By: Ryan Duey
Photo Courtesy of GCHS
The Geary County Historical Society and Museum (GCHS) invites the public to a special Kansas Day celebration on Saturday, January 31st, from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. with ‘A History Experience: An American Birthday.”
This family-friendly event will explore birthday celebrations of the past, dating back to the birth of America. Kim Neptune, Director of Programs and Education, said they will have three time period stations to explore.
“Our structure is a little unique for our events. We’ll have three stations set up.”
“One looking at the 1770s to help celebrate the start of the 250th anniversary year.”
“One looking at the 1860s, because, of course, this is for Kansas Day.”
“Then, we’ll have one looking at the 1970s, which is the anniversary of our museum’s founding. So those are our three time periods.”
Attendees will also be able to sample birthday cakes, enjoy different crafts and activities, learn from living historians, and more. Neptune said birthday celebrations have changed quite a bit throughout history.
“From the 1970s, I think from then until now, birthdays really haven’t changed too much. You know, games, cake, lots of fun, big events.”
“Which is a little different from, say, an 1860s birthday, which would have been very simple, very small. They probably would have had some kind of cake, but it wasn’t a big celebration like it is today.”
“Going back even further to the 1770s, birthdays weren’t really celebrated at all.”
One fun fact Neptune mentioned was that even though birthday celebrations in the late 1700s weren’t what we know, they did take time to celebrate George Washington’s birthday, due to who he was.
No RSVP is needed for this event; guests are free to come and go as they please. While at the museum, attendees can also learn about upcoming events and programs for 2026 as they celebrate America 250.
