Discover The Gordon Parks Museum Through the 2026 Kansas Sunflower Summer Program
Fort Scott, Kan. – The Gordon Parks Museum is proud to announce its participation in the 2026 Kansas Tourism
Sunflower Summer program. The Gordon Parks Museum celebrates the life and work of Fort Scott native
Gordon Parks, internationally known, photographer, filmmaker, writer and musician. The Gordon Parks
Museum established in 2004, located at Fort Scott Community College in his hometown of Fort Scott, Kansas,
is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the remarkable life and work of Gordon Parks. The museum’s
valuable collection includes many of his iconic photographs, personal artifacts, awards, medals, honorary
degrees, and replica furnishings from his New York apartment, highlighting his extraordinary achievements and
lasting impact.
The Sunflower Summer Program is a benefit for Kansas families with school-aged children, pre-K through
Grade 12, to encourage them to explore, and fall in love with Kansas. The program is designed to give
affordable access to tourism attractions across the state and support the Kansas tourism economy.
Eligible Kansas families will download the Sunflower Summer App to claim tickets to participating venues.
One (1) adult ticket is eligible for free admission with eligible students. Tickets are redeemed at participating
venues upon their arrival. Each user can only use tickets once per venue during the 2026 season. The 2026
Sunflower Summer season will run from July 9 – August 2.
"We are thrilled to be a venue for the 2026 Kansas Sunflower Summer program," said Kirk Sharp, Executive
Director of the Gordon Parks Museum. “There’s something special about seeing kids explore, learn, and
enjoy hands-on experiences right here. This program makes it easy for families to create meaningful memories
together, and we’re proud to be one of the destinations that helps showcase the best of Kansas.”
Kansas Tourism, a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce, aims to inspire travel to and throughout
Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities.
“Kansas Tourism is excited to have the Gordon Parks Museum as a part of the Sunflower Summer program,”
said Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe. “This program is an amazing benefit for the residents of
Kansas, and we are looking forward to growing the program in the 2026 season. The Gordon Parks Museum is
an important part of making this the best season yet for the program.