Historic Fort Hays ready to detail new vision
By MIKE CORN
It might be nearly 140 years old, but Historic Fort Hays could be taking on a new life in the coming months.
Exactly what that will be is the topic of Monday's open house to unveil plans for a series of new exhibits that are planned. The open house is set for 7 p.m. at the historic site.
If all goes well, the new exhibits -- the new direction, if you will -- could be in place by early spring, just in time for the 2010 tourist season, according to site administrator Bob Wilhelm.
Paid for through a federal grant and matching money amounting to nearly $300,000, Wilhelm said the changes will put a new life on virtually all of the fort -- save for the officers' residences, recently remodeled.
New exhibits are planned for the visitor's center, the block house and the guardhouse, in addition to the parade grounds.
Wilhelm said the goal is to provide information about what the fort's role in the area was.
Visitors will be able to find out what "occurred out here between the Army, the European settlers and the Indians," Wilhelm said.
And they will try to do it on a more personal level.
"This was populated by people," he said of the fort.
Borrowing from ideas used elsewhere, such as at museums detailing the sinking of the Titanic, Fort Hays will be issuing tickets to visitors as they exit the visitor's center.
On it will be the name of a soldier who had been stationed at the fort during its 24-year existence.
"You kind of go along with that person," Wilhelm said of the visitor.
As the tour takes place, visitors will be given a glimpse into the life of the soldier. At the end, a book will detail what is known about the soldier.
Wilhelm said they have been doing just that of late, but focusing on officers stationed there.
"We haven't talked much about the enlisted soldiers," Wilhelm said, noting at least 90 percent of the soldiers stationed at the fort were enlisted. "We're doing a disservice to not talk about them."
Sometimes, however, less is known about the enlisted soldiers compared to the officers.
The guardhouse, Wilhelm said, will include additional information about soldiers -- black, Irish and German -- who were stationed at the fort.
Part of the goal of the new exhibits is to appeal to a younger audience, yet continue to interest everyone.
"It will really change the look of everything," he said.
By making the change, Wilhelm hopes the fort will become a destination point for many people.
"It has the potential of impacting so many businesses in Hays by attracting so many people," he said.
Fort Hays, for example, is mentioned prominently when talk turns to George Armstrong Custer, Wilhelm said.
"They're hoping this will triple attendance," he said of state historical officials. "That's what they're shooting for."
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The open house is set for 7 p.m. Monday at the fort. The event is open to the public, although Wilhelm would like a count to ensure adequate seating is available. The fort can be reached at (785) 625-6812 or by e-mail at thefort@kshs.org. There is no charge.