Image courtesy Smoky Hill Museum

The Smoky Hill Museum in downtown Salina is offering visitors a fresh look at local history through newly rotated artifacts in its main gallery. The gallery features four themed areas—”Settling the Crossroads,” “Milling at the Crossroads,” “The Good Life,” and “A Military Presence.” While the historical themes remain the same, most artifacts are swapped out every 12 to 18 months to highlight different pieces from the museum’s extensive collection.

Current highlights include a section of a log cabin from the Saline River (c.1855–1930), an otter-skin glove, 1970s kitchenware, WWII military items, a Lassie coloring book, and a Sony Walkman.

Visitors can also explore the new exhibit “Kansas: Battleground for Freedom,” which examines the state’s turbulent role in the events leading to the Civil War.

Admission is free. The museum is open Tuesday–Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.