photo by: Contributed

The Watkins Museum of History will open a new exhibition on Friday, Aug. 7 called "Unsettled Lawrence."

A new exhibition will be opening at the Watkins Museum of History on Friday, and it will highlight the experiences of the unhoused, encamped and precariously housed people who have lived in Lawrence over time.

The free exhibition, “Unsettled Lawrence,” will be on view in the museum’s third flood changing exhibit from Friday, Aug. 7, until Saturday, Feb. 6, 2027, according to a press release from the Watkins Museum. The exhibit will feature the work of Rachel Schwaller, a lecturer in the Department of History at the University of Kansas, historical documents, including “lunacy records,” an interactive map as well as contemporary artwork about the lived experience of unhoused individuals.

“I am deeply grateful to the unhoused and encamped community here in Lawrence who opened their spaces to me three years ago,” Schwaller said in the release. “I hope that this exhibit demonstrates the ways that all communities have built Lawrence.”

Andrew Stockmann, the museum’s curator of exhibitions, said the museum was proud to highlight this hidden history in the community.

“Dr. Schwaller’s blend of historical research and contemporary relationship-building with unhoused and encamped people is unique and offers visitors a chance to learn and reflect about this important topic,” Stockmann said in the release.

The Watkins Museum, 1047 Massachusetts St., is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday through Saturday. Admission to the museum is free.

photo by: Contributed

The Watkins Museum of History will open a new exhibition on Friday, Aug. 7 called “Unsettled Lawrence.”