Upcoming Events

Audio Free Public Events

Lawrence 1970s Project

1/1/26 – 12/31/26

250th Family Friendly Free

Find the Bison at the Watkins!

1/3/26 @ 10:00 am – 12/26/26 @ 4:00 pm

250th Public Events

America at 250

1/29/26 @ 8:00 am – 12/31/26 @ 5:00 pm

Free In-Person

Ballard Center Barrel Drive

10/1/26 @ 10:00 am – 10/31/26 @ 4:00 pm

In-Person Ticketed Event

Watkins Museum After Dark

10/30/26 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

More

Current & Upcoming Exhibits

Unsettled Lawrence

8/7/26 – 2/6/27

Lizzie’s Living Legacy: The Watkins Hall Centennial

8/25/26 – 10/31/26

Lights, Football, Community: Haskell Memorial Stadium Turns 100

9/26/26 – 1/16/26

More

Online Exhibits

A Thing of Beauty: The Story of the Watkins Building

Embodying Connections: A New Look at the Gary Davis Photo Collection

Days of Rage: The 1970 Curfew

Haskell Institute: The Roots from Which We Bloom 1884 – 1930

Student Art Show: What Makes Your School Special?

Douglas County Public Servants Past & Present Tribute Gallery

More

News & Updates

July 23, 2026 | by Will Haynes

Commemorative Program for Tiger Dowdell and Nick Rice

On July 12, the Watkins hosted the City of Lawrence in a commemorative program for new historical markers. These…

Blog Lectures & Programs News

June 16, 2026 | by Will Haynes

2025 Annual Report

2025 Annual Report WebDownload…

Blog

May 30, 2026 | by Will Haynes

Photography Along the Underground Railroad

On May 15, we celebrated our showing of the traveling exhibit Through Darkness to Light: Photographs Along the…

America at 250 Lectures & Programs

Sponsors

Jedel Family Foundation • Stephen & Marcia Hill • John Nalbandian • Deanell & John Tacha • Carol Koenig • Steve Jansen • Ethel and Raymond F. Rice Foundation • Susan & Brad Tate