June 20 event immerses visitors in 1875 Wichita
Cowtown’s “A Day in the Life” event on Saturday, June 20 will do more than explain Wichita’s Old West history to visitors. It will allow them to live and breathe it. From 10 a.m.-5 p.m., more than 75 costumed interpreters will bring Cowtown to life as they take on the personas of townsfolk, farmers and business owners going about a typical day in 1875 Wichita. Visitors are invited to become part of the story as they interact with them and ask questions. Regular admission rates apply for this special event. Cowtown is located at 1865 W. Museum Blvd.
“We will have 40 buildings filled with volunteers and staff who have done their research and picked a particular person in Wichita’s history to bring back to life,” said Cowtown Director David Flask. “Throughout the day, we’ll also be re-creating events that were reported in 1875 editions of the Wichita City Eagle.”
Activities visitors can expect to see in this young and thriving town include:
- Strawberry Festival church fundraiser, featuring music and dancing;
- Farm auction by the bank at a recently foreclosed farm;
- School board announcement and dedication of next year’s teachers;
- Private school open house;
- Newly married couple receiving well-wishers at a residential home; and
- Embroidery class where young ladies learn to become good future wives.
For more information about “A Day in the Life,” call 316-350-3323 or go to OldCowtown.org.
Historic Wichita Cowtown Inc. works with the City of Wichita to further the Museum and its mission. Established in 1952, Cowtown’s unique programming chronicles Wichita’s transformation from a frontier settlement to a cattle town to an agricultural and manufacturing area. The Museum has the distinction of being accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the highest national recognition achievable by a museum. Accreditation recognizes high standards in individual museums and ensures they continue to uphold public trust. Only 3 percent of the nation’s estimated 34,144 museums are accredited.