Upcoming Events
Pumpkin Carving & Painting
$10/pumpkin
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Register Here: https://mcphersonmuseum.com/memberships/p/pumpkin-carving-painting
Fossils & Ice Cream
Come spend time with your kids digging for fossils and eating ice cream!
McPherson County Student Art Exhibit
McPherson County Student Art Exhibit & Scholarship Competition
MHS ALL Class Reunion
The McPherson High School All Class Reunion will take place on Friday, August 5 from 7pm - 11pm at the McPherson Museum (1111 E Kansas Ave). The museum will provide two cash bars. Free entry! We hope to see you there!
If you are a class representative and wish to reserve a section for your class, please contact the museum at 620-241-8464.
Museum Closed May 28 - 30
We will be closed May 28 to May 30 to give our staff a much needed break. We will be at the Time Capsule revealing on Saturday, May 28 at the McPherson Fire Station from 2 - 4pm. We hope you will join us that day for refreshments, live music and the revealing of two time capsules! Please enjoy Memorial Day weekend!
McPherson County School's Art Show
The 2022 McPherson County School’s Student Art Exhibition and Competition will be held at the McPherson Museum beginning April 21 - 24. This is a free exhibition and open for all to attend! You can check it out during the following times:
April 21: 8AM - 5PM
April 22: 1PM - 5PM
April 23: 10AM - 5PM
April 24: 1PM - 4PM
St. Paddy's Paint Party
Register to attend our St. Paddy’s Paint Party on March 11 from 6:30PM - 9PM. Instruction by Nicky Bowers. All supplies included. Cash bar open for 21+ attendees!
McPherson’s 150th Progressive Dinner
Save the date for February 28th to attend McPherson’s 150th Progressive Dinner. Enjoy three courses at three different locations, starting at 5:30PM until 8PM. Start the evening with appetizers at the McPherson Museum, then head to the McPherson Community Building for dinner and end the night with dessert at the McPherson Opera House.
Purchase your tickets at the McPherson Opera House, online or over the phone by calling the Opera House at (620) 241-1952. Limited tickets are available so get yours soon!
Match Week 2022
Support the McPherson Museum during the 8th annual Match Week!
Match Week, February 28 - March 4, holds an incredible opportunity for the McPherson Museum. During the week, McPherson County Community Foundation will match donations made to our endowment fund—our long-term savings—and with your help, we could potentially receive up to $20,000 of the $100,000 match available.
Here’s how the week works:
Mark your calendar so you are sure to participate.
Dates: Monday, February 28 – Friday, March 4, 2022
Place: McPherson County Community Foundation, 1233 N. Main, McPherson
Gifting options:
Cash or Check: you may use the Foundation’s contactless delivery option by dropping off your gift Monday – Friday between 9 am – 4 pm. Please make checks payable to MCCF.
Mail – You may also mail your check to the Foundation. All gifts must be postmarked no later than March 4. Please make checks payable to MCCF.
Online credit card gift. Please visit mcphersonfoundation.org to donate to our organization.
Use your Required Minimum Distribution from your IRA to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution. To qualify for Match Week, simply complete a donation form and return it by March 4. Actual funds from your account need only be transferred to the Foundation by December 31, 2022. For more information or clarification, call Becky Goss or Michelle Huddle at the Foundation, 620.245.9070.
Matching funds will be given to our organization based on a proportional basis. For example, if $300,000 is raised during the week and our organization receives 10% of the total donations, we will receive $10,000 to use for immediate needs.
A donor may give to multiple organizations but only needs to write one check for the total gift. A separate form will be used to indicate which endowment(s) will benefit.
Building our endowment is critical for our future. Match Week is an opportunity to dig deeper and grow our endowment helping us enrich our people and programs for an even greater impact.
Matching funds are made possible by: MCCF Community Fund and the Gaeddert Family Fund
Holiday Open House
Join us for hot refreshments and desserts on December 2 from 4 - 6pm. We will be drawing raffle tickets and announcing the winners during this time.
Note: If you purchased a raffle ticket you do NOT need to be present to win.
HOLIDAZE Paint Party
Upcoming holiday season got you in a daze? If so, sounds like you need a break. Before the holidays arrive in full swing, spend a night to yourself or with your best pals sipping wine and painting a very neutral seasonal picture.
Join us for a paint party on November 13, from 6:30 - 9PM. Please NO OUTSIDE alcohol. Cash bar will be provided. Bottles of wine available to purchase (yes, we will have plenty of options this time). 21 years or older to attend.
Instruction by Nicky Bowers, supplies included. Registration is $30 per person. Please sign up online at mcphersonmuseum.com/fundraisers. Limited seats so get yours before they sell out!
Once registered, your name(s) will be added to a list. Save your confirmation e-mail just in case.
Witches Night Out Wicked Paint Party
Witches, it’s your night! Come out to the McPherson Museum on October 22 for a Wicked Paint Party! This party is sponsored by Noffy’s Sandwich Shop and Pub and they have made sure that you get to enjoy some deli platters and charcuterie as you sip and paint your Halloween-themed masterpiece.
Registration is $30 per person and that includes your supplies, canvas to take home and instruction by Nicky Bowers. Food also included (provided by Noffy’s Sandwich Shop and Pub).
Painting starts at 6:30PM and the party will end around 9PM. We do not allow outside alcohol but will have a cash bar serving wine by the glass or bottle (beer available). Must be 21+ to drink and we ask that attendants are 21 or older. Please contact Carissa at the museum if you have any questions.
Purchase your tickets online or at the museum. Please call for assistance. There are 40 available spots.
WITCHES ATTIRE ENCOURAGED!
https://www.mcphersonmuseum.com/fundraisers/p/witches-night-out-wicked-paint-party
Paranormal Investigation at the McPherson Museum!
Join us for an interactive paranormal investigation of the haunting history found throughout the McPherson Museum! This investigation is led by Spirit Hunters Paranormal Society. Learn about the past of the museum's property and various artifacts as you investigate paranormal phenomena in high-activity areas not open to the public. Explore the museum in darkness and discover the unseen.
The museum erected in 2013, in place of what was once a well-known retirement facility. Built in 1950, the retirement facility operated until 2005. About 30 years earlier, the house that you see next to the museum today, known as the Fields house, was the only building located on the property, built in 1925 for Dr. Fields and his family. Unbeknownst to us is what the property may have been prior to 1925. As we know, much of McPherson was prairieland. Originally, home to Native Americans long before settlers emigrated from Europe. What we know about McPherson begins in 1872, when McPherson became a town. However, we know nothing about the museum property specifically until 1925. The spirits roaming the museum today could be connected to the property from as far back as the 1920’s and maybe even earlier. On top of that, we also house over 40,000 artifacts with years’ worth of history attached to each single artifact, some possibly more than 150 years.
Each time slot is limited to 30 people. Attendees are divided into groups of 10 and will rotate throughout the museum investigating areas with the most paranormal activity. Two members of the Spirit Hunters Paranormal Society will lead each team throughout the investigation. Each attendee will get their own KII EMF meter to use during the investigation.
Spirit Hunters Paranormal Society is based out of Wichita, Kansas. They are known for their discreet, private investigations and are respectful to the history and the possible paranormal of the places they investigate. They listen and are understanding to both the living and the ones who have passed. They will never use ouija boards or any negative conjuring. They are serious about their investigations and will always use professional equipment.
Note: this investigation requires standing and walking for extended period, comfortable walking shoes recommended. Must be 18+ to participate.
Tickets are $30 per person. Please purchase your ticket(s) based on the time slot you wish to attend. There are only 30 tickets available per time slot so we cannot change your ticket to a different time once it is purchased.
To purchase tickets: click on a time slot below to be redirected to our tickets page.
October 15
October 16
Halloweenie Hot Dog Feed
Join us on Sunday, October 10 for our Halloweenie Hot Dog Feed! We are selling hot dog meals and a limited supply of pumpkins with carving kits. First come, first serve 11am - 2pm or until supplies last! You may dine-in or take yours to-go. Free admission into the museum 11am - 2pm. Hot dogs are $1 each or $5 for a meal which includes a side, dessert and drink. Pumpkins with kits are available in limited supply for a $10 donation.
All proceeds help the McPherson Museum preserve and present the culture, art and history of McPherson, Kansas. The museum preserves historical artifacts, material culture, natural history artifacts, historical and contemporary artwork and interprets the history and stories of these items through informative displays and exhibits. The museum relies on your generosity through donations and your support of our events and fundraisers to assist us with this work. Thank you!
Thank you to our sponsors listed below!
Without them this fundraiser would not be possible.
Home State Bank
Hassman Termite and Pest Control
First Bank Kansas
Farmers Alliance Mutual Insurance
Pain Relief Center, Dr. Michael D. McIrvin, BS, DC, CME
Jim Ketcherside
Alex Muñoz
Humanities Kansas Presents: Rex Buchanan
Join us for the presentation “Petroglyphs of the Kansas Smoky Hills” by Rex Buchanan, in partnership with Humanities Kansas, on October 2 beginning at 2PM. This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Thank you to Humanities Kansas and the National Endowment for the Humanities for making this program possible.
Rex grew up in Rice County, Kansas, on the edge of the Smoky Hills. He is the former director of the Kansas Geological Survey and the co-author of Roadside Kansas: A Guide to Its Geology and Landmarks, as well as a co- compiler of Kansas Groundwater, published by the Kansas Geological Survey. He has served as president of the Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education and the Kansas Academy of Science. Rex has been a member of the Humanities Kansas Speakers Bureau since 2010.
Back to School Free Admission
Free Admission on Saturday, August 14 from 11am - 5pm. Enjoy the last weekend of Summer before school starts again!
MHS All-Class Reunion
It’s back! The McPherson High School ALL CLASS REUNION - join us on Friday, August 6 between 6 PM - 11 PM to celebrate with your classmates! This year’s 50th reunion is the class of 1971! The reunion is hosted by us - the McPherson Museum & Arts Foundation. We will provide two cash bars to help quench your thirst while you catch up with old friends (outside alcohol is prohibited). Your class representatives may provide you with snacks and memorabilia. Since we are still in the midst of a pandemic and slowly but surely recovering, we do have some limitations on this party to help keep everyone safe and healthy. Below are the guidelines for the All Class Reunion and if you have any questions please contact us. We look forward to seeing all of our MHS alumni, Go ‘PUPS!
Leo Oliva: Food on the Santa Fe Trail
To celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Santa Fe Trail, the McPherson County Historical Society and the McPherson Museum presents historian, Leo Oliva to share his knowledge about food on the Santa Fe Trail.
Do you have questions about what food supplies they took on the trail? Or what kind of food they secured along the trail? What did travelers say about the food? What about food for military troops on the trail and at forts? And the most important question: did they have ice cream on the Santa Fe Trail? Find out on July 23 at 7pm. Presentation is free to the public.
Santa Fe Trail Dinner Reception
Appetizers, dinner and cocktails! Join us on Friday July 23, before the Leo Oliva presentation, for a dinner inspired by historic Santa Fe Trail meals! Dinner is catered by Tammy’s Country Catering. Tickets are required to attend the dinner. Purchase tickets at the museum or online! All proceeds cover the cost of your meal and support the museum in exhibit development and the preservation of McPherson history. There are only 40 tickets available for the night. Bar opens at 5:30. Dinner begins at 6pm and will end right before the Leo Oliva presentation about food on the Santa Fe Trail. What a perfect way to celebrate the 200th anniversary by immersing yourself into the history!
Closed for Private Event
We are closed on Saturday, June 19 for a private event. We apologize for the inconvenience. If you would like to rent the museum for a private party, check out our Event Venue page and call (620) 241-8464 for more information!
Closed for Memorial Day
We are closed on Monday, May 31 for Memorial Day. We will open Tuesday, June 1 at 9AM.
Sheriff’s Pop-up Exhibit
Stop by the museum on May 15 between 1 and 4PM for a glimpse into the past of Law Enforcement. McPherson County’s own Sheriff Montagne will have on display his personal collection of Law Enforcement items dating as far back as 1860. Free admission for that day so come on in to say hi and ask the Sheriff some questions! Part of National Law Enforcement Week.
All Schools' Day Free Admission
We are open from 1:00 - 5:00 pm on May 14 and offering Free Admission for All Schools’ Day!
Star Wars Celebration
Join us on May 4th for a Star Wars celebration! Activities for young Padawans, Star Wars themed refreshments and trivia! Come dressed as your favorite character for a chance to win a prize! Starts at 5:30 pm. Trivia begins at 6:30 or earlier depending on attendance. Free to attend and open to the public. Enjoy an evening of family friendly fun!
National Travel & Tourism Week
Help us celebrate National Travel & Tourism Week May 2 - 8, 2021. National Travel and Tourism Week is an annual tradition for the U.S. travel community. It’s a time when travel and tourism professionals across the country unite to celebrate the value travel holds for our economy, businesses and personal well-being.
To celebrate, enjoy FREE admission ALL WEEK to the Museum!
Also, stop by on Monday, May 3 from 2-4 PM to enjoy:
FREE cookies & coffee and FREE trolley rides (picking up and dropping off at the Museum) thanks to the McPherson Convention and Visitors Bureau!
*Masks are required in the Museum and while riding on the trolley.
We hope to see you soon!
Traveling Train Exhibit
The Mid Kansas Model Railroaders are setting up their traveling train exhibit at the museum! It will be on display April 26 until May 29. This is a different display than our permanent exhibit in the museum. Come take a look as it will only be here for a short time!!
Closed for Good Friday
The museum will be closed on Friday, April 2. We are open normal hours on Saturday, April 3.
Closed for Private Event
Museum is closed Saturday, March 27 to accommodate for a private event. We apologize for the inconvenience!
If you are participating in the Santa Fe Trail Passport Book and need assistance at the museum, please call 620-241-8464.
Match Week 2021
Help us participate in Match Week this year! Match Week is a fundraising opportunity provided by the McPherson County Community Foundation to help organizations build endowed funds while leveraging matching dollars. Match Week begins March 22 and ends March 26. Our goal for this year is to raise $20,000! You can help us reach that goal by donating one of three ways:
Mail cash or check donations to: MCCF, PO Box 822, McPherson, KS 67460
Contactless Drive-up Donations: Bring gifts to 1233 N. Main between 9am and 4pm during the week of March 22 - March 26
Credit Card Donations: Accepted online
Every dollar makes a difference! The donations we receive will help us financially recover from the pandemic. We appreciate your support!
For more information you can call the McPherson County Community Foundation at 620-245-9070 or visit their website www.mcphersonfoundation.org
Model-T Exhibit Reception
Join us as we bid farewell to our Model-T Exhibit with a cash bar reception. Cover charge for non-members is $5 and members get in free. This is the last month our Model-T exhibit is on display, and as we were not able to host an opening reception, we wanted to celebrate with a going-away reception. Feel free to dress up as the reception will be vintage themed. Pictures with the cars are encouraged! Short presentation by Chris Paulsen, McPherson College Auto-Restoration Professor.
COVID-19 Regulations: Limit 45 persons at one time. Masks ON.
