HISTORY PROGRAMS THE POOR ASYLUM Nestled against the banks of Indian Creek, Shawnee North Park was originally established in 1871 as the Shawnee County Poor Farm. Over its 150 year history it has housed hundreds of people, and was an important institution for Topekans and individuals living in Shawnee County. This presentation explores the park’s history, beginning with its roots in the Civil War and until its doors closed in 1942. Explore a by gone institution with connections to other important Topeka Hospitals and parks.
GHOST HUNT: SHAWNEE NORTH Meet the spirits of the Shawnee North Community Center. This old brick building was once the Shawnee County Poor Farm and housed 65-85 individuals who lived and died within its walls. Explore this lesser known historic building run by the Shawnee County. This program is led by Ghost Tours of Kansas. This activity is indoors, but can include exploration of the grounds.
Shawnee North Community Center Date: Jan. 10 Time: Fri. 8-10 p.m. Fee: $25 BEEKEEPER CLASSES
Master Beekeepers, Steve and Becky Tipton offer exciting opportunities in beekeeping. Explore hive construction, installing the bees and hive management up until harvest time. This monthly class goes through Oct. Some classes may be done virtually. Pre-registration is required.
Shawnee North Community Center Date: Jan. 24 Age: All ages Time: Fri. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Fee: $5 HEALING TOPEKA
Shawnee North Community Center Age: 12+ Fee: Free
Date: Feb. 19 & March 19 Time: Wed. 6:30-8 p.m.
CLAY CLASSES Try out this exciting new program and explore pottery with this instructed class and learn how to use molds, hand building and other basic skills. All tools and materials provided.
Join us as we journey through time, uncovering the evolution of Topeka’s hospitals and why the Capital City use to be called “the psychiatric capital of the world.” Explore institutions such as the Topeka State Insane Asylum, which housed and provided medical care for their residents. Or lesser known hospitals like the Security Benefit Hospital, or the Hillcrest Sanatorium. Finally, we will cover one of Topeka’s greatest contributions to medicine, covering the Menninger Family and their important psychiatric work.
Shawnee North Community Center Age: 13+ Time: 6-8 p.m.
Carving Mugs - $45 Dates: Thurs. Jan. 9-23
Preston Hale Room at Old Prairie Town Date: Feb. 21 Age: All ages Time: Fri. 6:30-8 p.m. Fee: $5 RIDE TO WILDERNESS
Hand Built Planters- $75 Dates: Fri. Feb. 7-21
Hand Built Bird Feeders- $45 Dates: Thurs. March 6- 20
Discover Great Overland Station's connection to the National Parks and rail travel. Train travel was incredibly important in the early tourism development in Yellowstone, Glacier, and the Grand Canyon National Parks. The Union Pacific and Santa-Fe Railroad companies were integral in not only establishing the parks, but also funding hotels, restaurants, and other attractions at the parks. Discover the stories behind the iconic railroads that connected the nation, carving through breathtaking landscapes and paving the way for adventurers and tourists alike.
GREAT OVERLAND AFTER DARK! Great Overland Station has been a Topeka Landmark and seen floods, fires, and the city change around it. Explore this historic building in the dark as we turn off the lights and hear tales of heroism, travel, and the origins of Topeka. Then go to the second floor and hear stories about Downtown Topeka and the Capital building. This program has a little bit for everyone!
Great Overland Station Date: March 8 Time: Sat. 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Great Overland Station Date: March 27 Age: All ages Time: Thur. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Fee: $5
Age: 13+ Fee: $20
PARKS.SNCO.US 785.251.6800
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