Lincoln County is having a year-long celebration (January-December 2020) for the Sesquicentennial (150th anniversary)! On October 6, 1870, Lincoln County was officially recognized by the State of Kansas, divided into townships, and temporary leadership was established prior to a first vote.
Every area organization, business, etc. is encouraged to plan a special something to incorporate into an event or activity they already have planned.
Use the hashtag #LincolnCounty150th on social media posts throughout the year, and look for new SnapChat location filters coming soon!
Calendar of Lincoln County Sesquicentennial celebrations:
(check back often as this list will be continually updated throughout the year)
- January 15, 2020 – What’s Up Luncheon at the Lincoln County Historical Museum – Program included a historical recap of major events in Lincoln County history since 1870, as well as information regarding special events throughout the year to celebrate the Sesquicentennial.
- Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020 – Lincoln’s City Park historic designation – The multi-year effort to survey, research, nominate and receive official designations for the downtown Lincoln district and the Lincoln City Park on the Register of Historic Kansas Places and the National Register of Historic Places is set for official review Feb. 1! Email Kelly Larson at lcedfdirector@outlook.com for more information.
- February 12, 15 & 17, 2020 – Lincoln Celebrates Lincoln – Honoring our namesake on Lincoln County’s 150th year – The Lincoln Reenactment Committee is recognizing 30 years of Lincoln Days celebrations by honoring 16th President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, and Lincoln County’s namesake, with three events Feb. 12, 15 & 17, 2020. The festivities include two murder-mystery dinners featuring the foods of the Lincolns, a screening of Steven Spielberg’s film, “Lincoln,” starring Daniel Day Lewis, and an all-day Family Open House at the Museum. Musicians playing period music, and Lincoln Look-a-likes will be on hand at all events. Except for the meals, events are free of charge. For more information, email villagelines@sbcglobal.net or call 785-524-5133.
- March 2020 – Live Lincoln County magazine – This special edition of the publication will feature a timeline and historical synopsis of significant events of Lincoln County since 1870, as well as a look at what makes Lincoln County a great place to be here and now.
- May 1 – Downtown Lincoln historic designation – The multi-year effort to survey, research, nominate and receive official designations for the downtown Lincoln district and the Lincoln City Park on the Register of Historic Kansas Places and the National Register of Historic Places is set for official review Feb. 1! Email Kelly Larson at lcedfdirector@outlook.com for more information.
- CANCELLED – May 10 – May 17, 2020 – Traveling Exhibit at the Lincoln County Historical Museum – A traveling exhibit that brings to life the history of the women’s suffrage movement in Kansas is visiting Lincoln as part of the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment. More information
- July-August, 2020 – Lincoln Art Center will have a special exhibit with a look at Lincoln County as first inhabitants may have found it when they arrived. Call Joyce Harlow at 785-524-3241 for more information.
- CANCELLED – Friday, July 17, 2020 – Lincoln County-Sylvan Grove Fair Parade – The fair board is planning a special parade to honor Lincoln County’s 150th year at 4 p.m. – more details to come
- August 1 – Downtown Sylvan historic designation – The Sylvan Grove downtown historic district official designation to the Register of Historic Kansas Places is anticipated to be reviewed in early May! More information
- CANCELLED – Saturday, September 5, 2020 – Post Rock Festival will have a 150th theme – more details to come
- Throughout the Year:
- The Lincoln United Methodist Church is also celebrating their 150th year in 2020! More details will be forthcoming!
- Gallery of paintings, photos and defining moments in Lincoln County History are on display at Village Lines, open Mon-Fri 10 a.m .to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Any individual or organization is welcome to borrow an idea from the list, or come up with a new creative idea. We ask that you let us know about those plans, so we can include it on this official calendar and in any promotion that is done throughout the year. Please email Kris Heinze at lcedfmarketing@outlook.com or Kelly Larson at lcedfdirector@outlook.com.
