Watkins Museum Opened Haskell Stadium Anniversary Exhibit
The Lawrence exhibition celebrates the 100th anniversary of the historic Haskell Memorial Stadium.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Historical
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The Watkins Museum of History has launched a new exhibition dedicated to the centennial of Haskell Memorial Stadium. The display explores the history of the 1926 landmark, which was the first lighted stadium in the Midwest.
Why it matters
The exhibition commemorates the legacy of the stadium, which serves as a World War I memorial to 415 servicemembers from the Haskell Institute. It preserves local history by showcasing artifacts that highlight the intersection of community, athletics, and military remembrance.
Haskell Memorial Stadium was constructed in 1926 and earned historical distinction as the first lighted stadium in the Midwest. The facility continues to serve as a solemn memorial honoring 415 Haskell Institute servicemembers.
The players
Watkins Museum of History
This institution is a local museum located in Lawrence dedicated to preserving the history of Douglas County and the surrounding region.
Haskell Institute
This educational institution is a historic American Indian boarding school that has served as a central hub for Native American education and community life.
Kansas State Historical Society
This state agency manages archives and historic sites to preserve the documentary and material history of Kansas.
Frank McDonald
He was a member of the community whose family provided personal items for the stadium's historical exhibition.
Haskell Cultural Center and Museum
This center serves as a repository for the history and cultural heritage of the students and staff of the Haskell Institute.
The details
Located on the second floor of the Watkins Museum of History, the exhibition titled Lights, Football, Community: Haskell Memorial Stadium Turns 100 features a collection of items sourced from the museum and the Kansas State Historical Society. The display also incorporates historical photographs lent by the Haskell Cultural Center and Museum alongside personal items from the family of Frank McDonald.
Timeline
The stadium was originally built in 1926.
The exhibition officially opened on September 24, 2026.
The exhibition remains on public view until January 16, 2027.
Roadmap
This exhibition highlights the enduring role of mid-20th-century sports infrastructure in American local history. By documenting the stadium's transition from an innovative, lighted venue to a permanent memorial, the museum tracks how civic spaces evolve to meet changing cultural needs.
The exhibition is open to the public with free admission, allowing local residents and visitors to explore the collection during museum hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. It provides an opportunity for the community to engage directly with archival materials that are not typically accessible.
The takeaway
Preserving the history of public venues ensures that the stories of the individuals memorialized within them are not lost to time. Residents are encouraged to visit the exhibition before it closes in 2027 to view artifacts and photographs from the facility's centennial history.
Further reading
Discover more about local heritage in the Lawrence Historical section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by LJWorld.
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