Category Archives: Fort Scott National Historic Site

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

Experience the Excitement of Life at Fort Scott During the Civil War

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Without Needing to Enlist!

 

Fort Scott Kan. – Fort Scott National Historic Site is hosting its 39th Annual Civil War Encampment, April 23 and 24, 2022.  Join us for cooking on the open fire, experience artillery and infantry troops preparing for battle, smell bread baking, participate in discussions about troop and refugee support, step back in times while playing period games, and try writing with quills and ink! This event is a well-loved tradition that is back and better than ever!

 

Acting superintendent Carl Brenner welcomes the community to the Fort to experience life as it really was. “We are grateful to have the generous support and participation from the Holms Brigade, Wichita Boy Scout Troop 704, Friends of Fort Scott, Inc., and plenty of new and old Fort Scott National Historic Site volunteers alike,” said Acting Superintendent Carl Brenner. “We encourage everyone to step back in time and smell, hear, see, and experience life at the fort.”

 

Park volunteers and staff will be leading a variety of programs. Both days will consist of several artillery and infantry demonstrations and tours of the fort. Saturday: join the discussion around the importance of the Lunette Blair Block House (adjacent to the park on Skubitz Plaza),  find out about the lives of women during the Civil War period with the Ladies Union Aid, a cooking demonstration outside our mess hall and baking bread in the bakery. Sunday: begin the day aa authentic 1840s church service, play authentic lawn games, and participate in a discussion about being a Civil War refugee. The day is full of fun and games for the whole family straight from the 1800’s!

 

Encampment Schedule:

 

SATURDAY, APRIL 23

Interpreters will be at the firing range with historic weapons, and in the bakehouse doing demonstrations throughout the day

  • 9 a.m.               Raising the Colors with the Boy Scout troop 704 of Wichita, KS
  • 10 a.m.             Artillery Drill and Weapons Demonstration
  • 10-11 a.m.        Calvary Discussion
  • 10-11 a.m.        Guided Tour of the Fort
  • 11-12 p.m.        19th Century Writing
  • 11 a.m.             Infantry Drill and Weapons Demonstration
  • 11:30-1:30 p.m.    Cooking Demonstration
  • Noon                Artillery Drill and Weapons Demonstration
  • 12:30 p.m.        Infantry Drill and Weapons Demonstration
  • 1 p.m.               Guided Tour of the Fort
  • 1:30-2 p.m.       Lunette Blair Block House Program
  • 2 p.m.               Artillery Drill and Weapons Demonstration
  • 2:30-3:30 p.m.  Ladies Union Aid Demonstrations and Dialogue
  • 3 p.m.               Infantry Drill and Weapons Demonstration
  • 4 p.m.               Flag Retreat with Troop 704

 

SUNDAY, APRIL 24

Interpreters will be at the firing range with historic weapons throughout the day

  • 9 a.m.               Raising the Colors
  • 10 a.m.             Historic Church Service
  • 11 a.m.             Infantry Dress Parade, Drill, and Weapons Demonstration
  • 11-2 p.m.          Historic Lawn games
  • 11:30-12:30 p.m.      Cavalry Discussion
  • Noon                Artillery Drill and Weapons Demonstration
  • 1 p.m.               Guided Tour of the Fort
  • 2-2:30 p.m.       Life as a Refugee Dialogue
  • 2:30 p.m.          Infantry Drill and Weapons Demonstration
  • 3 p.m.               Lunette Blair Block House Program
  • 3:30 p.m.          Artillery Drill and Weapons Demonstration

 

You are always welcome to wear a mask, and please remember to keep safe distances, wash your hands, and have fun!

 

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 Photos

 

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Creating a Healthier Park with Fire

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Submitted photo.

 

Creating a Healthier Park with Fire

 

Prescribed Fire Planned in April

 

Fort Scott Kan. – Park managers at Fort Scott National Historic Site, in coordination with Fire Managers with the US Fish and Wildlife Service from Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge, plan to burn the five-acre restored prairie this April 2022.  The specific date and ignition will depend upon weather conditions and the burn may be postponed or canceled if conditions are unfavorable.

 

“We were very excited to be able to implement this prescribed fire (Rx) project with the assistance of our interagency neighbors. Our ability to treat the tallgrass prairie with fire enhances the resilience of the ecosystem, results in a more diverse prairie, and provides a better habitat for migratory birds and pollinators.” said Carl Brenner, Acting Superintendent, Fort Scott National Historic Site. Like all prescribed fires, the plans for the tallgrass prairie Rx contain a set of parameters which define (among other things) the expected weather and fuel conditions under which the fire can be initiated. Prior to implementing the burn, fire managers will evaluate current conditions and will only ignite the fire if all of the prescribed conditions are within those parameters.

 

During typical Rx fire activity, daytime smoke disperses to the northwest, up and over the highway.  Coordination with the City of Fort Scott, Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas State Highway Patrol, and Kansas Department of Transportation is already underway for this prescribed fire.  Smoke impacts or traffic delays on Highway 69 are not expected during the burn.

 

-NPS-

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site

Farewell to Boyko Feb. 23

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Betty Boyko. Submitted photo.

 

The Friends of the Fort Scott National Historic  Site are inviting the public to join them in saying goodbye to long-time Superintendent Betty Boyko.

The Friends will host a reception on Wednesday, February 23 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Crooner’s Restaurant, 117 S. Main, to honor  Boyko.

Boyko is leaving her Fort Scott post to accept the Superintendent position at Homestead National Historic Park in Beatrice, Nebraska, which is closer to her family.

 “Betty has been an active part of our community since she became Superintendent in May 2006,  and she will be missed,” Martha Scott, member of the Friends group said.

“Come by, say goodbye to Betty and grab a Crooner’s Cakery cupcake and a glass of punch as we say farewell to this longtime Fort Scott National Historic Site Superintendent,” Scott said.

“Betty has great administrative and people skills,” Scott said. “She also has been active in Rotary Club and her church.”

“Betty has always been open to ideas that were still part of the mission of the historic site, but thinks outside the box,” she said.

Such ideas as the Symbols of Sacrifice, which are flags placed on the parade ground to honor veterans, and the U.S. Naturalization Ceremony that happens annually now.

Symbols of Sacrifice event, Sept. 2015

Recently, it was Betty who suggested that the Fort needed a boundary expansion so that the Block House could be included as part of The Fort Scott National Historic Site.

“Since it is government, we have to be careful because there are things that the fort and its employees cannot do — like the boundary expansion. She can’t actively work on it. It’s a fine line — government!” Scott said.

Boyko made the events happen with help from residents of the community.

To begin with, she gave information to local citizens on how a Friends group is beneficial to a historic site.

“She was instrumental in suggesting that we start a Friends of the Fort group,” Scott said. “She said it would be beneficial to the park.”

About the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site

The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site’s mission is to support the National Historic Site in a partnership through activities that may include fundraising, volunteerism, education, advocacy, and research.
The Friends have provided the lunch for the newly naturalized citizens after the Naturalization Ceremony held at the fort, provided the treats at the end of the annual Christmas Candlelight Tour, and made homemade ice cream for visitors for the 4th of July as well as many Friends members spending countless hours as a volunteer at the Fort.
Advertising for the Fort on a local, regional, state, or national level is done by the Friends group and they were instrumental in lobbying for the boundary expansion which resulted in the Block House becoming part of the Fort.
A group of citizens in 2009 came together to discuss forming a Friends group. They were Cheryl Adamson, Darlene Doherty, Sandra Haimerl, Herbert Haimerl, Reed Hartford, Ken Lunt, Dale Johnson, Caroly Lydic, Cynthia McFarlin, James Pitt, Jim Scott, Martha Scott, James Smith, and Paulette Smith.
From this grassroots meeting, the Friends group was born. That initial group served as officers and board members during the early years.
Current board members and officers are Reed Hartford, President; Matt Wells, Vice President; Martha Scott, Secretary; Marlene Braker, Treasurer.   Vonnie Rickerson, Kelley Collins, Frankie Ruggerio, Shay Lynn Clements, Carol MacArthur, Judy Earp, Ronda Hassig, and Kaitlyn Wilson serve as the current board.
Funds for the activities that the Friends do are provided in two ways:  the Flag subscriptions and membership dues.
The Flag subscriptions are a service that the Friends provide to residents within the city limits of Fort Scott,  where they place a full-size flag on a 12-foot pole in a residents front yard five times a year — on Memorial Day, Flag Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day and Veterans Day.
Subscriptions are $35.00 per year and are due by the 20th of March.   If interested in this subscription, please contact Kelley Collins at 417-684-2484 for more information.
“If you are interested in helping place those flags on the flag holidays, please call Kelley Collins to let her know that you’d like to help,” Scott said.  “We are a small group of dedicated volunteers, we flag placers, and it is a worthwhile way to begin a holiday day.”
Membership in Friends is easy, Scott said.
The four membership levels are:  $35 is Corporal, $50 Sergeant, $75.00 Quartermaster, $100 Sergeant Major.
If interested, mail a check to Membership Chairman, Martha Scott, 1208 S. National, Fort Scott, Kansas.
Bourbon County, Fort Scott National Historic Site

Friends Farewell Reception for Boyko on Feb. 23

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Betty Boyko. Submitted photo.

The Friends of the Fort Scott National Historic  Site are inviting the public to join them in saying goodbye to long-time Superintendent Betty Boyko.

The Friends will host a reception on Wednesday, February 23 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Crooner’s Restaurant, 117 S. Main, to honor  Boyko.

Boyko is leaving her Fort Scott post to accept the Superintendent position at Homestead National Historic Park in Beatrice, Nebraska, which is closer to her family.

 “Betty has been an active part of our community since she became Superintendent in May 2006,  and she will be missed,” Martha Scott, member of the Friends group said.

“Come by, say goodbye to Betty and grab a Crooner’s Cakery cupcake and a glass of punch as we say farewell to this longtime Fort Scott National Historic Site Superintendent,” Scott said.

“Betty has great administrative and people skills,” Scott said. “She also has been active in Rotary Club and her church.”

“Betty has always been open to ideas that were still part of the mission of the historic site, but thinks outside the box,” she said.

Such ideas as the Symbols of Sacrifice, which are flags placed on the parade ground to honor veterans, and the U.S. Naturalization Ceremony that happens annually now.

Symbols of Sacrifice event, Sept. 2015

Recently, it was Betty who suggested that the Fort needed a boundary expansion so that the Block House could be included as part of The Fort Scott National Historic Site.

“Since it is government, we have to be careful because there are things that the fort and its employees cannot do — like the boundary expansion. She can’t actively work on it. It’s a fine line — government!” Scott said.

Boyko made the events happen with help from residents of the community.

To begin with, she gave information to local citizens on how a Friends group is beneficial to a historic site.

“She was instrumental in suggesting that we start a Friends of the Fort group,” Scott said. “She said it would be beneficial to the park.”

About the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site

The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site’s mission is to support the National Historic Site in a partnership through activities that may include fundraising, volunteerism, education, advocacy, and research.
The Friends have provided the lunch for the newly naturalized citizens after the Naturalization Ceremony held at the fort, provided the treats at the end of the annual Christmas Candlelight Tour, and made homemade ice cream for visitors for the 4th of July as well as many Friends members spending countless hours as a volunteer at the Fort.
Advertising for the Fort on a local, regional, state, or national level is done by the Friends group and they were instrumental in lobbying for the boundary expansion which resulted in the Block House becoming part of the Fort.
A group of citizens in 2009 came together to discuss forming a Friends group. They were Cheryl Adamson, Darlene Doherty, Sandra Haimerl, Herbert Haimerl, Reed Hartford, Ken Lunt, Dale Johnson, Caroly Lydic, Cynthia McFarlin, James Pitt, Jim Scott, Martha Scott, James Smith, and Paulette Smith.
From this grassroots meeting, the Friends group was born. That initial group served as officers and board members during the early years.
Current board members and officers are Reed Hartford, President; Matt Wells, Vice President; Martha Scott, Secretary; Marlene Braker, Treasurer.   Vonnie Rickerson, Kelley Collins, Frankie Ruggerio, Shay Lynn Clements, Carol MacArthur, Judy Earp, Ronda Hassig, and Kaitlyn Wilson serve as the current board.
Funds for the activities that the Friends do are provided in two ways:  the Flag subscriptions and membership dues.
The Flag subscriptions are a service that the Friends provide to residents within the city limits of Fort Scott,  where they place a full-size flag on a 12-foot pole in a residents front yard five times a year — on Memorial Day, Flag Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day and Veterans Day.
Subscriptions are $35.00 per year and are due by the 20th of March.   If interested in this subscription, please contact Kelley Collins at 417-684-2484 for more information.
“If you are interested in helping place those flags on the flag holidays, please call Kelley Collins to let her know that you’d like to help,” Scott said.  “We are a small group of dedicated volunteers, we flag placers, and it is a worthwhile way to begin a holiday day.”
Membership in Friends is easy, Scott said.
The four membership levels are:  $35 is Corporal, $50 Sergeant, $75.00 Quartermaster, $100 Sergeant Major.
If interested, mail a check to Membership Chairman, Martha Scott, 1208 S. National, Fort Scott, Kansas.
Fort Scott National Historic Site, Kansas

CONSERVATION THROUGH THE ARTS 

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Junior Duck Stamp Contest

 

Fort Scott Kan. – Saturday, February 19, 2022, Fort Scott National Historic Site and Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge are presenting the 29th annual national Junior Duck Stamp art contest. Art programs will run from 10am-noon and 2pm-3:30pm and all students in kindergarten through grade twelve are encouraged to participate in the art and conservation message contest. Participants need to check in at the park’s Visitor Center at 10am and 2pm for directions.

 

During the program participants will learn more about types of waterfowl and also what the judges look for in the artwork. Participants will create original artwork using watercolors, crayon, or pencil. Because students express themselves best in different formats, the conservation message contest gives them an opportunity to use the written word to express their knowledge. Submissions of your Junior Duck Stamp entry may be made on this day at the park or to the Great Plains Nature Center in Wichita for Kansas entries. Entry forms will be available and all entries must be postmarked by March 15, 2022.

 

Margaret McMullen, an 18-year-old from Kansas, took top honors in the Service’s National Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest with her acrylic rendition of a pair of Hooded Mergansers. The winning conservation message was by Josie Arp, 15, of Arkansas with her message: “When the world turned upside-down nature calmly and quietly laid a blanket of comfort over us all.”

 

The Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program began in 1989 as an extension of the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, commonly known as the Duck Stamp. The first national Junior Duck Stamp art contest was held in 1993. The stamp encourages students to explore their natural world, participate in outdoor recreation activities, and learn wildlife management principles. National Junior Duck Stamp Contest winner receives $1,000. The second-place winner receives $500; the third-place winner receives $200; the Conservation Message winner receives $200. Other prizes are awarded at the state level for each age category.

 

The National Park Service currently requires that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, wear a mask in all federal buildings and outside when others are present and physical distancing (staying at least six feet apart) cannot be maintained.

 

 

 

Credit Photo as Margaret McMullen Artwork

 

Fort Scott National Historic Site

FSNHS Superintendent Leaves for Nebraska

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Betty Boyko. Submitted photo.

Betty Boyko, currently the superintendent at both Fort Scott National Historic Site and Fort Larned National Historic Site will assume a new position in mid-March, according to a press release.

National Park Service (NPS) Regional Director Bert Frost announced the selection of Boyko as superintendent of Homestead National Historical Park located in Beatrice, Nebraska late last week.

She has been the superintendent of Fort Scott National Historic Site since 2006, Boyko said in an interview with fortscott.biz.

Fort Scott National Historic Site is located at the north end of the town’s historic district.
Her duties at FSNHS were to provide leadership for all aspects of park operations to include preservation, interpretation, maintenance, administration, policies, public use management, public affairs, and park development, she said.
” I also became the superintendent of Fort Larned NHS in a dual superintendency in August 2013,” she said. “The position at Fort  Larned became vacant so they needed someone to help out on a temporary basis for 30 days.  Challenges in filling that position resulted in the extension of my temporary appointment and eventually led to it becoming a permanent position along with my current duties at Fort Scott NHS.
The best aspect about Boyko’s job in Fort Scott?
“​It is definitely the park, park staff, and people of Fort Scott,” she said.  “When I arrived here, everyone was so welcoming and supportive.  That is still the environment today which makes the job so rewarding.  It has been a pleasure to work with the community, many partners and volunteers and I know that the new superintendent – whoever that is – will appreciate the same support and working relationship.”
A new superintendent has not been selected for FSNHS yet, she said, but ​the regional NPS office is working on a plan to fill it.
The biggest challenge for Boyko in her job has been the COVID-19 Pandemic.

“Unfortunately, the pandemic has challenged how we mitigate operations to remain open and still provide a quality experience for the community and visitors,” she said.

Boyko starts on  March 13th at Homestead National Historical Park, Nebraska.
Duties there will be similar to the current position: the management and leadership duties, but focused on the purpose for which that park was established.

A 37-year veteran of the NPS, Boyko has a wide range of administrative and leadership experiences in parks throughout the Midwest Region including eight years at Homestead National Historical Park where she served as the administrative officer and several years as deputy superintendent. She began her NPS career at Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site and has held leadership positions at St. Croix National Scenic Riverway and Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, according to the press release.

Boyko is a graduate of Dakota Business College in Fargo, North Dakota, and of the GAP International Executive Leaders Program. She represented the NPS region in the Emerging Leaders Program Executive Challenge Course. She will relocate to the Beatrice area this spring and looks forward to being near her son and his family, according to the press release.

 

Bourbon County, Business, Entertainment, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Fort Scott National Historic Site

What’s Happening if Fort Scott Weekly Newsletter

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What’s Happening in Fort Scott!
December 3rd Weekly Newsletter
So much holiday fun happening in Fort Scott,
share with your friends & family!
Candlelight Tours, Art Show, & More this weekend in Fort Scott!
UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS
________________
TROLLEY TOURS!
Every Friday & Saturday!
50-minute narrated Trolley Tour
of Historic Fort Scott. Every hour on the hour. Departs from the Fort Scott
Chamber at 231 E. Wall St.
Friday hours: 11 am until 3 pm
Saturday hours: 10 am until 3 pm
$6 adults & $4 for 12 yrs. & under
THE FORT SCOTT NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE OFFERS DAILY GUIDED TOURS AT 10 AM & 1 PM, 7 DAYS/WEEK – FREE!
12/2 ~ FSCC THEATRE PRESENTS “A VERY HAIRY CHRISTMAS”, 7pm, Ellis Fine Arts Center – FREE ADMISSION! See flyer below.
12/2 ~ FSHS Red/White Basketball Scrimmage, 6:30pm, High School gym, meet the Tigers, all winter sports athletes will be introduced along with cheer & dance team performances. Free will donation admission.
12/3 ~ FSHS Season Opening Wrestling Tournament, 3pm, FSHS Main Gym.
12/3-4 ~ CANDLELIGHT TOURS OF THE FORT, tickets are SOLD OUT, tours both Friday & Saturday evenings.
12/3-4 ~ WEEKLY LIVESTOCK SALE AT FORT SCOTT LIVESTOCK MARKET, sale starts at 10am both Friday & Saturday, cafe open as well, visit their Facebook page for details.
12/3-4 ~ THE ARTIFICERS 5TH ANNUAL ART SHOW (first show here in Fort Scott!), 10am to 9pm both Friday & Saturday in the lobby of Front Door Real Estate next door to Crooner’s Lounge/Liberty Theatre. See event here for more info.
12/3 ~ CREATIVE CANVAS PAINT CLASS AT THE ELKS LODGE, 6-9pm, click here for info.
12/4 ~ LANDMARK NATIONAL BANK – SOUTH LOCATION HOSTS SANTA FOR VISITS, 8-11am, 2300 S. Main St. Click here for info.
12/4 ~ BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE, 9-11am, Bailey Hall, $2 per person. See flyer below for info.
12/4 ~ THE FORT OUTDOORS HOSTS BREAKFAST AT THE BARN, 10:30am-1pm, click here for details.
12/4 ~ STORYTIME AT HEDGEHOG.INK!, cookie decorating, visit with Santa, and storytime! 1-2:30pm at Hedgehog.INK!, 16 S. Main St. See flyer below for more info.
12/4 ~ BATTLE AT THE BORDER BEEF LIVESTOCK SHOW, Bourbon County Fairgrounds, 10am, click here for info.
12/4 ~ CLARK STREET LIGHTS VISIT WITH SANTA, 5-8pm, free cookies & popcorn, free will donation, 753 Clark St., click here for info.
12/4 ~ YUM YUM! BAKED GOODS AUCTION AT THE ELKS LODGE, 6pm, click here for details.
12/6 ~ FSHS & FSMS Holiday Band Concert, 7pm, FSHS Main Gym.
12/7 ~ CHRISTMAS PARADE ~ “March into Christmas, 6pm, deadline to enter is Monday the 6th at 1pm ~ get your entries in today! Mayor’s Tree Lighting immediately following the parade, Christmas Crafts & visits with Santa at Papa Don’s following the tree lighting.
12/9 ~ CHAMBER COFFEE, hosted by Sunshine Boutique, 8am.
12/9 ~ STREET ADVISORY BOARD MEETING, 4pm at City Hall.
12/9 ~ DEL BRENNA JEWELRY TRUNK SHOW + OLIVE OIL & BALSAMIC VINEGAR TASTING, Crooner’s Lounge, 5-9pm, see flyer below.
12/9 ~ CANDY HOUSE WORKSHOP HOSTED BY MUSEUM OF CREATIVITY, 6pm, all ages welcome, $10, RSVP by Dec. 7th, see flyer below.
12/9 ~ LAKE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING, 7pm at City Hall.
12/10 ~ COCOA & CAROLING LATE NIGHT SHOPPING EVENT, 5-8pm, Downtown Fort Scott, stores open late and complimentary cocoa by Museum of Creativity in front of Sunshine Boutique.
12/10 ~ SUNFLOWER SPREADS CHRISTMAS CHARCEUTERIE WORKSHOP, 5:30pm, $45 per person, Liberty Theatre, click here for info.
12/10 ~ BOURBON COUNTY CASA HOLIDAY FUNDRAISER, 7-9pm at the home of Mitch & Colleen Quick, click here to RSVP (deadline December 3rd).
12/10-23 ~ CHRISTMAS LIGHT TROLLEY TOURS, kick off the 10th and run nightly at 5:45 and 7pm through the 23rd, except no tours on the 11th or 18th, book the whole trolley for $125 or individual tickets are $8 adults/$5 kids 12 and under.
12/11 ~ MUSEUM OF CREATIVITY HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE, 10am to 6pm, 102 S. National Ave., see flyer below for more info.
12/11 ~ FSHS THESPIANS PRESENT A COMEDY IMPROVE SHOW AND THESPIAN PERFORMANCE SHOWCASE, 7:30pm, see flyer below for details.
12/11 ~ CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK event nights on the 11th & 18th, Gunn Park, click here for more info, 5-9pm.
12/15 ~ ROTARY CHRISTMAS SOCIAL, Crooner’s Lounge, 6:30pm.
12/16 ~ CHAMBER COFFEE, hosted by City of Fort Scott, City Hall, 8am.
12/17 ~ BLYTHE FAMILY BENEFIT AT LIBERTY THEATRE, chili feed tickets available at the Chamber for $5, evening will include a raffle, auction and DJ. Click here for info.
12/18 ~ JINGLE BELL HOLIDAY MART, Bourbon County Fairgrounds, 9am to 3:30pm, click here for info.
12/18 ~ WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA LAYING OF THE WREATHS, 11am, National Cemetery No. 1 in Fort Scott.
12/18 ~ CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK, Gunn Park, click here for more info, 5-9pm.
12/22 ~ BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT DRY WOOD CREEK CAFE, 9am-1pm, click here for details.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
FROM THE CHAMBER!
SHOPPING ~ SUPPORT LOCAL!
Downtown Fort Scott is booming!
Click here for Chamber member
specialty shopping & other retail in
Downtown & other areas of the community.
Fort Scott Area
Chamber of Commerce
620-223-3566
In This Issue
Chamber Highlights
Click here for our
Membership Directory.
We THANK our members for their support! Interested in joining the Chamber?
Click here for info.
Thinking of doing business in or relocating to Fort Scott?
Contact us for a relocation packet, information on grants & incentives, and more!
Seeking a job/career?
We post a Job of the Day daily on our Facebook page, distribute a monthly job openings flyer, and post jobs on our website.
Many opportunities available!
Housing needs?
Click here for a listing of our Chamber member realtors.
Click here for our rental listing.
FITNESS FOR EVERYONE IN FS!
Many fitness options are available…
SPIN classesnow offered bySmallville Athletics, every Mon & Wed at 5:15 pm, and Tu & Thurs at 6 pm. $5/class or $50/mo. unlimited.
Total Body Fitness ~ M & W Karen Reinbolt at BRCC@
8:15 am $20/8 week session.
Zumba~ M,W, F @ 6pm Monalynn Decker at BRCC $40 for a 12-week session.
Indoor Fitness/Gyms at
I AM Rehab + Fitness, Smallville Athletics, and Buck Run!
FSCC THEATRE PRESENTS
A VERY HAIRY CHRISTMAS – FREE ADMISSION
THE ARTIFICERS CHRISTMAS ART SHOW
FSCC PRESENTS BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
BOURBON COUNTY CASA FUNDRAISER EVENT
HEDGEHOG.INK! BOOK STORE HOSTS STORYTIME, COOKIE DECORATING, & VISIT WITH SANTA
CLARK STREET LIGHTS PRESENTS
VISIT WITH SANTA
CHRISTMAS PARADE ~ DOWNTOWN FORT SCOTT
DEL BRENNA JEWELRY TRUNK SHOW +
OLIVE OIL & BALSAMIC VINEGAR TASTING
…

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Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce, Fort Scott National Historic Site

Chamber Coffee hosted by Fort Scott National Historic Site on Dec. 2

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The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and guests to a Chamber Coffee this Thursday, December 2nd at 8 a.m. hosted by Fort Scott National Historic Site, located at 1 Old Fort Blvd.

The Chamber Coffee will be in the park’s theater on the second floor of the Infantry Barracks just west, to the left, of the Visitor Center.

Coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be provided by The Friends of Fort Scott.

This year will be the 40th annual Candlelight Tour. The tour centers around peace on the frontier with five stops around the site.

The entire tour is outside this year, so they encourage visitors to dress for the weather.

Also, a reminder that masks are required in all federal buildings and anywhere social distancing cannot be maintained.

The only exception will be at the Chamber Coffee event while people are eating and drinking.

Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (620) 223-3566 for more information.

Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site, History

40th Annual Historic Candlelight Tour: Finding Peace On The Frontier

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A vignette on the tour, 2017.

For forty years the Fort Scott National Historic Site has had re-enactors portray people on the prairie in the 1840s era, just before Christmas, called The Candlelight Tour. This year the tours are Dec. 3-4, Friday and Saturday evenings.

“The purpose of the tour is to provide a deeper understanding of this region’s history, that helped shape this nation, and specifically how the fort was involved in that,” Carl Brenner, FSNHS Program Manager, Interpretation and Resource Manager, said. “Instead of just telling the story, we are trying to help people become immersed in that story.”

Fort Scott National Historic Site glows during the annual candlelight tour event.

Tickets are $8, children five and under are free. To purchase call 620.223.0310

Friday evening, tours start at 6:30 p.m. and the last one is 9 p.m. On Saturday, the first tours are at 5 p.m., and the last start at 8:45 p.m.

Please arrive 10 minutes early to park, present a ticket, and acclimate yourself.

This year there are five vignettes, or re-enacted portrayals, circa 1842-1851. Forty volunteers and 10 staff will be involved in the tour this year.

The theme is Finding Peace on the Prairie.

The vignettes include:

  • Soldiers arriving at the fort, who are acting as peacekeepers between the Native Americans and the Anglo-European settlers.
  • Soldiers protecting trade goods along the Santa Fe Trail, keeping the peace. Fort Scott High School drama students helped write the script for this portrayal.
  • Soldiers returning from the Mexican-American War, celebrating the Peace Treaty of 1848.
  • Keeping peace along the Arkansas River by escorting people heading to the California Gold Rush, looking for fortune.
  • A traveling minister came through the fort in 1851, providing a message of peace on earth to the soldiers.

Brenner said there are approximately 25 tickets left and the later tours, after 8:15 p.m., there are some available for families or groups.

Tours will be all outside, so visitors should dress to stay warm.

“Masks are required in all federal buildings, including the visitor center and restrooms,” Brenner said.

Tours are handicapped accessible.

“We are asking people to show up 10 minutes early and meet at the west (left) side of the visitor center building, between the two buildings, on the sidewalk,” he said.

Photo Credit: Fort Scott National Historic Site. Re-enactors in the 2017 Candlelight Tour.

 

 

 

 

 

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

40th Annual Candlelight Tour Tickets On Sale November 1

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Credit Photo: Officers’ Row by Candlelight, M. Brenner

Be an Active Part of History this Holiday Season

 

Fort Scott Kan. – Monday, November 1, 2021, tickets for Fort Scott National Historic Site’s 40th 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. They are $8.00 per person and non-refundable, children 5 and under are free. It is recommended that you get your tickets early for your choice of tour times as this event frequently sells out.

 

The 40th Annual Candlelight Tour is December 3 and 4, 2021. Tours on December 3 will begin at 6:30 pm and leave every 15 minutes until 9 pm. On Saturday, December 4, the tours will start at 5 pm with the final tour leaving at 8:45 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 the terrain, as the entire tour will be outside.

 

1,000 candle lanterns illuminate the site and reenactors (including you) bring the fort to life. “This year’s tour is about finding peace on the frontier.” said Betty Boyko, Superintendent, Fort Scott National Historic Site. A Solders path to finding peace took many routes. From the Dragoon soldier’s fight as frontier peacekeepers to keeping peace on the Santa Fe and Oregon trails and returning from Mexico and celebrating the peace treaty,  experiencing conflict provided their route to peace.

 

Fort Scott was an active military post from 1842-1853, which was a time of rapid growth and change in the country.  As Fort Scott was being built, the nation grew west, expanding all the way to the Pacific Ocean. With this growth, Fort Scott changed, the mission of its soldiers changed, their experience changed, the environment changed, and the nation changed. Soldiers at Fort Scott lived their lives to the fullest despite the constant change.

 

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.

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott, Fort Scott National Historic Site

A Fair Day’s Wage: Fort Scott National Historic Site

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Labors of Fort Scott

Saturday, September 4 through Monday, September 6, 2021, Fort Scott National Historic Site will take you on an exploration of the sights, sounds, and smells behind the Labors creating the “Crack Post on the Frontier”.

 

Labor Day weekend activities include artillery demonstrations, historic cooking, breadmaking, construction skill demonstrations, and a variety of interpretive programs. Visit with soldiers, laundress, and an officer and his wife and find out if everyone earned a fair day’s wage. All programs are free and open to the public.

 

Saturday, September 4.

  • Living History stations are available throughout the day
  • 10:00 am – Guided Fort Tour
  • 11:00 am – Artillery Demonstration
  • Noon – Historic Construction Demonstration
  • 1:00 pm – Guided Fort Tour
  • 2:00 pm – Artillery Demonstration
  • 3:00 pm- Artillery Demonstration
  • 4:00 pm – Flag Retreat

 

Sunday, September 5

  • 10:00 am – Guided Fort Tour
  • 11:00 am – Artillery Demonstration
  • 1:00 pm – Guided Fort Tour
  • 2:00  pm – Artillery Demonstration
  • 3:00 pm – Artillery Demonstration
  • 4:00 pm – Flag Retreat

 

Monday September 6

  • 10:00 am – Guided Fort Tour
  • 11:00 am – Artillery Demonstration
  • 1:00 pm – Guided Fort Tour
  • 2:00 pm – Artillery  Demonstration
  • 3:00 pm – Crack Post of the Frontier – Construction Tour of Fort Scott
  • 4:00 pm – Flag Retreat

 

The National Park Service currently requires that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, wear a mask in all federal buildings and outside when others are present and physical distancing (staying at least six feet apart) cannot be maintained.

 

Fort Scott National Historic Site, History

Seeing the Past With New Eyes

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NPS Photo: C. Brenner Crew laying out survey grid

Fort Scott National Historic Site will be conducting a geophysical survey of the site on August 2 through 13, 2021, to better understand how the fort looked in the 1840s.

 

A four-person crew from the Midwest Archeological Center will look into the ground using magnetometry, resistance, conductivity, ground-penetrating radar, and magnetic susceptibility. They will be surveying the area known as the Quartermaster’s Quadrangle, the areas behind Officer’s Row, and the courtyard that once existed south of the Post Hospital. If time allows, they will also survey for other features such as latrines, wash houses, and other associated buildings. The crew is also scheduled to return next spring to survey areas that are in the restored prairie after the 2022 spring prescribed burn.

 

“We will be able to see exactly where fort buildings, patios, and walkways were in the 1840s” said Betty Boyko, Superintendent, Fort Scott National Historic Site. “Many of these structures have been lost over time, but through technology, we can better understand how the fort originally looked,” continued Boyko.

 

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 am-5 pm. 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.

-NPS-

 

Credit Photo as: NPS Photo: C. Brenner

1st photo: Crew laying out survey grid

2nd photo: NPS survey marker flag

 

Bourbon County Local News