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Advisory board plans centennial history display with Watkins History Museum
Summary
Board members discussed a partnership with Watkins History Museum to produce a storyboard and permanent display marking the airport’s centennial, and suggested community outreach and volunteer involvement for planning and fundraising.
Board members and staff discussed plans to document and celebrate the airport’s history in collaboration with the Watkins History Museum and local volunteers ahead of the facility’s centennial.
Why it matters: Creating a permanent historical display and a digital timeline can increase public awareness of the airport’s role in local history, engage volunteers and support fundraising for anniversary events.
Board members said Watkins History Museum is working with staff to develop a storyboard and a potential permanent exhibit at the airport. Staff suggested a digital timeline or online photo timeline, pointing to examples other airports have used to show historic photographs and aviation milestones.
Staff described outreach to local volunteer groups, including a recent tour for the New Generation Society and other community groups; staff said those volunteer networks could support planning and the centennial committee. The board discussed forming a planning subcommittee to begin work now because budgeting and event planning for a multi‑year centennial effort will require lead time and inclusion in future budgets.
Staff said they had received archival material and a historical notebook from a longtime volunteer and had contacted KU endowment staff to obtain original purchase agreements and other records to inform the history project. The board discussed potential fundraising opportunities tied to creating a permanent exhibit or interpretive displays.
Ending: Staff asked board members to consider a formal request to the city commission to authorize a centennial planning subcommittee and to begin budget planning in 2027 for a 2029 centennial series of events and displays.
