The Museum of World Treasures is a world history museum in Wichita, Kansas, United States. Among the many items on display are Tyrannosaurus, Daspletosaurus, and Tylosaurus specimens (Including "Ivan the T. rex"), Egyptian mummies, signatures of all the American presidents, a section of the Berlin Wall, the Scarecrow's pitchfork from The Wizard of Oz (1939), and the scalp of George A. Custer's nephew, Henry Armstrong Reed, removed by Native Americans at the Custer's Last Stand. The Museum of World Treasures is not limited to a particular aspect of history, but has opted to display an extremely diverse collection representing many different fields of interest and a wide range of subjects. This museum is a member of the American Alliance of Museums, but is not accredited by the organization.
History
Museum of World Treasures in Wichita KS [Explore Kansas] - Museum of World Treasures in Wichita - Kansa is a world history museum. Many items on display such as Daspletosaurus, Tyrannosaurus and Tylosaurus specimens, signatures of all United States...
The museum first opened as the Museum of Ancient Treasures on April 22, 2001, at the Garvey Building in Downtown Wichita. The bulk of the exhibits was originally from the collection of the museum's founder, Dr. Jon Kardatzke. As the Museum of Ancient Treasures began to attract more visitors, it asserted its dedication to serving and educating the community of Wichita. In the process, the museum began to attract more lifetime collectors who shared Kardatzke's passion for history; realizing the scope and aim of the museum, the collectors were honored to display their collections there.
In less than a year, the size and diversity of the museum's collection had changed. It now consisted of over 30 individual private collections, and spanned numerous significant events and cultures from prehistory to the present. Spurred by the purchase of three complete fossil dinosaur skeletons, the museum was forced to look for a larger space to exhibit its vast and growing collection.
The museum relocated to the "Farm and Art Market" in Old Town, Wichita, in 2003 and was renamed The Museum of World Treasures. The new building is a reconstructed three story warehouse that was completely renovated to house the expansive museum collection.
There are now over 300 collectors who have their items on display at the museum. The museum owns approximately 75% of the artifacts
Mission
To provide a gateway to the past that educates, entertains and inspires lifelong learning.
Layout
The three stories of the museum represent different eras in world history. Access to the separate floors can be obtained via a central spiral staircase, or the popular glass elevator the rises above the towering dinosaur exhibit. The first floor also contains the entry foyer and Museum Store.
First floor
The 1st floor of the museum focuses on fossils and ancient human history, as well as a room dedicated to geology. Exhibits of note are:
- Ivan the T. rex - found by Alan Komrosky in 2007, this giant Tyrannosaurus Rex is about 65% fossil. When it was found, it had the most complete tail of any T. rex, with only three vertebrae missing.
- "Sea Creatures of the Plains" - Showcasing Kansas Marine fossils, such as a 34Â ft. Tylosaurus, a Xiphactinus, and a mosasaur.
- Egyptian mummies - Female mummies from ancient Egypt
- Coins of the Roman Emperors - A 50Â ft. time line that showcases gold, silver, and bronze coins from nearly every Roman Emperor, as well as write-ups on their exploits and conquests.
- World Civilizations - Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Egyptian, Pre Columbian, African, Southeast Asian & Ancient Near East showcases.
Second floor
The 2nd floor of the Museum focuses on military history, presidents, and royalty from around the world. Exhibits of note are:
- Royalty Gallery - Signatures and artifacts from the great leaders of Spain, England, France, Russia, Germany, and the Holy Roman Empire.
- Military Gallery - Weaponry and artifacts from the Revolutionary War, the American Civil War, World War I (including a large scale recreation of Trench Warfare), World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
- American Presidents Gallery - Contains the signature of every American president, as well as a replica of the famous Resolute Desk.
Third floor
The exhibits on the 3rd floor feature an ensemble of material from American history. In addition, the top floor of the museum also has a large banquet room that can be rented out for private functions. Exhibits of note are:
- Sports - artifacts from Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan, Joe Montana and more.
- American Pop Culture Gallery - features Scarecrow's pitchfork from The Wizard of Oz.
- Romancing the West - contains cowboys, Native Americans, frontier living, the Pony Express, and other Western artifacts.
- Historic Composers and Music - features original manuscripts from Mozart, Beethoven, Elvis, and Frank Sinatra.
- Kardatzke Historic Authors Collection - collections of famous historic authors and poets such as Robert Frost and Mark Twain.
Rotating exhibits
Some exhibits featured at the Museum of World Treasures are on display for a limited time. To learn more visit - Museum of World Treasures Web Site.
Organization
The Museum of World Treasures is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) Kansas corporation. Tax-deductible donations go directly to support the Museum's many educational programs. The Museum is run by a Board of Directors.
- Staff includes
- President and CEO
- Operations Director
- Curator of Collections
- Curator of Exhibits and Research
- Education Director
- Development Director
- Marketing Assistant
- Front desk staff
- Volunteers
- Docents
Outreach
The museum focuses heavily on educational outreach with programs such as:
- Camp-Ins
- Educational Tours
- Scout Programs
- Community Outreach Programs
- Educational Partnerships
See also
Nearby museums west of Arkansas River in Wichita:
- Botanica, The Wichita Gardens
- Exploration Place
- Mid-America All-Indian Center
- Old Cowtown Museum
- Wichita Art Museum
Nearby museums east of Arkansas River in downtown and oldtown areas of Wichita:
- Great Plains Transportation Museum
- Kansas Sports Hall of Fame
- Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum
References
External links
- Museum of World Treasures Home Site
- 360 Wichita Museum Featurette
- Kansas Travel - Museum of World Treasures
- TripAdvisor.com Museum of World Treasures Review
- Buzzle.com Review - "One of the Most Exciting Museums in the Country"
