New Face, New Neighbors - Fort Scott National Historic Site Art Exhibit

 Fort Scott National Historic Site hosts “New Faces, New Neighbors” Textile Art Display 
 
FORT SCOTT, KANSAS: Do you like art and history?  Come to Fort Scott National Historic Site (NHS) and learn the history of the site as told by art that was created by youth from across the United States and throughout the world.  The art exhibit, titled “New Faces, New Neighbors”, will consist of 60 different pieces of textiles.  The exhibit will be on display from Thursday, February 1 through Saturday, March 31, 2018.  It will be located on the second floor of the Infantry Barracks Museum in the hallway next to the theater. 
 
“New Faces, New Neighbors” is a theme that has resonated throughout the history of Fort Scott.  Soldiers and American Indians found themselves as new neighbors and had to face many challenges and adaptions along the way.  During the Bleeding Kansas era, conflict evolved among neighbors, as the topic of slavery became an issue that divided the town of Fort Scott and Kansas Territory.  During the Civil War, Fort Scott saw new faces as American Indians and African Americans enlisted to fight for the Union Army.  In addition, Fort Scott became a place of refuge for many people of diverse backgrounds.  Caring for these refugees provided an opportunity for the town’s residents to work together for a common cause.  After the Civil War, more new neighbors came to Fort Scott with the railroads as the town transformed into a regional trade center.  This story of settlement and resettlement, promises made and broken, dreams built and shattered, and facing challenges with new neighbors can all be seen through the creative minds of youth in the “New Faces, New Neighbors” art exhibit.  We welcome you to come join us and explore this amazing story of Fort Scott.