Watkins, Spencer museums take part in national observance of terrorist attacks

In addition to the Watkins Community Museum of History in Lawrence, several other museums are taking part in Celebrate America’s Freedoms in a Day of Remembrance, a national observance spearheaded by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services and the American Association of Museums.

 The Helen Foresman Spencer Museum of Art at Kansas University is encouraging people to visit the museum as “a day of remembrance and a celebration of the freedoms that sustain America.” Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

 In Ottawa, the Old Depot Museum, 135 W. Tecumseh, will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. An exhibit on Ottawa’s heroic early firefighters will be displayed, and visitors will have an opportunity to write thank-you notes to Franklin County firefighters and emergency personnel. Admission is free.

 In Topeka, the Kansas Museum of History, 6425 S.W. Sixth St., will display “Kansas Remembers: Commemorating Sept. 11, 2001.” The exhibit, which runs through Dec. 31, contains photographs, patriotic banners and jewelry, costumes and other items created in response to the terrorist attacks. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Suggested admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children.

In addition, in the research room of the museum complex, “Kansas Remembers,” a collection of library manuscripts, photographs and other documentary materials, will be displayed through Sept. 30 and again in November and December. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday. There is no admission charge.