Events

Mausoleums have their beginnings in ancient times when the first tomb was built for King Mausolus of Caria in the 4th century BC. Mausoleums tend to be impressive structures and the one located near the Halstead Cemetery is no exception. Join local librarian and historical society board member, Joleen Ross for a tour of this extraordinary place of rest. There are two opportunities for a tour, the first begins at 11am and another starts at 2pm. NOTE: PLEASE BRING A LAWN CHAIR. Located at U.S. 50 & S. Hertzler Rd. Photo: City of Halstead

The Pop Up officially kicks off with a welcome from the Kansas Sampler Foundation staff followed by The Stump, a tradition that started in 1990 with the Kansas Sampler Festival. Marci Penner brings a tree stump to and asks the audience questions about things to see and do in Kansas. Those with the first correct answer will get a ticket, and at the end of the 15-minute game, someone will win a prize from a Stump Sponsor. It’s a fast and fun fifteen minutes! Meet outside at museum's loading dock located on the south side of the building. Merchandise (t-shirts, hats, sport packs, picnic blankets, and the Kansas Guidebook 2 for Explorers) will be sold. REMEMBER TO BRING A LAWN CHAIR!

Bobbi Barton started her 3D cookie cutting business in 2014. It's grown a lot since then and her designs number in the hundreds. Take a tour of this fascinating local business and stick around to purchase cookies and the cutters that made them! Find her designs and online shopping at the link at "Read More" or follow her on facebook.com/bobbiscutters. Tours every half hour beginning at 1pm, 1:30pm, 2pm, 2:30pm, 3pm and 3:30pm. From U.S. 50 turn south on S. Halstead Road for three miles. Turn right (west) on Southwest 48th for approximately 3/4 mile. Destination is on your left (south side of the road). Or, from Main Street in Halstead, ¾ mile west on 6th, 1 mile south on Halstead Road, ¾ mile west on 48th.

As you drive into Halstead from the north you can't miss the huge earthen walls and folding steel doors on hinges on either side of Main Street. At first glance, it might seem like a remnant from a medieval walled city. But, these massive gates are there to prevent flooding from the Little Arkansas River. Learn more about how, when and why they came to be during a talk by local historian, Richard Basore. Meet outside the museum at noon. For your comfort, please bring lawn chairs.

Lights, Camera, Cocktails! Grab a drink—cocktail or mocktail—and join fellow Kansas Explorers at Ruby’s Lounge (right next to Daphne Mae Cafe) for a special screening of the classic 1955 film Picnic, filmed right here in Halstead and other Kansas towns. While you’re soaking in the drama and small-town sizzle, enjoy free popcorn courtesy of our BKRT Pop Up sponsor, Papa Baldy’s Popcorn. Craving more? Bar bites will be available for purchase. Want the juicy behind-the-scenes scoop? Check out a great article by Bill Shaffer (formerly of KTWU in Topeka). Paste this link in your browser to read: https://www.washburn.edu/reference/cks/mapping/movies/allmovies/picnicmagazinearticle.pdf It’s movie night—Explorer style!

Dive deep into the wide variety of exhibits and history connected to the people and places of Halstead's past. This is the place to learn more and see actual artifacts from the movie "Picnic" which was partly filmed in Halstead. You'll also learn about Dr. Arthur Hertzler, the “Horse and Buggy Doctor”; the story of the Halstead hospital, clinic, and school of nursing; and Halstead natives—Adolph Rupp Kentucky Wildcat basketball coach (1930-1972); and Jim Roper, first to win a national drag car race (1949). Guided walks at 1pm and 3pm.

Learn about the little known history of the Arkansas Valley Interurban Railroad that operated for passengers from 1910-1938 and hauled freight until 1942. The company was proud to offer a clean operating electric powered passenger train for its riders which followed a route from Hutchinson, Halstead, Newton and Wichita. There are a few remnants left including the old station in Halstead and six (abandoned) interurban bridges near town. Two of those can be spotted east of town. (See the entry under Attractions on this website for directions.) Meet at the AVI station in Halstead at Spruce and 2nd Streets at 4pm for a short program.

Tucked just 1 1/2 miles north of town, this well-kept farm offers a rare glimpse into Kansas’ agricultural and Mennonite past. The highlight is an 1874 barn built by Mennonite settlers—restored on the outside for preservation, but step inside and you’ll find the original hand-hewn beams and craftsmanship still intact. Nearby stands a second, larger barn, restored in the early 2000s, showcasing a different era of rural architecture. For anyone who appreciates historic barns, old-world construction, or the stories of early settlers, this stop is a quiet treasure waiting to be discovered. Come and go at your convenience from 12 - 5pm. (Turn north off Hwy 50 at the Halstead Cemetery. The barns are one and a half miles north of this intersection.)

Dr. Arthur Hertzler lived here and built a 1906 horse barn and a 1918 dairy barn so he could supply fresh milk to the kids in Harvey County schools. Open house from 4-6pm. From Main and Sixth (becomes 36th), 3/4 mile east, then south into the farmstead.

What you see is what you get when you meet Valeda! She is the famous female transparent mannequin that has been a unique teaching tool since 1965. Valeda lights up and "talks" about her different body parts and functions all from a rotating pedestal. Generations of children have learned about the human body here and now you can too when the museum opens just for the BKRT Pop Up. Meet Valeda and learn about how she came to be during tours that begin at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm. Museum open from 12-5pm.

If you can't make the movie viewing on Friday night at Ruby's Lounge or you don't want to take time to watch the whole film, stop by Daphne Mae's anytime between 10am and 6pm on Saturday, September 6, to catch a peek of this risqué-for-its-day movie that vaulted Kim Novak to stardom.

Saddle up for fascinating tales from local historian and author Margaret Kraisinger. She'll share stories from a new book to be published about the forgotten cattle towns of eastern Kansas that supported the cattle drives up from Texas from 1867-1872. In 2016, Margaret and her husband received the Wrangler award from Oklahoma’s National Cowboy Heritage Museum and the Six Shooter Award from the Wild West History Association for their second book, "The Western Cattle Trail, 1874-1897: Its Rise, Collapse and Revival." A year prior, in 2015, Margaret became the first woman inducted into the Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame in Dodge City. History buffs and fans of the old west won't want to miss hearing this 30-minute program held at the Life Church. (Photo: Hutchinson News)

Local volunteers are excited to welcome visitors to Halstead and know there is lots to see and do in a short time. For your convenience, they have put together a fun scavenger hunt of historical and interesting plaques around town. For those who like riding around looking at interesting homes and churches, you can find a brochure for that, too! Pick up self-guided tour and scavenger hunt information at Daphne Mae’s (208 Main), the historical museum (116 E First), or at The Stump event, located near the dock on the east side of the museum.

Artist and retired art teacher, Beth Vannatta has a vision and it's slowly coming to life at the Springdale Art & Nature Center located right off U.S. Hwy 50 near Halstead. She invites you to explore the scenic 48 acres she has donated for nature and art lovers to enjoy. From 10am-4pm you can watch carving demonstrations in a converted chicken house, wander through a house full of sculptures and walk the nature trail. Be sure and listen to a well-done video about this art and nature sanctuary and learn about Beth's plans for its future. Click on Read More below then scroll down to the second video on the home page. (Photo: Artopens.org)

By mid-day you'll be ready for a snack to keep you going for the rest of the days Pop Up activities. The Halstead Historical Museum invites you to stop by for a refreshing slice of ice cold watermelon. It will hit the spot and you'll be revved up to explore some more!