Category Archives: Fort Scott National Historic Site

Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site, History

Candlelight Tour Is Sold Out

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The post hospital is lit up durng the 2021 tour. NPS Photo: Carl Brenner

The Fort Scott National Historic Site 41st Annual Candlelight Tour is completely sold out.

The tour is Dec. 2nd and 3rd.

“This year… we are commemorating several important milestones of our nation’s history,” Carl Brenner, FSNHS Program Manager for Interpretation and Resource Management,  said. “Each milestone highlights a different portion of the Fort’s history as well.”

NPS: Photo credit-Carl Brenner

Tickets went on sale on November 1 and sold out on November 27.

Fort Scott High School drama students and other volunteers will portray different scenes, vignettes, during the evening in which ticket purchasers will stroll the promenade on the grounds of the fort.

The vignettes, in order, are:

  1. The Bicentennial of the Santa Fe Trail which is set in 1843.  The army is preparing to go out on campaign along the trail. In this vignette: Luke Leighsing (Santa Fe Trader), Josh Sherwood (Lieutenant), Tracy Dancer (Sergeant), Frankie Ruggerro (Corporal), Jericho Jones (Private).
  2. 175th Anniversary of the Mexican American War, which is set in 1847, celebrates the safe return of soldiers  from the war. In this vignette: Kiara Thompson (Mrs. Curtis), Sylvia Stapleton (Miss Jones), Emma Guns (Mrs. Simpson), Cooper George (Corporal Clark), Austin Stapleton (Private Smith), Matt Wells (Musician).
  3. 165th year of Bleeding Kansas, which is set in 1857, actors  prepare for the Grand Ball celebrating the opening of the Fort Scott Hotel. In this vignette: Diane Bernheimer (Elizabeth Wilson), Jan Elder (Eliza Campbell), Wayne Young (Mr. Wilson).
  4. 160th year of Civil War Ladies Union Aid Society-Emancipation Proclamation, which is set in 1862, where the women are comforting the solders. In this vignette: Dee Young (Mrs. Weatherwax), Cassie Edson (Mrs. Mary Martin), Emily Endicott (Mrs. Laura Phillips – head of the Christmas committee), Regen Wells (Miss Sarah– Christmas committee member), Karen Primeaux (Mrs. Smith), Ronda Hassig (Mrs. Redfield)
  5. 150th year  of Post of Southeast Kansas,1872, the scene is  a railroad agent in  a squabble with landowners: Casey Gomez (Walter ), Katie Wells (Elizabeth), Ivy Bailey (Charlie), Steve Powell (John)

 

Additional High School drama students helping in other areas are: Ayla Roberts, Tobi Larrabee, Mykeel Lewis, Tuesday Glessner, Alexis Tourtillot, Lily Brown, and Chris Newman.

 

Fort Scott National Historic Site is located at 1 Old Fort Blvd. Fort Scott, Kansas 66701. To find out more, or become involved, please call  620-223-0310 or email  [email protected]. Other activities, events, and a more in-depth history may be found at www.nps.gov/fosc.

 

NPS: Photo Credit: Carl Brenner.

 

 

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Jaworski Assumes Leadership of Fort Scott National Historic Site

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Jill Jaworski. Submitted photo.

Jill Jaworski, selected as the new superintendent of Fort Scott National Historic Site, has moved to Fort Scott this month.

Her college education gave her a lead into the National Park Service.

Jarworski earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education with emphasis on Outdoor Education and Recreation from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

“My original position (with NPS) was at Jewel Cave National Monument working as an Interpretive Park Ranger/Cave Guide for an internship for college,” she said.  “That led to a seasonal position at the same park the following summer after I graduated college.”

She worked for two seasons at Jewel Cave National Monument and as a General Park Ranger at Mount Rainier National Park. 
“Then September 11th occurred, and I transitioned to a career as a Law Enforcement Park Ranger for the next 21 ½ years before accepting the Superintendent position at Fort Scott National Historic Site,” she said.
At Fort Scott, Jaworski is returning to her mid-western roots.
“I was born in a very small, rural town in Nebraska and raised in Omaha where my parents and two of my siblings still live,” she said.  “I also have a sister and her family who reside in Leawood, KS.  The majority of my ancestors who immigrated to the U.S. in the 1800s were farmers in Nebraska, Missouri, Iowa, and Ohio.”
Extensive Experience

Jaworski has over 20 years of experience in NPS assignments including interpretation, emergency services, and law enforcement, according to a NPS press release.

Prior to Fort Scott, Jarworski served as the acting superintendent at Appomattox Court House National Military Park and Booker T. Washington National Monument.

As Chief Park Ranger, she has extensive experience in managing special park uses, events, permitting, and emergency response. At Cape Lookout National Seashore, she has served as a park ranger at Cumberland Island National Seashore, Castillo De San Marcos National Monument/Fort Matanzas National Monument, Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, White Sands National Monument, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Curecanti National Recreation Area, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and Mount Rainier National Park.

Jaworski’s background in complex park operations including cultural resource management and resource protection and her strong collaboration and team building skills will be an asset to Fort Scott, according to a press release from NPS.

 In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, camping, traveling, walking her dog, researching genealogy, and playing pickleball and tennis.  

Carl Brenner  remains the Supervisory Park Ranger for Interpretation and Resources, after serving as interim superintendent.

Fort Scott National Historic Site.

 

 

 

 
Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site, Gordon Parks Museum

Gordon Parks Museum resumes regular operating hours

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The Gordon Parks Museum at Fort Scott Community College returns to full public accessibility this week upon the completion of repairs to its air-conditioning unit; executive director Kirk Sharp has announced.

The museum, devoted to Fort Scott native Parks, an esteemed photographer, writer, composer and filmmaker, remains open until Dec. 15 when the campus closes for Christmas break. The museum, now with all collections back on display, reopens Jan. 5.

Sharp cited “supply-chain issues” as the cause for the delayed repairs.

“We want to thank everyone for their support and patience,” he said. “We had a difficult time dealing with supply-chain issues that delayed the arrival of the part (air compressor) we needed.”

To schedule a visit or tour call (620) 223-2700, ext. 5850, or email [email protected]

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Fort Scott National Historic Site

Friends of the Fort Receives Grant for Sharing Stories

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Friends of the Fort Scott National Historic Site Announces Grant

from the Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area

 

The Friends of the Fort Scott National Historic Site, Inc. have received a discussion grant for $2,500 from the Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area.  The grant will fund the project “Sharing Stories.” The monies will pay for a community read of four books about Native Americans and author visits from Congresswoman Sharice Davids, David Grann, Steve Sheinkin, and Angeline Boulley. These community reads are just a few of the upcoming  activities building up to the Wahzhazhe Osage Ballet.

Next July, 2023, the Friends of the Fort and the Fort Scott National Historic Site will bring the Wahzhazhe Ballet to perform in Fort Scott!

 

Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area (FFNHA) tells the stories and builds awareness of our region’s past, present, and future: the Kansas-Missouri border war, the Civil War, the settlement of the western frontier and rural America, and the enduring struggle for freedom. FFNHA supports and promotes approximately 323 willing partners, including historic sites, museums, historical societies, libraries, and other cultural-heritage tourism destinations in 41 counties across the Kansas-Missouri border.

The Friends of the Fort Scott National Historic Site, Inc. was formed in 2009 to work in cooperation with Fort Scott National Historic Site. Members primary purpose is to support, advocate, and promote the importance of the Fort and its history through education, fundraising, volunteerism, and preservation.

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site

FS National Historic Site Candlelight Tour Tickets Next Tuesday

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Be an Active Part of History this Holiday Season

 

Fort Scott Kan. – Tuesday, November 1, 2022, tickets for Fort Scott National Historic Site’s 41st Annual Candlelight Tour go on sale. Tickets are available by calling the fort at 620-223-0310 (with a major credit card) or by stopping by the Visitor Center on Old Fort Blvd. Tickets are $8.00 per person and non-refundable, children 5 and under are free. It is recommended that you get your tickets early to ensure your choice of tour times, as this event frequently sells out.

 

The 41st Annual Candlelight Tour is December 2 and 3, 2022. Tours on December 2 will begin at 6:30 pm and leave every 15 minutes until 9 pm. On Saturday, December 3, the tours will start at 5 pm with the final tour leaving at 9 pm. Please arrive 10 minutes early to allow time to park, present/pick up your ticket, and get oriented. Participants are advised to please dress for the weather and conditions, as the entire tour will be outside and on sidewalks.

 

1,000 candle lanterns illuminate the site and reenactors (including you) bring the fort to life. “This year’s tour is about Milestones of Time.” said Carl Brenner, Acting Superintendent, Fort Scott National Historic Site. “It will commemorate several important milestones of our nation’s history from the bicentennial (200th anniversary) of the Santa Fe Trail to the sesquicentennial (150th anniversary) of the railroad era.” Each of these milestones led to the further growth and development of the nation. As the nation grew, it expanded westward.  Rapid expansion and development created many opportunities for Americans moving westward, but to the detriment of others. Discover how each of the milestones depicted in this year’s tour dramatically altered the landscape of 19th century America.

 

From November 1-March 31, Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, will be open for its winter hours of operation.  The site exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8:30 am-4:30 pm. The park grounds are open daily from ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset. For more information about Fort Scott National Historic Site programs or become involved in the candlelight tour, or other activities, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

 

 

 

NPS Photo: C. Brenner

Bourbon County, Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site, History

Discovering Fort Scott’s Little Known Stories

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Photo of George Washington Carver as a teenager. Credit Photo as: NPS Photo

Exploring the African American Experience

 

Fort Scott Kan. – The public is invited to the Exploring the African American Experience Project videography discussion on Friday, October 7, at the Ellis Fine Arts Center theater on the Fort Scott Community College campus at 9 a.m.

There will be discussions about video and movie making, how to find inspiration, and some insight of technical aspects. Featured panelists include David Parks, photographer, filmmaker, author, and son of Gordon Parks; Robin Hickman-Winfield, Executive Producer of SoulTouch Productions and great-niece of Gordon Parks; and Eli Reed, award-winning photographer, photojournalist, and author.

 

The stories of Gordon Parks and George Washington Carver highlight the struggles and ability to overcome adversity. The Exploring the African American Experience Project engages local high school and Fort Scott Community College students to research the little known and under told stories of other progressive African Americans and leaders from the Fort Scott area. Students will create audio recordings or videos to share these stories in their ‘voices’ through social media and short films hosted by the National Park Service, Gordon Parks Museum, and their schools. Exhibits will be developed from their work. This ongoing project is designed to expand beyond Fort Scott students.

 

From April 1-October 31, Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, will be open for its summer hours of operation.  The site exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

 

-NPS-

Fort Scott National Historic Site, Government

Special Naturalization Ceremony in Fort Scott, Kansas

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Photo credit: NPS Naturatization Ceremony, 2019.

Fort Scott Kan. – The United States District Court for the District of Kansas will hold a special naturalization ceremony at the Fort Scott National Historic Site in Fort Scott, Kansas on Friday, September 23, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. The Honorable Teresa J. James, United States Magistrate Judge for the District of Kansas, will preside over the ceremony on the historic grounds of the Fort. The ceremony features musical performances from the Fort Scott High School orchestra and choir, and an address from Mark McCoy, former city manager for the City of Fort Scott.

 

Approximately 120 applicants will be naturalized at the ceremony, which is open to the public. There will be seating for the applicants, but other seating will be limited. Friends, family, and guests are highly encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets for seating. In case of rain or other inclement weather, the ceremony will be held at Fort Scott Memorial Hall.

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Jill Jaworski selected as superintendent of Fort Scott National Historic Site 

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OMAHA, Neb. —  Today National Park Service (NPS) Regional Director Bert Frost announced the selection of Jill Jaworski as the new superintendent of Fort Scott National Historic Site in Kansas. Jaworski currently serves as the Chief Park Ranger at Cape Lookout National Seashore in Harkers Island, North Carolina. She will assume her new role at Fort Scott in November.  

 

“I am excited to announce Jill Jaworski as the new superintendent of Fort Scott National Historic Site,” said Frost. “Her background in complex park operations including cultural resource management and resource protection will serve Fort Scott well into the future. Her strong collaboration and teambuilding skills will be great assets to the community and staff.” 

 

Jaworski has over 20 years of experience in NPS assignments including interpretation, emergency services, and law enforcement. As Chief Park Ranger, she has extensive experience in managing special park uses, events, permitting, and emergency response. In addition to Cape Lookout National Seashore, she has served as a park ranger at Cumberland Island National Seashore, Castillo De San Marcos National Monument/Fort Matanzas National Monument, Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, White Sands National Monument, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Curecanti National Recreation Area, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and Mount Rainier National Park. She is currently serving as the acting superintendent at Appomattox Court House National Military Park and Booker T. Washington National Monument. 

 

“I am honored to be selected as the next superintendent of this historic park and to work alongside the dedicated staff of Fort Scott,” Jaworski said of her new assignment. “I am eager to return to my Midwestern roots and work with the community, Tribes, and park partners in telling the unique stories that make this site special. I am excited by the opportunities to preserve the incredible resources here while serving the visitors who come to this amazing place.” 

 

Jaworski will be relocating to the area this fall and is looking forward to living in Kansas and closer to her family. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, camping, traveling, walking her dog, researching genealogy, and playing pickleball and tennis.  

Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site

Join Friends Advocating for the Fort Scott National Historic Site

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Volunteers post a flag at a Fly the Flag subscriber’s business. Submitted photo.

A local group of Fort Scottians work together to help the Fort Scott National Historic Site personnel tell the story of the its’ history.

The Friends of the Fort Scott National Historic Site, INC was formed in 2009 to work in cooperation with Fort Scott National Historic Site, according to a press release.

Members primary purpose is to support, advocate, and promote the importance of the Fort and its history through education, fundraising, volunteerism, and preservation.

The  group is having its annual meeting on Monday, September 12, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. in the basement of the Presbyterian Church at 3rd and Crawford Street, south entrance.

This event is free and open to the public.

“Anyone that would like to help the Friends of FSNHS with our mission to support Fort Scott National Historic Site is welcome to join,” said Friends of the Fort spokesperson Kelley Collins, herself a former park ranger for 23 years at the site.

 

“The community and all members of the Friends are encouraged to attend,” said President Reed Hartford said. “We will elect new officers, begin planning for next year’s activities, and enjoy a program presented by a ranger from Fort Scott NHS.”

The current leadership is Hartford, president; Matthew Wells, vice-president; Ronda Hassig, secretary and Marlene Braker, treasurer.
There are monthly board meetings, an annual meeting, and gatherings for various projects and fundraisers throughout the year.

What are those projects?

“We help the Fort with various events like the U. S. Naturalization Ceremony, Candlelight Tour, and 4th of July ( activities that are held at the fort),” Collins said.
Reed Hartford and Marlene Braker serve ice cream  during an event at the site. Submitted photo.
“Our major fundraiser is the Fly the Flag project where we post an American flag outside subscribers homes and businesses on five flag holidays throughout the year,” she said.
Another community offering is in the works by the group.

“We are currently working with the National Park Service to bring a performance of Wahzhazhe: The story of the Osage people in dance and music to Fort Scott in July 2023,” Collins said.

  There are various membership levels for the organization ranging from $35 to $1,000. 
“Memberships help our organization support and promote Fort Scott National Historic Site in ways that the National Park Service cannot,” she said.
The organization lost two long-time members, Martha and Jim Scott, recently. Martha died and Jim moved away.
“Martha served as secretary for the organization since its inception and was a driving force in its establishment and success,” Collins said.
Entertainment, Fort Scott National Historic Site, History

Labors and Leisure on the Frontier: Ft. Scott National Historic Site Sept. 3-5

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The bike rack at Fort Scott National Historic Site.

Labors and Leisure on the Frontier

 

Labor Day Weekend at Fort Scott

 

Fort Scott Kan. – Saturday, September 3 through Monday, September 5, 2022, Fort Scott National Historic Site will take you on an exploration of the labors and leisure on an 1840s frontier post. Labor Day weekend activities include artillery demonstrations, 1840s baseball, candle making, breadmaking, construction skill demonstrations, historic yard games, and a variety of interpretive programs. Visit with soldiers, and an officer and his wife and find out about the labors of the fort and the  leisure activities. All programs are free and open to the public.

 

Saturday, September 3, 2022

 

10:00 am – Guided Tour

11:00 am – Artillery Demonstration

Noon – Beam Me Up: Historic Construction Demonstration

1:00  pm – Guided  Tour

2:00 pm – Artillery Demonstration

3:00 pm – Saws and Scalpels: Frontier Medical Program

 

Sunday, September 4, 2022

 

10:00 am – Guided Tour

11:00 am – Artillery Demonstration

Noon – Hitting Home:  Baseball on the Frontier

1:00  pm – Guided  Tour

2:00 pm – Artillery Demonstration

3:00 pm – Let the Games Begin:  Historic Games Program

 

Monday, September 5, 2022

 

10:00 am – Guided Tour

11:00 am – Artillery Demonstration

Noon – Small Arms Drill (Children’s’ Program)

1:00  pm – From the Crack Post of the Frontier, Construction Tour of Fort Scott

2:00 pm – Artillery Demonstration

3:00 pm – Beam Me Up:  Historic Construction Demonstration

 

 

From April 1-October 31, Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, is open for its summer hours of operation.  The site exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. The park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site

How to Properly Dispose of Worn-Out U.S. Flags

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Bring them to Fort Scott NHS and Find Out!

 

Fort Scott Kan. – Saturday, July 23, 2022, at 9:30 am, Fort Scott National Historic Site, American Legion Post 25, and Fort Scott Fire Department will be hosting an official US Flag Disposal Ceremony. Bring your: United States, POW/MIA, State, and Service (U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard) flags to the fort between now and 9:30 am Saturday and we will properly and respectfully dispose of them. Just as there’s etiquette for displaying Old Glory, there’s also etiquette for disposing of flags in a dignified manner.

 

“4 U.S. Code § 8k (Respect for flag) states that ‘The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.’” said Carl Brenner, Acting Superintendent, Fort Scott National Historic Site. “As with celebrating this country’s newest citizens at our Naturalization Ceremony and honoring those we have lost through the ‘Field of Honor’ during Symbols of Sacrifice, we are proud to be a part in honoring this country’s flag by hosting this ceremony.”

 

From April 1-October 31, Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, will be open for its summer hours of operation.  The site exhibit areas and visitor center are open daily from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Park grounds are open daily from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset. To find out more or become involved in activities at the Fort, please contact the park at 620-223-0310 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/fosc.

 

-NPS-

 

Credit Photo as: NPS Photo

Entertainment, Fort Scott National Historic Site, History

Independence Day Celebrations at the Fort

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Join Fort Scott NHS for the Sights and Sounds of American Independence this Holiday Weekend

 

Fort Scott Kan. – Celebrate American independence with the sounds of a military band, cannon fire, and immersion in America’s history while honoring the service men and women who have defended the United States through the growth of our nation.

 

Fort Scott National Historic Site will host the 35th Division Infantry Band on Wednesday, June 29, beginning at 6:30 pm. The performance will be on the bricks in front of the Post Hospital/Visitor Center. Bring your lawn chair to ensure seating. Saturday through Monday, July 2 through 4, Fort Scott NHS will have artillery demonstrations, tours, programs, and living history activities throughout the day.

 

Wednesday, June 29

6:30 pm – 35th Division Infantry Band performing a kaleidoscope of pops, classical, and patriotic music.

 

Saturday, July 2

10:00 pm – Guided Tour of the Fort

11:00 am – Artillery Demonstration

Noon – Historic Yard Games

1:00 pm – Guided Tour of the Fort

2:00 pm – Artillery Demonstration

3:00 pm – Flash Flood: Fort Scott and Westward Expansion Discussion

 

Sunday, July 3

10:00 pm – Guided Tour of the Fort

11:00 am – Artillery Demonstration

Noon – Tales from the Trail: Santa Fe Trader Presentation

1:00 pm – Guided Tour of the Fort

2:00 pm – Artillery Demonstration

3:00 pm – Independence Day II:  Fireworks at High Tide Discussion

 

 

Monday, July 4

10:00 pm – Guided Tour of the Fort

11:00 am – Artillery Demonstration

1:00 pm – Guided Tour of the Fort

2:00 pm – Artillery Demonstration

3:00 pm – Amputations and Ambulances: Civil War Medicine Discussion

 

Visitors and residents are reminded that fireworks are not permitted on the grounds of Fort Scott National Historic Site.

 

-NPS-

Credit Photo as: NPS Photo, W. Aker