fight was fraught with bloodshed and raids, the largest massacre occurring in Lawrence in 1863, killing between 160-190 men and boys. The town was burned as well. Do you know who ultimately won the war between these two states?

A new story begins for Kansas in 1870. The prairie became farmland and market towns grew with the railroad. We soon became suburban communities like we know them today...well, sort of. As you walk through the museum, take note of the tools and machinery that was used by our community ancestors. How similar are they to things we use today? Could they be used today? How sufficient are they? 

As you continue to walk through the museum, you are introduced to entrepreneurs that made their mark in our county. Meet women who paved the way, forging paths for us to take. Look at how the housing market grew with the assistance of the FHA. Take a look at the blueprints of a model home of the 1950s. They were designed as "dream homes" for middle-class families allowing them to take ideas when building their own suburban homes. 

Our favorite part is the model home located inside the museum, which is in fact, my dream home! I love visiting it at Christmas when it's decorated with aluminum trees and vintage ornaments. Ring the doorbell and step back in time! A time I dream about living in. The Mid Century Modern furniture is fabulous, the home decor is spot on, and there are so many pieces in my own home that resides in theirs as well! And I love that the mannequins outside the home are currently dressed in 50s inspired swimwear. But come back at Christmas where they are dressed in their cocktail party best! And definitely get a photo opp with the vintage Bel Air! It's a stunner! 

I also love all the artifacts behind glass or freestanding in the room. Did you use any of these as a child? Do your children have a clue what they are? I love talking about these small pieces of history with McKinley. I was born at a time where I'm on the cusp of old vs new. I remember rotary dial phones, record players, hot rollers, and more. Our kids will never know what these things are if we don't discuss what helped us get to more modern conveniences. 

The last leg of the journey is a more current view of Johnson County. What iconic business do you remember? 

Make sure that you check out the small Overland Park section on the upper level. There are so many special pieces with so much of my childhood in this room! Pool patches to get into the local Overland Park pools. Seats from the Glenwood Theater. The Metcalf South Mall sign, a place where I spent every Saturday as an early teen. And so much more! It's truly a treasure chest!

If you are looking for something fun to do this weekend, check out the Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center. There truly is something for the whole family to learn when looking into the past. 

XO,

Andrea