The Story-Teller’s CAMPAIGN Lyon County Historical Society A New Home for the Lyon County Museum & Research Center Planning Our History’s Future In 2006 the Lyon County Historical Society began evaluating the future of its museum and research center operations. Since 1979 the Society’s museum and has been housed at 118 E. 6th Street. By 1996 it was already too small to house exhibits, archives and collections. A facility across the street was acquired and the research center was moved to the new location. In the years that followed a lack of space require the Society to rent storage for its larger artifacts. Maintaining two separate facilities has created complications and inefficiencies ranging from access to collections to delivery of programs and activities to marketing efforts. Understanding these and other challenges facing the organization, the Board of Directors and staff began the work of planning the Historical Society’s future. Challenges & Opportunities Create Strategic Vision When renovated the new home of the Historical Society’s museum and research center will solve significant, existing challenges; and provide new and valuable educational, civic and entertainment opportunities. The new History Center achieves seven strategic goals:  Greatly enhances opportunities for youth engagement with the creation of THE KIDS ZONE, a hands-on, participatory exhibit specifically designed for young minds.  Quadruples the available space for exhibitions, K-12 curriculum-based tours, workshops and seminars, providing extensive new educational opportunities.  Improves access for seniors and the handicapped solving ADA related issues to the current museum facility.  Preserves and significantly extends the life of artifacts which are currently subject to moisture, temperature variations and other damage.  Provides five times more parking during business hours and special events.  Consolidates the Society’s current three locations into one; making operations and funding more efficient and effective.  Increases the visibility of the museum and builds on new projects and energy in the upper blocks of downtown Emporia. Did You Know? Tours of the future Lyon County History Center are available for anyone wishing to see the new location. Staff of the Historical Society are eager to share the story and vision of the Center and can accommodate one-on-one tours or groups of any size. Call Greg Jordan at 340-6312 or e-mail him at [email protected] to set up a tour. Find Us Lyon County Historical Society  Lyon County History Center 118 East 6th Ave.  Emporia, Kansas 66801 Phone: 620-340-6310  E-Mail: [email protected] Online: Lyoncountyhistoricalsociety.org 