Good Ol' Days 2011

Good Ol' Days

Born out of controversy and baptized in fire, Kansas overcame its territorial struggles to become the 34th state in the Union on January 29, 1861. Fort Scott National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, invites you to visit us this special weekend as staff and volunteers commemorate 150 years of Kansas history. "To the Stars Through Difficulties", the Kansas State Motto, serves as the park's theme for Good Ol' Days weekend, June 4 – 5, 2011. A Chautauqua of historical performances interspersed with 19th century music performed by the Gum Springs Serenaders will honor Kansas' legacy. In between programs, stroll the grounds and browse the furnished buildings of the restored 1840s military post. Come visit our children's table to learn about the state's symbols and take home your own coloring page. 

Weekend activities will begin Saturday, June 4, at 9 a.m. with the raising of the 34-star flag and conclude Sunday at 4 p.m. For one day only, on Saturday, come view Chautauqua performances of president-elect Abraham Lincoln and Shawnee Grandmother Kokumthena. Programs by town founders Hiero and Elizabeth Wilson, rabble rouser John Brown, and Civil War veteran Sarah Edmonds Seelye will occur both days. The weekend's festivities will end Sunday afternoon with the fort's first ever buffalo chip throwing contest, as well as a sunflower seed spitting contest. To register for buffalo chip throwing, call us at 620-223-0310 or stop by the park visitor center. Registration will begin Tuesday, May 31, and will be limited to the first 40 contestants.

Come to Good Ol' Days at Fort Scott National Historic Site and learn how Kansas emerged from the ashes of territorial conflict as it grew and prospered through the 19th century. Admission to the fort is free. The fort activities are made possible through the generous support and assistance of the Fort Scott National Historic Site volunteers and the Good Ol' Days committee. For more information call 620-223-0310 or visit the park website at www.nps.gov/fosc. The site is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the summer.

Saturday–June 4.

• 9:00 am – "To the Stars Through Difficulties" - 34 Star Flag Raising
• 10:30 am – "Girl Gone to War" - Sarah Edmonds Seeley Chautauqua Performance
• 11:30 am – The Gum Springs Serenaders – Musical Performance
• 12:30 pm – "From Military Post to Booming Community" - Hiero and Elizabeth Wilson Chautauqua Performance
• 1:30 pm – "Shawnee Grandmother Kokumthena" – Chautauqua Performance
• 2:30 pm – "A Difficult Birth of a State" - Abraham Lincoln Chautauqua Performance
• 3:30 pm – "Freedom Fighter or American Terrorist" - John Brown Chautauqua Performance
• 6:30 pm – The Gum Springs Serenaders

Sunday–June 5

• 9:00 am – "To the Stars Through Difficulties" - 34 Star Flag Raising
• 10:30 am – "Girl Gone to War" - Sarah Edmonds Seeley Chautauqua Performance
• 11:30 am – The Gum Springs Serenaders – Musical Performance
• 12:30 pm – "From Military Post to Booming Community" - Hiero and Elizabeth Wilson Chautauqua Performance
• 1:30 pm – "Freedom Fighter or American Terrorist" John Brown Chautauqua Performance
• 2:30 pm – The Gum Springs Serenaders – Musical Performance
• 3:30 pm – Buffalo Chip Throwing Contest
• 3:45 pm – Sunflower Seed Spitting Contest