Community Calendar

Join our growing community of writers to learn more about the craft of writing and receive feedback on your own Works-in-Progress. Call (316) 261-8500 or visit wichitalibrary.org/events to register.

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

A featured exhibit of the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum includes “A Wichita Cottage.” This exhibit authentically recreates a typical middle-class Wichita home of the late 19th century, complete with Victorian adornment and the emerging technology that would soon change domestic life and society in general. Seven individual rooms compose this environmental exhibit. Visit and pay a social call on the residents of a Wichita cottage, this 1890 Victorian house is authentically decorated throughout, from the wooden icebox on the back porch to the combination gas–and–electric ceiling light fixture hanging in the parlor.

Located on the third floor, starting during our annual Wreath Festival and going through to the New Year, the immersive Victorian Cottage exhibit has been decked out for Christmas jubilation. Visitors will get a glimpse of how people celebrated the season over 100 years ago. All that's missing is a roaring fire and a cup of hot cocoa!

November 2025 - December 2025
Tues-Fri 11am-4pm, Sat & Sun 1-5pm
Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum - 204 S Main

In the lobby of the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum, from the Wreath Festival through the New Year, visitors will find the Moore Family Santa Dolls on display. As a yearly tradition that's continued for the last 17 years, the Museum has exhibited a small selection of the Moores' collection -- which is about 150 in total -- for the public to admire. These antique Santas come in various sizes, colors, and expressions. It's hard to pick a favorite!

Santa Claus has long served as a Christmas icon. By the 20th century, Santa Claus had become so popular that many diverse toy manufacturers interpreted his likeness for a variety of uses. Most of the plush toy Santa figures featured in this exhibit date from the 1950s and 60s. Some figures are made of molded plastic, cast metal, rubber, or papier-mache and date earlier in the 20th century.

This exhibit is part of the Museum’s “Windows on Collections,” – A frequently changing exhibit of artifacts from the Museum’s growing collection. Depending upon any given theme, this exhibit ranges from the topical to the bizarre.

November - December 2025

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

Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum - 204 N Main

Starting with the Wreath Festival and lasting through to the New Year, the Museum maintains its holiday decorating tradition with garlands and ornaments strewn over the stairs and through the second floor. There, in the West Gallery, visitors will find an exhibit of miniature Christmas trees, created by Wichita artist Sylvia Jackson. With incredible detail and creativity, these trees may serve as inspiration for any Christmas enthusiast.

This private collection of hand-decorated trees has been loaned to the Museum for the holiday season by the artist herself, Sylvia Jackson. Beginning in the 1970s, with the creation of two Victorian-style trees for her sons, the collection has grown as new trees have been designed and displayed during the annual Trees of Christmas event at the First Church of the Nazarene. May the many joys of the season be yours as you share the charm of this very personal collection.

November 2025 – December 2025

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

Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum – 204 S Main

Get ready, Wichita! The much-anticipated Dinosaur Adventure is coming to Wichita. This family-friendly event features life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, interactive exhibits, and unforgettable activities that will transport you back to the Jurassic era. Perfect for kids, families, and dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages!

Step into the world of prehistoric giants at Dinosaur Adventure, a unique exhibit showcasing life-sized, realistic dinosaurs that move and roar just like the real thing! Children’s Activities: Kids can dive into fun-filled activities, including Jurassic scooters, themed obstacle courses, dinosaur rides, and more. 🦖

Bring your family and experience:
🔸LIFE-SIZE DINOSAURS that come to life with movement and roars
🔸FOSSIL DIGS where kids can uncover ancient fossils
🔸JURASSIC SCOOTERS—ride on dino-shaped scooters for extra fun
🔸GEMSTONE MINING to take home sparkling treasures
🔸BABY DINOSAUR ENCOUNTERS—pet and interact with playful dino hatchlings
🔸FACE PAINTING—transform into your favorite dinosaur
🔸GREEN SCREEN PHOTOS—choose from 3 Jurassic backgrounds to share with friends and family
🔸COLORING STATION—let creativity run wild with fun dinosaur-themed coloring activities
🔸PREHISTORIC PLAYGROUND with dinosaur themed bounce houses.

Make a game-ified tool for exploring and understanding the different types of self-care with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). Register at (316) 261-8500 or wichitalibrary.org/events.

Join a classic high fantasy Dungeons & Dragons campaign! New participants are welcome, but this campaign is designed for experienced players. For ages 13-18. Call (316) 350-3261 or visit wichitalibrary.org/events to register.

In the lobby of the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum, from the Wreath Festival through the New Year, visitors will find the Moore Family Santa Dolls on display. As a yearly tradition that's continued for the last 17 years, the Museum has exhibited a small selection of the Moores' collection -- which is about 150 in total -- for the public to admire. These antique Santas come in various sizes, colors, and expressions. It's hard to pick a favorite!

Santa Claus has long served as a Christmas icon. By the 20th century, Santa Claus had become so popular that many diverse toy manufacturers interpreted his likeness for a variety of uses. Most of the plush toy Santa figures featured in this exhibit date from the 1950s and 60s. Some figures are made of molded plastic, cast metal, rubber, or papier-mache and date earlier in the 20th century.

This exhibit is part of the Museum’s “Windows on Collections,” – A frequently changing exhibit of artifacts from the Museum’s growing collection. Depending upon any given theme, this exhibit ranges from the topical to the bizarre.

November - December 2025

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

Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum - 204 N Main

Starting with the Wreath Festival and lasting through to the New Year, the Museum maintains its holiday decorating tradition with garlands and ornaments strewn over the stairs and through the second floor. There, in the West Gallery, visitors will find an exhibit of miniature Christmas trees, created by Wichita artist Sylvia Jackson. With incredible detail and creativity, these trees may serve as inspiration for any Christmas enthusiast.

This private collection of hand-decorated trees has been loaned to the Museum for the holiday season by the artist herself, Sylvia Jackson. Beginning in the 1970s, with the creation of two Victorian-style trees for her sons, the collection has grown as new trees have been designed and displayed during the annual Trees of Christmas event at the First Church of the Nazarene. May the many joys of the season be yours as you share the charm of this very personal collection.

November 2025 – December 2025

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

Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum – 204 S Main

Get ready, Wichita! The much-anticipated Dinosaur Adventure is coming to Wichita. This family-friendly event features life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, interactive exhibits, and unforgettable activities that will transport you back to the Jurassic era. Perfect for kids, families, and dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages!

Step into the world of prehistoric giants at Dinosaur Adventure, a unique exhibit showcasing life-sized, realistic dinosaurs that move and roar just like the real thing! Children’s Activities: Kids can dive into fun-filled activities, including Jurassic scooters, themed obstacle courses, dinosaur rides, and more. 🦖

Bring your family and experience:
🔸LIFE-SIZE DINOSAURS that come to life with movement and roars
🔸FOSSIL DIGS where kids can uncover ancient fossils
🔸JURASSIC SCOOTERS—ride on dino-shaped scooters for extra fun
🔸GEMSTONE MINING to take home sparkling treasures
🔸BABY DINOSAUR ENCOUNTERS—pet and interact with playful dino hatchlings
🔸FACE PAINTING—transform into your favorite dinosaur
🔸GREEN SCREEN PHOTOS—choose from 3 Jurassic backgrounds to share with friends and family
🔸COLORING STATION—let creativity run wild with fun dinosaur-themed coloring activities
🔸PREHISTORIC PLAYGROUND with dinosaur themed bounce houses.

Monthly meeting to discuss upcoming programming, volunteer opportunities, collection suggestions, & more. Snacks provided! Contact Teen Librarian Lexi (aternes@wichita.gov) for additional info.

Learn the basics of 3D printing at the Wichita Public Library, and the best practices for optimizing prints for the library's Prusa printers. Call (316) 261-8500 or visit wichitalibrary.org/events to register.

Calling all teens! Come join our monthly book club where we'll chat about our current reads, explore different genres, and participate in fun activities together. Registration is required; visit the Teen Pavilion at the ALL to register or pick up books.