The History Behind the Name
In testimony to the Kansas Legislature, Shawnee Tribe Chief Ben Barnes described his people's arrival in Kansas in 1828 and their headquarters in present-day Shawnee. He also described later land loss and relocation. This tribal account places the later town's history within an older Shawnee story. Shawnee Tribe testimony.
Shawneetown incorporated in 1856. The settlement was also known as Gum Springs and served as an early Johnson County seat. The city later reincorporated as Shawnee in 1922. These dates describe different stages of the community's development. Source: city historical timeline.
Choose How to Explore
Shawnee Town 1929
This living-history museum portrays a typical Kansas farm town in 1929. The date names the period shown by the museum, rather than the year Shawnee began. Historic buildings, interpretation and hands-on programs explain the relationship between farm families and the town that served them. Sources: museum purpose and programs.
The regular museum season runs from March through October. Choose it for an outdoor history visit with scheduled programming, and check admission and hours before going. Source: plan your museum visit.
Guided museum tours are available for groups of 15 or more and require at least four weeks' notice. Guided tours are included with general admission; large self-guided groups should also notify staff. The museum's app provides another way to explore original and recreated structures. Shawnee Town group requirements and museum app information.
Downtown History Walk
The city's downtown walking-tour guide provides a separate way to explore surviving places and earlier town development. Choose a self-guided walk for flexible timing, or the museum for interpretation of one specific period. Source: city downtown walking tour.
Events Beyond One Season
Spring: The city's Spring Showers Craft Fair offers a seasonal gathering at the Civic Centre. Summer: Movies in the Park provides free films and popcorn on scheduled dates. Both have programs separate from museum visits. Source: Shawnee special events.
Old Shawnee Days is an annual summer festival on the Shawnee Town 1929 grounds. Festival admission is free, but carnival rides require separate payment. Choose by the entertainment you want, then check the program and ride costs. Sources: festival organizer and carnival tickets.
Fall: Holiday Treasures Craft Festival adds another craft-shopping event. Check its date rather than assuming its name places it in winter. City event guide.
Holiday season: Christkindl at Moonlight Market and the Mayor's Tree Lighting bring seasonal shopping and community activities downtown. Confirm the next program's date and location. City's Moonlight Market program background.
