The Smoky Hill Museum in Salina, Kansas, wants to engage more closely with the Latino community.

Salina, Kansas | April 3, 2026

By Claudia Amaro | Planeta Venus

Last March, a listening session with the Latino community was held at the Smoky Hills Museum in Salina, Kansas. Picture by Planeta Venus.

The Smoky Hill Museum and its director, Susan Hawksworth, are inviting the Latino community of Salina, Kansas, to participate in developing the museum's new strategic plan this year. They want to hear ideas in community sessions and form an advisory committee so that this historic space becomes a cultural home where all neighbors feel represented.

Susan Hawksworth, Smoky Hills Museum Director. Picture by Planeta Venus

Hawksworth believes that this approach is very important. Although the museum has been a family and community place for many years, many Latino and Spanish-speaking neighbors still don't feel like their stories are represented there. The main goal is to break down barriers and make sure that the city's history includes and celebrates everyone who is part of the community today.

The Smoky Hill Museum, at 211 W. Iron Ave., is an educational and interactive space in Salina, a city in the heart of Kansas. The museum houses and shares more than 34,000 historical objects that reflect life in and around Saline County. Since 1997, it has been nationally accredited, a recognition held by only about 11 museums in Kansas and about 1,000 nationwide. Susan Hawksworth is the director, and the museum is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

To continue improving, the museum is revamping its strategic plan and taking the opportunity to look at all of Salina's neighborhoods. As the director says, "We know there are ordinary citizens from all walks of life in Salina, and we want to make sure we capture as many of those stories as possible."

To achieve a real connection, the museum team has started listening to the community. They have seen that Salina's Spanish-speaking community is tight-knit, but often separated from the longtime Euro-American residents. To bring everyone closer together, they look for practical solutions, such as working with Spanish students from local universities to translate the exhibits, since only two people on the team speak Spanish.

They also want everyone to know something that many neighbors don't: admission to the museum is free every day. Hawksworth highlights how important this is for families to come forward: "It's amazing how many people say, 'Oh, I didn't know admission was free.'" Remember that money should not be an obstacle to enjoying art and learning. In addition, galleries change their objects and stories every six to eighteen months, allowing new stories to be incorporated dynamically.

The strategic plan, to be finalized this year, will guide the museum over the next five to ten years. It includes plans to expand the building and renovate the space, ensuring diversity is present from the start. Hawksworth's vision is very communal: "I wish anyone who walks through the door could see something related to them and their family." The museum also wants to reach out to African American and Asian communities and work alongside churches and neighborhood groups.

Smoky Hills Museum in Salina, Kansas. Picture by Planeta Venus

Creating a shared memory is a way to build peace and a sense of belonging. The museum directly invites any Hispanic or Latino Salina resident who wants to contribute their voice to the new advisory committee. "It's always worth coming at least once. Admission is free, and we hope that, once you come, you will be hooked and want to come back," says Hawksworth, inviting all families. The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you would like to join the committee or speak with the principal about your family's history, you can call 785-309-5776 or write to museum@salina.org.