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Friends of the Johnson County Museum
Friends Projects
KidScape Trolley
The Friends of the Johnson County Museum supported the first major update to the KidScape play area since the Museum re-opened in the Arts & Heritage Center.
The Trolley is a unique addition to KidScape, the Museum's fully-immersive, interactive history experience where kids have fun travelling through time to different periods and communities from the region's past. The design is based on the first car on the historic Strang Line, a commuter railroad that ran between Johnson County and Kansas City.
The Friends are thrilled to honor this important part of Johnson County's history, and we can't wait to see how our young museum guests enjoy their imaginative playtime selling tickets, loading up luggage, driving the trolley and more!
Museum Collection Acquisitions
REDLINED Artwork
The Friends of the Johnson County Museum purchased two pieces of art displayed in the special "REDLINED: Cities, Suburbs and Segregation" exhibit. These pieces, created by artists in the African American Artist Collective, reflect and institutional priority to continue tell the hard history of redlining.
Lowrider Bike
The newest addition to the Museum’s collection is a lowrider bike created by local high school students. Showcasing the incredible creativity of local high school students from the Olathe Leadership Lowrider Bike Club, this lowrider bike was the culmination of years of work to capture the essence of the club that started in Olathe and now has branches throughout the United States. This bike, which was made specifically for the museum with support from the Friends of the Johnson County Museum, is not only a testament to the club members’ dedication and craftsmanship, but also a representation of lowrider culture.
Museum Member Events
The Friends of the Johnson County Museum provide support for member engagement activities. On August 31st we held our inaugural Museum Member Mixer. Attendees experienced the past coming alive in a unique and unforgettable way as Kansas City's own bluegrass band, The Matchsellers, took them on a musical journey through the Museum gallery. Museum Member Mixers are exclusive gatherings designed to foster a sense of community among Museum members. These intimate and engaging events provide an opportunity for our members socialize and enjoy access to the Johnson County Museum in new and exciting ways.
Friends of the Johnson County Museum 2023
Lonita Cook President, Executive Committee The Parks and Recreation Foundation of Johnson County Liaison | Jama Akers Vice President, Executive Committee |
Jerry Baird Sustainers Task Force | Larry Meeker Sustainers Task Force |
Chris Carey, Ph.D. Secretary, Executive Committee; Chair, Development Committee | Mary D. Padilla Special Events Committee |
Kathleen Chirpich Special Events Committee | Connor Stangler Development Committee |
Tracey Flexter George Development Committee The Parks and Recreation Foundation of Johnson County Liaison | Jennifer Vitela Chair, Special Events Committee |
Brodie W. Herrman Development Committee | Julie Hickman Museum Advisory Council Representative |
Tom McCabe Sustainers Task Force | Nancy Wallerstein Museum Advisory Council Representative; Sustainers Task Force |