Water history exhibit grand opening at El Quartelejo Museum in Scott City
SCOTT CITY — El Quartelejo Museum, in collaboration with the Kansas Geological Survey and Groundwater Management District 1, will open its newest exhibit, “History of Scott County Irrigation and the Ogallala Aquifer,” on Aug. 16.
Using a variety of multimedia components, the exhibit combines the scientific study of water and local history to show the story of water use in western Kansas.
“The exhibit focuses on farming outcomes, water resources, management and education to illustrate the irrigation history of Scott County and the High Plains of western Kansas,” said Stephanie Fisher, El Quartelejo Museum director. “Its goal is to highlight primary sources, photographs and interactive educational elements.”
Sunday Siomades, who interned with the museum through the University of Kansas’ Museum Studies program, designed the exhibit.
“The design of the exhibit seeks to connect visitors with water history in tactile, immersive ways to demonstrate how communities interact with the natural environment,” said Siomades, who is studying geology and science communication through the KU Department of Geology and the Kansas Geological Survey.
The exhibit begins with early Scott County irrigation in the 1650s and moves through time to the management practices and water science that define present-day agriculture. Scott County's cattle industry — the fourth highest in the nation — relies heavily on groundwater. Consequently, the status of the Ogallala aquifer, which provides this essential water resource, is especially relevant to the county.
Exhibit visitors will learn about historical innovations (and innovators) in irrigation, explore the science of aquifers and groundwater and watch water flow through the decades right under their feet.
The installation represents locality-driven science outreach designed to equip visitors of all ages with the historical and scientific background to discuss community water resources. Katie Durham, GMD1 manager, said the district sees education and outreach as critical components in protecting groundwater for future generations.
“Sharing the history of irrigation in our district helps us all to understand where we’ve been, the challenges we face and why the progress being made is so important to our communities, culture and economy,” she said.
In conjunction with the new exhibit, the KGS plans presentations, educational games, and activities for the public beginning at 10 a.m. at the museum. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the exhibit will take place at 2 p.m. The schedule of events is available online.
“I’m so grateful to the museum for providing the KGS with this opportunity,” said Blair Schneider, KGS science outreach manager and exhibit contributor. “I hope that this project paves a pathway for the KGS to partner with more community museums across the state.”
The “History of Scott County Irrigation and the Ogallala Aquifer” joins a variety of paleontological and anthropological exhibits featured at El Quartelejo Museum and Jerry Thomas Gallery and Collection on topics ranging from Kansas's prehistoric inland sea to Native American history to modern municipal development.
About the Kansas Geological Survey
The KGS is a nonregulatory research and service division of the University of Kansas. KGS researchers study and provide information about the state’s geologic resources and hazards, including groundwater, oil and natural gas, critical materials and earthquakes.