Category Archives: History

Signs for “The Learning Tree” scene location project to be delivered

The Gordon Parks Museum is scheduled to receive the delivery of the signs from Lark Label in Wichita, KS for The Learning Tree scene location project on Wednesday, June 23.

The project is a series of signs located at the different scene locations where the filming of The Learning Tree took place.

The signs will also include QR codes along with a virtual tour of identified 12 different scene locations of The Learning Tree film.

The Gordon Parks Museum has received a grant from the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation and Humanities Kansas to assist with funding support for this project. The completion goal date for this project is by August 1, 2021.

This historical film by Warner Bros. Seven Arts, was the first time a major motion picture movie filmed in Hollywood was directed by a black film director; Fort Scott, KS native son, Gordon Parks was that person. This film was partially filmed in 1968 on location in Fort Scott and the surrounding area to include Mound City, KS. The film was released in 1969. The film was based on a semi autobiography novel with the same title that Gordon Parks wrote in 1963. The story, based on Gordon’s childhood in Fort Scott, KS, is about a boy growing up in difficult time in segregation and poverty. This film was placed in the Library of Congress National Film Registry Classics in 1989 as one of the top 25 important films. The film continues to be very important today.

A grand opening event with ribbon cutting will take place during the annual Gordon Parks Celebration Oct 7-9, 2021.

More details about the event along with other schedule celebration events will provided at a later date. Please feel free to contact us with any questions, 620-223-2700 ext. 5850 or email [email protected].
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Fort Scott NHS and the Community Honor the Fallen Memorial Day Weekend

Submitted photo from the NPS

Symbols of Sacrifice

Fort Scott National Historic Site will be hosting “Symbols of Sacrifice” this Memorial Day Weekend, Friday, May 28 through, Monday, May 31. We welcome community members and organizations to join the park in placing the flags for the Field of Honor Friday morning beginning at 9 am. This Field of Honor will be open throughout the weekend. There will be guided fort tours daily at 10 am and 1 pm. A special Memorial Day program of patriotic music will be presented by Pat and Steve Harry, followed by the final flag retreat for the weekend, beginning at 4 pm. Monday, May 31.

 

“The Field of Honor with its approximately 7,000 flags commemorate the ultimate sacrifice members of the United States Armed Forces have made to keep this country free,” said Betty Boyko, Superintendent, Fort Scott National Historic Site.

 

If you are not fully vaccinated (less than 2 weeks past your final dose), you are required to 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. This is an all-weather event, except the musical program on Monday will be canceled because of rain. To find out more and to become involved, please contact the park at 620-223-0310.