Museums are vaults of knowledge. I learn so much every time I go to a museum. That is why I was elated when Kristi Lee, with the Leavenworth Visitor Center, invited me to come blog about their town. I knew it had several robust museums. I am so grateful to Leavenworth for hosting me for three days. I had an incredible time. I spent one day boutique shopping. You can read that blog. One day I visited the museums. And the last day, I spent at Fort Leavenworth (blog coming soon).
My first stop of the day was the Carroll Mansion. It was constructed in 1858. Before the Civil War! Oh, I can only imagine what happenings it witnessed. I received a fascinating tour of the home, and was told about the families that resided within. During that time, Leavenworth was known as the “Queen of the West” and was exceptionally prosperous. The railroad came in 1866. Plus Leavenworth was a major port for steamboats on the Missouri River. During their Golden Age, the wealthy enjoyed many leisure entertainments, such as dancing in pavilions, croquet, sleighing, live theater, and socializing in beer gardens. Leavenworth was a haven amidst an era of pioneer deprivation.
I love seeing the styles of past generations. I commented on how clear the early photographs were that are hanging on the walls. I was informed that back then, photographers used “glass negative photography”, and that the photos now reproduce with the best of clarity. They almost looked three-dimensional.
In between museums, I stopped at Baan Thai Restaurant for lunch. I had their pineapple, vegetable dish; with my favorite – Thai Iced Tea. I just discovered this type of tea a few years ago. It is unlike any other kind of tea. It is definitely a treat.
After lunch, I went to visit the First City Museum. The structure is a akin to a metal warehouse, with the feel of an antique store.
I found a fascinating display on the “Birdman of Alcatraz”, who was actually the Birdman of Leavenworth. Robert Franklin Stroud was sentenced to the Federal Penitentiary in Leavenworth in 1916. He was diagnosed as a brutally violent psychopath, and kept in solitary confinement. In 1920, he found a nest with four injured sparrows. He tenderly nursed them back to health. The Warden wanted to help with his reform, so he allowed Stroud to create an aviary. Stroud eventually raised hundreds of canaries, and sold them. He wrote books on birds. He was even given a second cell to house all of his birds. But in 1942, he was sent to Alcatraz, and had to leave his birds behind. How interesting that he could be so gentle and caring with birds, but so ruthlessly cruel to humans.
I had time for one last museum – the Richard Allen Cultural Center and Museum. I was met at the door by William Wallace. He gave me a great tour. There are many displays and artifacts, from which to learn. Soldiers were segregated up through World War II. The African-American unit was known as the “Buffalo Soldiers”, dubbed by the Native Americans, because of their unflagging tenacity in battle. General Colin Powell personally sent the Museum four boxes of artifacts, including his 4-star uniform! Gen. Powell was once stationed at Fort Leavenworth. The Museum has a genealogist, Gloria Wallace, to help family historians. They also have archives for the public to research, which can be done with advanced notice.
I finished off my day at the Leavenworth Public Library. I couldn’t go home without local books about the town. Each bit of information I learned in the museums sent my mind on an endless trail of questions. And since only 10% of all information is available online, I wanted to read the primary accounts myself. Oh how I love and appreciate repositories and libraries for preserving all this intriguing history for us.
Come to Leavenworth Kansas and enjoy what they have to teach us. Stop by the Visitor Center first. Kristi Lee will create a custom itinerary for you. And then go enjoy the rich knowledge Leavenworth has to share.