EVENING IN THE PAST "FOCUSING ON PIONEERING WOMEN"

Support the museum and learn the true stories behind four women of the Old West in a live reenactment program. Held on the patio at the Finney County Historical Museum, entitled “Pioneering Women, Triumph and Tragedy.” Reservations are open now.
The occasion is the annual “Evening in the Past” program, this year featuring Kansas historian, scholar and author Marla Matkin. Admission is $20, including an old-fashioned fried chicken dinner buffet prior to the presentation.
Matkin will appear in character as Lottie Johl, 1855-1899; Lydia Spencer Lane, 1835-1914; Martha Gay Masterson, 1837-1916; and Getta Graham Dix, believed to be a survivor of pro-Confederate terrorist William Quantrill’s 1863 raid on Lawrence, Kansas.
“These are four fascinating women from western locales and diverse backgrounds, and I intend to share their life experiences through their very personal and intriguing stories,” Matkin said. “Each has often been overlooked by the historian’s pen, but they provide a true human element essential to better understanding our history.”
Matkin, a Kansas native and descendant of homesteaders, is a historian, scholar and author born in Dodge City and now living in Hill City. A former teacher, she portrays figures as diverse as Elizabeth “Libbie” Custer, wife of the infamous George Armstrong Custer, and The Contessa, an Old West brothel madam, who she reenacted seven years ago at the museum. She serves on the boards of the Smoky Hill Trail Association and Society of Friends of Historic Fort Hays. She worked on the arts and entertainment committee for the 200th anniversary celebration of the Santa Fe Trail in 2021, and has published two history-related children’s books.

RESERVATIONS
Admission is by reservation only, due to limited seating. Reservations are open until day’s end May 14 or all seats are sold, whichever comes first. The number to call is 620-272-3664. Those interested in attending may also visit the museum reception desk 1-5 p.m. seven days weekly at 403 S. Fourth Street in Garden City’s Frederick Finnup Park. Payment is by cash or check. Reservations by credit card are not available.

The dinner and program are scheduled on the museum’s patio, but will move indoors to the adjacent Mary Regan Conference Room in case of inclement weather. In addition to fried chicken, the menu includes homemade calico beans, potato salad, rolls and ice cream

Also check out other Arts events in Garden City, Literary Art events in Garden City, Trips & Adventurous Activities in Garden City.