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Be a part of history as we help to preserve and interpret
Historic Fort Hays, Kansas!.
The Society of Friends of Historic Fort Hays was organized in
1988 with the main purpose of assisting the Kansas Historical Society with the various projects and activities at Fort Hays.
We have helped renovate one of the Junior Officers' Quarters,
reconstructed the hospital well house and helped install new roofs
on the Officers' Quarters, Blockhouse and Guardhouse. The most
recent project was the construction and raising of an 85-foot
reproduction of the parade ground flagpole and equipping it with
37-star flags to represent the flags flown over Fort Hays when
it was established on this site in 1867. Society of Friends funding
has also expanded the research library by over 200 volumes and
added uniforms, leather gear, firearms, tents, and cooking equipment
to the living history program.
Education is a high priority at Fort Hays and the Society of
Friends has helped bring quality programs and activities to the
museum including Steve Alexander, the foremost Custer living historian
in the nation, and Kirk Shapland, an award-winning Buffalo Bill
interpreter. Authors William Chalfant (Cheyennes
and Horse Soldiers), Thomas Goodrich (Scalp
Dance), Arlene Feldmann Jauken (The
Moccasin Speaks), and Eugene Fleharty (Wild
Animals and Settlers on the Plains) have all presented
programs at Fort Hays thanks to the support of the Society of
Friends. Our organization is a vital part of the "Young Troopers Camp"
for children, "Historic Fort Hays Days" and "Christmas
Past."
Current projects the Society of Friends of Historic Fort Hays
is involved in, include reproducing another well house (this one
behind the officers' quarters), constructing an outhouse, and
installing an interactive exhibit panel in the Blockhouse.
It is an exciting time at Fort Hays and The Society of Friends of Historic
Fort Hays is a dynamic and vital part. Join us and be a part of preserving
the history of Fort Hays, Kansas.
To contact us:
Phone 785-625-6812
Fax 785-625-4785
Email thefort@ruraltel.net
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