Salina, KS — The Smoky Hill Museum will deliver a public update to the Salina City Commission on Monday at 4:00 p.m. at the City-County Building. The presentation will outline current programs, national accreditation status, visitor engagement, and long-term facility expansion planning.
According to the briefing provided to the Commission, the Smoky Hill Museum continues to operate under its mission to “connect people to universally shared stories,” using historical collections and exhibits to engage audiences of all ages. The museum is one of only 11 nationally accredited museums in Kansas, and one of approximately 1,100 accredited museums nationwide, a distinction held by roughly 3% of museums in the United States.
The museum uses a combination of exhibits, educational programming, community partnerships, and traveling shows to support engagement. Signature annual events include Kansas Days, First Thursdays, and the Smoky Hill Museum Street Fair, along with regular school tours and hands-on programming. Kansas Days alone brings in more than 1,000 third-grade students each year.
Traveling and Future Exhibits
The museum currently features The 1950s: An American Dream?, a traveling exhibition developed in-house. In March 2026, the Museum will host the nationally touring Smithsonian exhibit Americans, which examines how American Indian imagery and stories have influenced national identity. A companion exhibit on the Battle of Indian Rock will be developed locally to accompany the traveling show.
Expansion Planning
As part of its national accreditation requirements, the Museum is developing a new five-year strategic plan, which includes consideration of a facility expansion to increase programming and collections space. The museum’s current storage area is at capacity and faces flood-related risk. Proposed expansion would provide approximately 75% more storage space, as well as new education rooms, additional exhibit galleries, and flexible community-use program space.
A feasibility study funded by Smoky Hill Museum Friends found strong community support and the potential for a public–private fundraising campaign to finance expansion needs.
Meeting Information
The update will be presented during the Salina City Commission meeting:
Monday, November 10, 2025
4:00 PM
City Commission Chambers
City-County Building, 300 W. Ash St., Room 107
The meeting is open to the public.