LARNED — The public is invited to the May 29 opening and celebration of Fort Larned National Historic Site’s new museum exhibits.

“We are excited to finally be able to share these new exhibits, which tell the story of challenging encounters among people from different cultures who were brought together at Fort Larned by the Santa Fe Trail,” said Superintendent Betty Boyko. “The new exhibits feature many artifacts that help tell the stories about the westward expansion of the United States government, international commerce, and conflicts affecting the American Indians, traders, soldiers, and Indian agents in and around Fort Larned. A highlight of the museum is a hologram of a Cheyenne girl telling about her people.”

The event will feature presentations focused on some of the cultures represented in the new exhibits. The official opening will begin with opening remarks and a Ribbon Cutting at 11 a.m. followed by living history presentations and other activities including a Mariachi Band, storytelling by Buffalo Soldier descendant George Pettigrew, and Comanche and Kiowa Hoop Dancer Kevin Connywerdy.

CDC guidance for COVID precautions will be followed to allow for safe participation for attendees, including face coverings, physical distancing, and reduced occupancy in the visitor center.

The Visitor Center and Museum are open daily from 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. The parking lot gate is closed and locked for the night at 5 p.m.

Fort Larned National Historic Site is located six miles west of Larned on K-156. Information on visiting is on the internet at www.nps.gov/fols, or by calling 620-285-6911, or email to fols_superintendent@nps.gov