To the editor:

Recently, a project needed historical research about 19th century Lawrence. I was surprised when a Kansas University academic told me I might get help at the Watkins Community Museum of History, whose new staff were described as “eager to serve and ready to work hard.” On a Friday afternoon at 3 p.m., I called with my query. By 4 p.m. the staff had made new discoveries for my project. By 5 p.m. I was looking at photos from 1890 of my subject.

The staff took the time to sit with me for an hour, to hear more about my search and to relate facts about early Lawrence. The next working day I picked up reproductions of photos and documents conveniently scanned and saved on a compact disc, per my request.

Lawrence citizens should be happy to know that the Watkins museum really works. It’s true that the staff is eager to serve and ready to work hard. Increase your interest in history, and you will be rewarded.

John Ralston,

Lawrence