Appropriations panel approves $905,000 to finish Kansas Museum of History exhibit walls after heated debate

The House Committee on Appropriations voted to approve a $905,000 state general fund payment to complete interior exhibit walls at the Kansas Museum of History, a move supporters said is needed to finish exhibit construction and critics questioned procurement and oversight.

The vote came during review of the Kansas State Historical Society budget for fiscal 2025-2027. Committee members also debated related items including staffing and a previously approved $300,000 proviso for purchase of the Curtis House and a proposed transfer of a Capitol elevator attendant position to the historical society.

The museum wall project was presented to the committee as a previously unbudgeted need that, according to testimony, was not included in initial project costs and subsequently triggered life-safety upgrades. Chairman Howe, presenting the agency’s request, said the society identified the gallery exhibit walls, the ramp and supporting engineering work as outside the original contract and…