Coming of Age in Johnson County: 1960 - 1976

From the optimism of the early 1960s to the American Bicentennial in 1976, the Johnson County Museum’s current explores the national trends and local issues that make this era so intriguing. In 1960, John F. Kennedy announced that the United States was at the edge of a new frontier. Rather than a territorial frontier, the nation faced the uncharted terrain of changing societal expectations, a new political climate, and unprecedented prominence on the world stage. “The times demand new invention, innovation, imagination, decision,” he declared, and he went on to challenge every American to be a pioneer on that New Frontier.

For Johnson County, the suburbs were the new frontier. The post World War II building boom created a sudden influx of young families—and dramatically altered the way of life in Johnson County. Although the county had long been known for its folksy farming reputation, by 1960 the vast majority of county residents -- 93% -- lived in the newer northeast suburbs. This shift in identity—and the phenomenal population growth that prompted it—presented Johnson County with challenges that, as John F. Kennedy predicted, would demand imagination and decision. Coming of Age in Johnson County: 1960-1976 explores the county’s efforts to reshape itself to meet the demands of modern life—and the high expectations of its citizens.

This exhibit also highlights a number of county residents whose contributions to public life—from fighting the injustice of racial discrimination to proving that a woman’s place was not only in the home, but anywhere she wanted to be—made Johnson County a better place to live.

Exhibit dates: November 10, 2007 - August 31, 2008
Location: Museum of History, 6305 Lackman Road, Shawnee, KS
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Sundays 1:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Admission: FREE

Check out the school program opportunities related to this exhibit!