Dr. Bob Dinsdale's History Walking Tours
June 17, 2021 @ 7:00PM — August 26, 2021 @ 8:00PM Central Time (US & Canada)
From June through August, local historian Dr. Bob Dinsdale will take you on fascinating trips to various eras and places around Lawrence. Tours available include: Old West Lawrence, 1970s Lawrence, On This Spot Robinson Park, On This Spot KU, and Lawrence 1850-1910.
Advance purchasing is required. Purchases are non-refundable unless the tour is cancelled.
Masks are required for those not fully vaccinated.
50% of ticket proceeds will benefit the Watkins Museum and our mission of preserving Douglas County history. Tour registrants will be added to the Watkins Museum e-blast list.
Tours last about one hour and meet at these locations:
1970s Lawrence: Robinson Park
Lawrence 1850-1910: Outside front entrance of Watkins Museum of History
On This Spot: Robinson Park: Robinson Park
On This Spot: KU: Outside west side of Fraser Hall, 1415 Jayhawk Boulevard
Old West Lawrence: Corner of 7th and Tennessee Streets
Tour Descriptions:
1970s Lawrence. Yes, we were known as Baghdad on the Kaw! Join Dr. Bob Dinsdale, local Lawrence history aficionado and tour leader, and take a six block walk through downtown Lawrence to learn about the social movements of the 1960s and 1970s that culminated in marches, riots, martial law, arson, and killings in our city of 45,000 souls.
Lawrence 1850-1910. This walk through downtown Lawrence lets us learn about the early entrepreneurs, architects, social and business leaders who laid the foundation for our city. Just for good measure I’ll add a dash of 1863 and 1970 history as well.
Old West Lawrence. From its beginnings in 1855, Old West Lawrence has been home to socially and politically prominent families. The beautifully-preserved neighborhood is the perfect backdrop to learn about the people who built and grew the city of Lawrence. We will learn their stories and highlight the variety of architectural styles and building materials that make this area unique.
On This Spot: Robinson Park. Get a sweeping view of history from your lawn chair! This deep dive into Lawrence history will begin in the Paleozoic and conclude in the 21st century-all from a single geographic spot. Join Dr. Bob Dinsdale, local Lawrence history aficionado and tour leader, as we connect the dots of place, people, and events by the Kansas River, center of many pivotal events in Lawrence!
On This Spot: KU. Get a sweeping view of history from your lawn chair! This deep dive into Lawrence history will begin in the Paleozoic and conclude in the 21st century-all from a single geographic spot. Join Dr. Bob Dinsdale, local Lawrence history aficionado and tour leader, as we connect the dots of place, people, and events on Mount Oread, center of the hopes, aspirations, and anger of so many people!