The “Water / Ways” exhibit from the Smithsonian Institute was opened to the public at the Geary County Historical Museum Saturday.
Junction City Mayor Phyllis Fitzgerald cut the ribbon strung across the door of the Museum Auditorium where the exhibit is housed. “The exhibit is really phenomenal. If you really want to learn about water and how important it is to our environment then you should come and check out this fantastic exhibit.”
There was a good turnout for the unveiling of the exhibit. Among the highlights Fitzgerald enjoyed were the mix of pictures with words. “You’ve got the opportunity to see plus read all about what those pictures are telling you. The other thing I really liked, there’s a lot of people here. It’s going to be very educational, not only for the children, but adults as well.”
Buz Bruzina of Junction City called the exhibit an outstanding display of all the activities you can imagine to study and learn about water. ” One item drawing attention was a map on the floor of the auditorium detailing the location of rivers.
Nita Miller of Junction City noted the work and fact finding that went into the exhibit. “Things that we have that we did not know we have. I think it’s going to be a great exhibition for the young people when they come here to go through this. The exhibit will be at the museum through February 18.
The activities on Saturday also included the unveiling of the Historical Society’s own exhibit, “Submerged.” Museum Director Katie Goerl said “Submerged” is so special because it’s unique to our community. I learned things just from looking at our own exhibit.” That exhibit includes a 20-foot timeline, an overview of three major floods that have impacted Geary County, and a couple of fun hands-on activities including a model ferry and dousing rods which Goerl described as “mystical little implements that I think are really cool.”
Goerl credited museum curator Heather Hagedorn for extensive involvement in preparing and working on the project involving the two exhibits, and noted the effort to bring the Smithsonian exhibit to the museum dated back to the tenure of former museum director Jamie Clark.
( Photos by Nita Miller )
