{"id":7048719,"date":"2026-08-27T02:44:41","date_gmt":"2026-08-27T02:44:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/american-history\/looking-back-looking-forward-a-year-of-connection-at-the-johnson-county-museum\/"},"modified":"2026-08-27T02:44:41","modified_gmt":"2026-08-27T02:44:41","slug":"looking-back-looking-forward-a-year-of-connection-at-the-johnson-county-museum","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7048719","title":{"rendered":"Looking Back, Looking Forward \u2013 A Year of Connection at the Johnson County Museum"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By Johnson County Museum Director Mary McMurray, Ph.D.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As we close another year, I find myself reflecting on the wonderful ways this community continues to show up for its history \u2014 and how, together, we keep shaping what\u2019s ahead. At the Johnson County Museum, our mission is to preserve and share the county\u2019s stories in ways that spark curiosity, foster connection, and empower lifelong learning. This year reminded us again and again just how meaningful that work can be.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A YEAR OF IMPACT<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201cRipples: Water, Community, and You\u201d Made Waves of Its Own<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"5512\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/2026\/01\/05\/looking-back-looking-forward-a-year-of-connection-at-the-johnson-county-museum\/ripples-image\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ripples-image.png\" data-orig-size=\"5445,4084\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Ripples \u2013 Image\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Photo of \u201cRipples: Water, Community, and You,\u201d an award-winning special exhibit on display through Jan. 10.&lt;\/p&gt;&#10;\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ripples-image.png?w=390\" width=\"5445\" height=\"4084\" src=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ripples-image.png\" alt=\"Color photograph of the Ripples special exhibit, showing display cases in the center and walls of text and graphics in the background, with a blue color palette.\" class=\"wp-image-5512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ripples-image.png 5445w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ripples-image.png?w=128&amp;h=96 128w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ripples-image.png?w=390&amp;h=293 390w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ripples-image.png?w=768&amp;h=576 768w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ripples-image.png?w=1440&amp;h=1080 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 5445px) 100vw, 5445px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Photograph of \u201cRipples: Water, Community, and You,\u201d an award-winning special exhibit on display through Jan. 10. Plan your visit at JCPRD.com\/Ripples!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our 2025 special exhibit, \u201cRipples: Water, Community, and You,\u201d inspired deep conversation and community partnerships. Through collaborations with scientists, planners, parks leaders, and regional water specialists, we brought vital stories about water to life.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Visitors joined guided tours and programs, students filled the galleries on field trips, and a companion book extended these stories far beyond our walls. Together, we made ripples of our own \u2014 proof that small actions can create big change.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>More Than 45,000 Visitors Welcomed<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This year, more than 45,000 visitors explored KidScape, toured the All-Electric House, researched local histories, explored the Lanesfield Historic Site, and discovered new stories about the place they call home. We\u2019re grateful for every visit and the sense of community each person brings through our doors.\u00a0 <\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"5497\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/2025\/11\/25\/a-1950s-homemade-christmas\/1-13\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1600,1200\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"1\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;The \u201cHome for the Holidays: A Homemade Christmas\u201d exhibit is on display inside the All-Electric House and in the front yard. You can view it through January 3, 2026, included in regular Museum admission. Plan your visit at JCPRD.com\/Museum!&lt;\/p&gt;&#10;\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1.jpg?w=390\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1.jpg\" alt=\"Color photograph showing a Christmas front yard scene. Short picket fence in the foreground, wooden cutouts of a Christmas tree, snowman, and Santa on a sleigh with three reindeer in the midground, and a brick and brown wood home exterior in the background. Colored Christmas lights hang on the house's evetrough.\" class=\"wp-image-5497\" srcset=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1.jpg?w=128&amp;h=96 128w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1.jpg?w=390&amp;h=293 390w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1.jpg?w=768&amp;h=576 768w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1.jpg?w=1440&amp;h=1080 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The \u201cHome for the Holidays: A Homemade Christmas\u201d exhibit in front of the All-Electric House. The display closed January 3, 2026.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Growing Spaces for Families<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In KidScape, we introduced thoughtful enhancements to keep the space fresh, fun, and rooted in imagination.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The All-Electric House shone brighter than ever with two special exhibits:\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cHome for the Holidays: A Homemade Christmas\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>\u201cThe White Wedding: A New Postwar Tradition\u201d\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both helped visitors experience the spirit, style, and nostalgia of postwar Johnson County in new ways.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Improving Access for All<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the Lanesfield Historic Site, with the help of our county partners, we completed important ADA improvements, ensuring more people can fully access and enjoy this iconic one-room schoolhouse.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Across the museum, we also hosted four Community Free Days, each generously supported by sponsors\u00a0who believe in access and inclusion.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"5515\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/2026\/01\/05\/looking-back-looking-forward-a-year-of-connection-at-the-johnson-county-museum\/community-event-free-day\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/community-event-free-day.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1080,1081\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Community Event \u2013 Free Day\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Thanks to the generous support of Atomic Cowboy, Panasonic Energy, Johnson County Wastewater, Johnson County Stormwater Management, WaterOne, the Kansas Water Office, The Parks &amp; Recreation Foundation of Johnson County, and MainStreet Credit Union, nearly 3,000 people experienced the Johnson County Museum for free this year.&lt;\/p&gt;&#10;\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/community-event-free-day.jpg?w=390\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1081\" src=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/community-event-free-day.jpg\" alt=\"Color photograph of families with children enjoying the diner counter in KidScape.\" class=\"wp-image-5515\" srcset=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/community-event-free-day.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/community-event-free-day.jpg?w=96&amp;h=96 96w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/community-event-free-day.jpg?w=390&amp;h=390 390w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/community-event-free-day.jpg?w=768&amp;h=769 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Thanks to the generous support of Atomic Cowboy, Panasonic Energy, Johnson County Wastewater, Johnson County Stormwater Management, WaterOne, the Kansas Water Office, The Parks &amp; Recreation Foundation of Johnson County, and MainStreet Credit Union, nearly 3,000 people experienced the Johnson County Museum for free this year during the Museum\u2019s quarterly free days.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Launching a New Community Conversation<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This year we convened the first Legacies of Redlining Summit, focused on the Blue River watershed and the impacts of suburban water practices on formerly redlined communities. Entirely sponsor-supported and aligned with our newly-launched strategic plan, the summit expanded the work of our award-winning \u201cREDLINED: Cities, Suburbs, and Segregation\u201d exhibit and helped our community engage more deeply with issues of equity, environment, and infrastructure.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"5517\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/2026\/01\/05\/looking-back-looking-forward-a-year-of-connection-at-the-johnson-county-museum\/legacies-of-redlining\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/legacies-of-redlining.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"3024,4032\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;1.6&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;iPhone 13 mini&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1761125432&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;5.1&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;100&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.016666666666667&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;,&quot;latitude&quot;:&quot;38.969405555556&quot;,&quot;longitude&quot;:&quot;-94.668686111111&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Legacies of Redlining\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Keynote speaker Queen Wilkes addresses attendees at the Johnson County Museum\u2019s inaugural Legacies of Redlining Summit, a half-day gathering that brought together regional partners \u2014 including MARC, Heartland Conservation Alliance, Johnson County Stormwater Management, and JCPRD \u2014 to explore how historical housing discrimination continues to shape our environment and communities today.&lt;\/p&gt;&#10;\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/legacies-of-redlining.jpg?w=390\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"3024\" height=\"4032\" src=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/legacies-of-redlining.jpg\" alt=\"Color photograph of a presenter in front of a room filled with attendees.\" class=\"wp-image-5517\" srcset=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/legacies-of-redlining.jpg 3024w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/legacies-of-redlining.jpg?w=72&amp;h=96 72w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/legacies-of-redlining.jpg?w=390&amp;h=520 390w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/legacies-of-redlining.jpg?w=768&amp;h=1024 768w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/legacies-of-redlining.jpg?w=1440&amp;h=1920 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 3024px) 100vw, 3024px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Keynote speaker Queen Wilkes addresses attendees at the Johnson County Museum\u2019s inaugural Legacies of Redlining Summit, a half-day gathering that brought together regional partners \u2014 including MARC, Heartland Conservation Alliance, Johnson County Stormwater Management, and JCPRD \u2014 to explore how historical housing discrimination continues to shape our environment and communities today.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Providing an Educational Resource<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our school-based education programs continued to grow. We welcomed more than 4,000 students on field trips at the Johnson County Museum and Lanesfield Historic Site, and we engaged nearly 2,000 more through out-of-school programs, Scout Nights, Retro Storytimes, and other educational programming. Inspiring the next generation \u2014 right here at home \u2014 is at the heart of what we do.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>LOOKING AHEAD TO 2026<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The coming year promises to be extraordinary. As Johnson County joins the nation in marking America250\u2014 and prepares to welcome the world for the international soccer celebration\u2014 we are ready with new exhibits and programs that speak to both.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Introducing \u201cEveryday Democracy\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"5519\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/2026\/01\/05\/looking-back-looking-forward-a-year-of-connection-at-the-johnson-county-museum\/everday-democracy\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/everday-democracy.png\" data-orig-size=\"1000,301\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Everday Democracy\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;\u201cEveryday Democracy\u201d opens Feb. 7,  exploring 250 years of American ideals through the lived experiences of Johnson County, with public programs and events accompanying the exhibit.&lt;\/p&gt;&#10;\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/everday-democracy.png?w=390\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1000\" height=\"301\" src=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/everday-democracy.png\" alt=\"Color graphic of a dark red banner with stylized American flag at center, and words &quot;Everyday Democracy&quot; in script font, with subtitle &quot;Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness in Johnson County&quot; below.\" class=\"wp-image-5519\" srcset=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/everday-democracy.png 1000w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/everday-democracy.png?w=128&amp;h=39 128w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/everday-democracy.png?w=390&amp;h=117 390w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/everday-democracy.png?w=768&amp;h=231 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The \u201cEveryday Democracy\u201d special exhibit opens Feb. 7,  exploring 250 years of American ideals through the lived experiences of Johnson County, with public programs and events accompanying the exhibit.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Moving through six time periods \u2014 from 1776 to 2026 \u2014 the exhibit examines how people here have navigated life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness in changing landscapes, from frontier farms to booming suburbs to imagined futures. It ends with a futurist element asking people to imagine what those founding ideals will look like 50 years from now.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Crafted especially for America250, it\u2019s a story about democracy lived, not just declared.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A New Look at a Mid-Century Icon<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We\u2019re also opening a special exhibit about the All-Electric House itself \u2014 how it was built, what it promised, and why it continues to fascinate visitors of all ages. It\u2019s the perfect companion for a year when the region will be welcoming visitors from around the globe.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And more is coming: new programs, new partnerships, and new ways to connect our community through shared history.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"5520\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/2026\/01\/05\/looking-back-looking-forward-a-year-of-connection-at-the-johnson-county-museum\/option-2-for-top-image\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/option-2-for-top-image.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"900,675\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;11&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;Bob Greenspan&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS 5DS R&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1513190650&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;bob@bobgreenspan.com 8165913370&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;17&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;100&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;1.6&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Option 2 for top image\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;The All-Electric House will feature a special display about American suburbanization this summer.&lt;\/p&gt;&#10;\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/option-2-for-top-image.jpg?w=390\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"900\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/option-2-for-top-image.jpg\" alt=\"Color photograph showing the 1955 Chevy Bel Air in front of the All-Electric House inside the Johnson County Museum.\" class=\"wp-image-5520\" srcset=\"https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/option-2-for-top-image.jpg 900w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/option-2-for-top-image.jpg?w=128&amp;h=96 128w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/option-2-for-top-image.jpg?w=390&amp;h=293 390w, https:\/\/jocohistory.wordpress.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/option-2-for-top-image.jpg?w=768&amp;h=576 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The All-Electric House will feature a special display with a deeper look into the history of the home this summer.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Gratitude to a Community That Makes It All Possible<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">None of this work happens alone.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our volunteers offer smiling faces and warm welcomes that define the museum experience. Our boardmembers contribute their time, talent, and treasure, providing leadership that carries us forward. And our sponsors make so many things possible \u2014 Community Free Days, \u201cRipples,\u201d the Emerging Museum Professional Internship, KidScape enhancements, and more.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But most of all, we are grateful for you \u2014 our community.\u00a0<br \/>You are our reason for doing this work. Whether you visit with excited (or occasionally tearful-they-have-to-leave) children, join a tour, research a family story, or simply stop in to see what\u2019s new, we\u2019re honored that you find a place for yourself here.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">History is an ongoing, collective effort. It\u2019s the daily work of making community \u2014 together. We hope the stories you encounter at the museum inspire, empower, and embolden you as we step into 2026.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thank you for a remarkable year. We can\u2019t wait to welcome you in the next one!\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2014 Mary\u00a0McMurray<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Johnson County Museum Director Mary McMurray, Ph.D. As we close another year, I find myself reflecting on the wonderful ways this community continues to show up for its history \u2014 and how, together, we keep shaping what\u2019s ahead. At the Johnson County Museum, our mission is to preserve and share the county\u2019s stories in [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7048720,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12032],"tags":[11447,15275,6923,7082,629],"dealstore":[],"offerexpiration":[],"class_list":["post-7048719","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-american-history","tag-connection","tag-county","tag-johnson","tag-museum","tag-year"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Looking Back, Looking Forward \u2013 A Year of Connection at the Johnson County Museum - Som2ny Network<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7048719\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Looking Back, Looking Forward \u2013 A Year of Connection at the Johnson County Museum - Som2ny Network\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"By Johnson County Museum Director Mary McMurray, Ph.D. As we close another year, I find myself reflecting on the wonderful ways this community continues to show up for its history \u2014 and how, together, we keep shaping what\u2019s ahead. 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