Dear friends,
Several notable museums across the United States have closed permanently or faced major funding-related closures since 2024 due to severe financial pressures, budget crises, and rising operational costs. Just recently the announcement came that the Sternberg Museum at Hays will be closing at the end of the year unless supporters are able to raise enough money to keep the doors open. This is a fate that the Kearny County Historical Society is working hard to avoid, but just last year I warned of possible budget cuts. Now, I must announce that our fears have come true. The KCHS will not be receiving an appropriation from the county for the 2027 fiscal year. This means the museum will be operating solely on our reserve funds, donations, and (maybe with a little luck) some grant money. We can cover our costs for 2027; however, beyond that is uncertain. We are not the only county entity facing a budget cut, and when asked what will happen to the museum if all our reserves are spent, we were told by commissioners that they would like to see the museum remain open but can make no promises in regards to funding.
As we try to navigate this new reality, the historical society is looking for ways to cut costs and raise money. While it is too soon to know exactly what steps we will take, we do know that some services may no longer be free including our Annual Meeting and Dinner.
We will also be having fundraisers. On Tuesday, October 20th, Night at the Museum returns for the fourth time, and we are making it even bigger and better this year! This event will be a family-friendly fundraiser for the Museum, and it is being made possible through these partners: Lakin Recreation Commission, Kearny County Sheriff’s Dept., Golden Plains Credit Union, Kearny County Bank, Lakin Fire Dept., LHS Forensics team, Roots & Branches Genealogy, Lakin Community Empowerment Group, Bloom and Brush, and community volunteers and donors. We are so grateful for their willingness to help us out! We are, however, still looking for someone who would be willing to let us borrow five or six small hay bales to use as outdoor seating/décor. Preferably, the donor would be willing to drop them off the day of the event and pick them up the next day.
Check out the ad on this website and mark your calendar! Even if you can’t participate in this fundraiser, we do want you to know that we sincerely appreciate all the support we have received. I assure you that the Kearny County Historical Society’s main focus is to keep the Kearny County Museum open for future generations and continue caring for the artifacts that have been entrusted to us.
Sincerely,
Julie Grubbs McCombs, Director
Kearny County Museum