Do you like art and history?
Come to Fort Scott National Historic Site (NHS) and learn the history of the site as told by art that was created by youth from across the United States and throughout the world.
The art exhibit, titled “New Faces, New Neighbors”, will consist of 60 different pieces of textiles.
The exhibit will be on display from Thursday, February 1 through Saturday, March 31, 2018. It will be located on the second floor of the Infantry Barracks Museum in the hallway next to the theater.
“New Faces, New Neighbors” is a theme that has resonated throughout the history of Fort Scott. Soldiers and American Indians found themselves as new neighbors and had to face many challenges and adaptions along the way. During the Bleeding Kansas era, conflict evolved among neighbors, as the topic of slavery became an issue that divided the town of Fort Scott and Kansas Territory. During the Civil War, Fort Scott saw new faces as American Indians and African Americans enlisted to fight for the Union Army. In addition, Fort Scott became a place of refuge for many people of diverse backgrounds. Caring for these refugees provided an opportunity for the town’s residents to work together for a common cause. After the Civil War, more new neighbors came to Fort Scott with the railroads as the town transformed into a regional trade center. This story of settlement and resettlement, promises made and broken, dreams built and shattered, and facing challenges with new neighbors can all be seen through the creative minds of youth in the “New Faces, New Neighbors” art exhibit. We welcome you to come join us and explore this amazing story of Fort Scott.
In order to create this wonderful art exhibit, Fort Scott NHS has collaborated with the International Fiber Collaborative (IFC), INC. based out of Topeka, KS. The IFC is a nonprofit organization that works to create deeper learning experiences through art and cross-curricular themed-based programs. The IFC also promotes programs designed to link arts to science, math, engineering, and the humanities. For information, a schedule of events and other projects associated with the IFC can be found at https://ifcprojects.com.
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 417 National Park Service areas and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.