Community Calendar

Start your cooking journey here with sweet treats as we learn about recipes, ingredients, and basic food safety. For ages 12+.

This monthly flea market is operated by a local Wichita family with around 200 local and regional vendor booths with items that include antiques, crafts, vintage items, collectibles, primitives, reclaimed items, comics, artwork, jewelry, toys, and so much more. What treasures will you find?

Wichitans desired to be modern since the City’s beginning in 1870. The Modern era had been evolving for a century at that time and it would take another 100 years before Wichita achieved a “modern” look. World War II (1939-1945) greatly disrupted development in design.

Over the next two decades, postwar prosperity propelled design of the modern era to its zenith. By that time, Wichita’s modernization was most apparent in its new urban 1969 skyline, which remains in place today.

In the 1950s and 1960s, modern design from architecture to fashions and furnishings became familiar as people followed popular trends replacing old with new. Visual art and advertising led the way for the modern look - which by the 1960s, people referred to as “Mod.” This new look coincided with changes as society became more pluralistic and increasingly aware of its diversity. The post-war baby boom gave rise to a prominent youth culture creating new markets. New technology improving the ability to travel and share information led to wide acceptance of modern style.

This modern sensibility cast a popular and unifying mindset. This era featured non-representational abstract design to create engaging effects rather than portray objects or scenes. The effects were both dazzling and confusing, challenging everyone’s perception of reality. Our visual world was forever changed.

(This exhibition follows (and is directly patterned after) the Museum’s previous exhibit Art Deco on the Plains. It takes the timeline forward to explore modern design experienced locally in the 1950s and 1960s. The exhibition is a feature of the Lois Kay Walls Local Visual Art History Series.)

On view through 2025 in the Slawson Gallery, 4th floor.

Tues-Fri 11am-4pm, Sat & Sun 1-5pm

Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum - 204 S Main

The urge to create or possess a visual representation of a specific person – a portrait – is present throughout history. Portraits are created for many reasons: from sentimental to celebratory, for public or private viewing, as memorials, and as icons. .

Until the introduction of photography in the 1840s, portraits were rendered by artists in both two and three-dimensional mediums such as paintings and sculptures.

The Museum’s collection includes a variety of portraits, most of which depict local people. In this exhibition, we learn of portraiture and the people portrayed.

On view during regular Museum hours

March 2025 - March 2026

Tues-Fri 11am-4pm, Sat & Sun 1-5pm

Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum - 204 S Main

Located in the Musem's Lois Kay Walls Gallery - 3rd Floor

Step into a world where science, art, and music converge in What Music Is, a transformative concert-theatre experience that explores the profound role music plays in our lives and the universe. Created by composer Bill Barclay, this immersive, family-friendly performance features a full orchestra, captivating spoken narrative, and stunning animations that bring to life the universal language of music.

Through a compelling 80-minute journey, What Music Is delves into the intricate connection between sound and the cosmos, from the harmonious vibrations of the Big Bang to the patterns found in biology and the orbits of planets. The production takes audiences on an exploration of the harmonic series, showcasing how music is woven into the very fabric of the universe and deeply embedded in our well-being.

With projections by animator Shawn Feeney and narration grounded in cutting-edge scientific research, this production reveals music’s extraordinary ability to resonate with the human brain. Whether you're a lifelong music lover or a newcomer to the art form, What Music Is invites you to experience music in a completely new light — as a living force that connects us all.

JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR

All Ages/ All Seating is Reserved
Concessions and full bars open!

Experience the magic of Joanne Shaw Taylor and her incredible band as they deliver a powerhouse performance featuring songs from her latest album, Heavy Soul, and upcoming release, Black & Gold out on June 6, 2025.
Renowned for her electrifying guitar performances and soulful songwriting, Joanne’s vocals shine as she blends blues, rock, soul, and pop. The show also includes standout tracks from earlier albums and heartfelt tributes to classic blues legends.
As one of today’s most dynamic performers, Joanne Shaw Taylor promises an unforgettable night of music.

Children ages 2 and under will develop a love of learning as they sing, dance, and enjoy simple stories. Caregivers will learn tips to encourage their child's early learning development. Please note, this program will not be held on 11/11.

The urge to create or possess a visual representation of a specific person – a portrait – is present throughout history. Portraits are created for many reasons: from sentimental to celebratory, for public or private viewing, as memorials, and as icons. .

Until the introduction of photography in the 1840s, portraits were rendered by artists in both two and three-dimensional mediums such as paintings and sculptures.

The Museum’s collection includes a variety of portraits, most of which depict local people. In this exhibition, we learn of portraiture and the people portrayed.

On view during regular Museum hours

March 2025 - March 2026

Tues-Fri 11am-4pm, Sat & Sun 1-5pm

Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum - 204 S Main

Located in the Musem's Lois Kay Walls Gallery - 3rd Floor

Children will develop literacy skills through active listening, singing, movement, and sharing a love of stories in a group setting. Please note, this program will not be held on 11/11. For ages 0-6.

ShowerUp: Mobile Showers And Personal Care ShowerUp serves those experiencing homelessness and anyone in need by providing mobile showers, hygiene resources, and personal care. It’s our goal to Shower Grace, Hope, and Love with everyone.

Children ages 3-6 will develop literacy skills through active listening, singing, movement, and sharing a love of stories in a group setting.

The urge to create or possess a visual representation of a specific person – a portrait – is present throughout history. Portraits are created for many reasons: from sentimental to celebratory, for public or private viewing, as memorials, and as icons. .

Until the introduction of photography in the 1840s, portraits were rendered by artists in both two and three-dimensional mediums such as paintings and sculptures.

The Museum’s collection includes a variety of portraits, most of which depict local people. In this exhibition, we learn of portraiture and the people portrayed.

On view during regular Museum hours

March 2025 - March 2026

Tues-Fri 11am-4pm, Sat & Sun 1-5pm

Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum - 204 S Main

Located in the Musem's Lois Kay Walls Gallery - 3rd Floor

WPL is partnering with NexStep Alliance to offer tech help every other Wednesday. Come visit for assistance with digital skills. Topics will be: 6/4 - How to Use Your PC, 6/18 - Microsoft Excel, 7/2 - Android/iOS Tutorials, 7/16 - Microsoft Word, 7/30 - AI Usage, 8/13 - Cyber Security and Social Media Safety, 8/27 - Open Forum. Register online at wichitalibrary.org/events or call (316) 337-9125.

Join us for stories and songs before bedtime. Don't forget to dress in your jammies and bring along your favorite stuffed toy for snuggles and fun! For children ages 3-8 and their families.