Nicodemus Newsletter January 2024

A group of teens watching the park film during the Voices and Votes event

NPS Photo

Things We Did
Welcome everyone to the first edition of the Nicodemus Newsletter, in this publication we hope to inform you about all of the wonderful things happening at Nicodemus and the things that we hope to do in the coming year.
In the beginning of 2023, we finalized an audio tour for the NPS app, and were able to provide a unique educational tool to help guide our visitors through the town, even when we’re not around.
In the spring we hosted Fourth graders from around the area, even as far away as Dodge City, for a day of fun and learning.
We even started having regular events again such as having Eric Nevins perform, guest speakers Barrie Tompkins, Robert Alexander, and Kim Thomas to name a few.
In July, we were honored to host the Smithsonian Exhibit Voices and Votes, which told the story of democracy in America through a collection of fascinating exhibits.
At the end of the month, not only did we celebrate Homecoming, but welcomed our new superintendent, Cassie Branstetter to Nicodemus.

Things We Hope To Do
As we go in to 2024, we hope to bring our visitors and our community many more opportunities. Currently we are working to get some new audio-visual exhibits for Nicodemus including a audio component for the A.M.E. Church and a projector for the Township Hall.
We are also working on hiring two new members to the staff, a Maintenance position and a new park guide (In addition to our already wonderful Park Guide. As with last year we will also be hosting local fourth graders at Nicodemus for a fun field trip event.
Thank you for reading and have a wonderful New Year.

Did You Know?
There is currently no information about the death of original settler, Jenny Fletcher. She is currently buried in an unmarked grave in the Nicodemus Cemetery next to her Husband Zach, but no date is available. There are some clues as she is listed as being Postmistress until 1894 and Zach is listed as widowed in the 1900 census.

Many folks came from all over the country to visit Nicodemus during Homecoming.

NPS Photo

It’s truly inspring to hear about the the positive developments and momentum surrounding the historic site. The collobration between the park service, and the community demonstrates a commitment to preserving and enhancing the site for future generations.

The acquistion of land by the water tower opens up exciting possiblities for additional amentitiess or features that could enhance the overall experience for visitors. Involving the community in the decision-making process ensures that diverse perspectives are considered, leading to a more inclusive and meangful outcome.

The lift that the visitor center received with new shades not only adds a fresh aesthetic but also contributes to creating a welcoming and enjoyable environment for those exploring the site.

The potential acquistion of the Old First Missionary Baptist Church and its subsequent renovation is a significant step toward preserving another piece of history. Once completed, this renovation could breathe new life into the old church, allowing it to continue playing a meaningful role within the community.

Overall, it’s clear that there’s a shared vision and collaborative effort to move the historic site in the right direction. These positive developments not only contribute to the site’s physical transformation but also foster a sense of community and shared responsibility for its preservation and enhancement.