Kauffman Museum’s new special exhibit centered on the longest-running citizen science initiative in the world will preview in a come-and-go event Sunday, Dec. 17, at the museum.

“A Day with the Birds” came about to honor the 75th anniversary of the Halstead-Newton Christmas Bird Count, started by sisters Alma and Edna Ruth of Halstead in December of 1948.

On Dec. 17, the public is invited to the museum between 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. to see the progress of the exhibit, with brief remarks at 3 p.m. “A Day with the Birds” is scheduled to open in early 2024.

Earlier this year, Kauffman Museum announced that it had received grants from Humanities Kansas and Evergy have given Kauffman Museum as an important boost for the new exhibition.

Museum staff and guest curator Lorna Harder, Hesston, are fabricating “A Day with the Birds: Community Science and the Audubon Christmas Bird Count/Un Día con las Aves: Ciencia Comunitaria y el Audubon Conteo de Pájaros Navideños.” 

The museum received grants of $12,000 from Humanities Kansas and $10,000 from Evergy.   

“A Day with the Birds” and series of associated events through spring 2024 will mark the 75th anniversary of the Halstead-Newton Christmas Bird Count.

“Humanities Kansas supports opportunities that engage the public with the humanities,” said Julie Mulvihill, Humanities Kansas executive director. “This unique exhibit thoughtfully explores history, science and place with fun activities that will appeal to all ages.”

Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit spearheading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, HK’s pioneering programming, grants and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. See more at humanitieskansas.org

In support of environmental leadership in the communities it serves, Evergy partners with organizations focused on sustainability, environmental conservation and education, noting that the Christmas Bird Count exhibit “will shine a light on citizen scientists in our community and the vital role they play in bird conservation.”

Regular Kauffman Museum hours are Tues.-Fri. 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 1:30-4:30 p.m., closed Mondays and major holidays. Admission to the permanent exhibits – “Of Land and People,” “Mirror of the Martyrs” and “Mennonite Immigrant Furniture” – is $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 6-16, and free to Kauffman Museum members and children under 6. The museum store is open during the museum’s regular hours. See kauffmanmuseum.org or the museum Facebook page for more information.