Travel through time and witness the wonderful history, heritage, and legacy of Oswego, Kansas, as you explore the Oswego Historical Society Museum and delve into the resources at the Genealogy Center.
Step into a time when a simple postcard carried news, love, travel stories, and everyday moments across miles. Postcards from the Past is a charming and nostalgic exhibit at the Oswego Historical Society Museum and Genealogy Center that showcases historic postcards from Oswego, surrounding communities, and beyond, offering a glimpse into how people once shared their world.
From early street scenes and landmarks to handwritten notes filled with personality and heart, each postcard serves as a miniature window into another era. Visitors will discover how postcards documented changing landscapes, captured special occasions, and preserved pieces of daily life that might otherwise be forgotten.
Whether you’re a history lover, postcard collector, genealogy enthusiast, or simply curious about the past, this exhibit invites you to slow down, look closely, and connect with the stories behind the ink and paper.
Come explore Postcards from the Past and see how small messages helped shape big memories right here at the museum.
Thursdays: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Special Saturday Opening
We will be OPEN Saturday, February 28 from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM!
Stop in and explore our exhibits, including Postcards from the Past, and enjoy a cozy winter visit to the museum. We look forward to welcoming you!
One Sunflower, Many Stories is a collaborative community art project celebrating creativity, connection, and shared history in Oswego. This large-scale sunflower artwork is made up of individual canvas squares, each created by a different participant. When assembled, the pieces come together to form one unified sunflower—symbolizing how many unique stories and lives create one strong community.
This project invites artists of all ages and skill levels to contribute their personal expression using paint, mixed media, natural materials, or found objects. Every square represents a story, memory, feeling, or connection to Oswego.
There is no wrong way to create. Every square matters.
Paint, markers, colored pencils, paint pens, yarn, ribbon, fabric scraps, paper collage, seeds, dried flowers, leaves, sand, small rocks, recycled materials, and mixed media.
Lightweight materials work best.
Please avoid sharp items, glass, or perishable food.
This project reflects the heart of Oswego—people, stories, and creativity coming together. Just as each sunflower seed plays a role in the whole flower, each participant’s square contributes to a lasting visual story of our community.
One community. One sunflower. Many stories.
This activity is made possible through grant funding from the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK)through the 2025 General Funds – Arts & Culture, supporting the Oswego Historical Society’s Historic Arts Workshop Series for Youth.
All ages and all skill levels are welcome, including:
Individuals • Families • Classrooms • Homeschool Groups • Youth Groups • Community Organizations
$10 per canvas
FREE for classrooms, homeschool groups, and youth participants
(Supplies included)
Oswego Historical Society Museum
805 Barker Drive, Oswego
Available during regular museum hours
Winter Hours:
Thursday: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Group and classroom pickups available by request.
Call or text 620.717.1415 to arrange pickup during closed hours.
Return Deadline
Please return completed canvases by February 28..
The Oswego Historical Society Museum and Genealogy Center is an essential destination for anyone fascinated by Kansas history and the rich heritage of Oswego, Kansas. The museum is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 1pm to 5pm during the peak season of June through October, or by appointment. Visitors can enjoy a captivating glimpse into the area's past. As part of the SEK Museum Alliance Passport Program and the Sunflower Summer Program, the Genealogy Center provides a unique opportunity for guests to explore the cultural and historical significance of the region.
Join the Oswego Historical Society Museum for just $10/year and help preserve the stories that shaped our community.
✨ Free admission, exclusive updates, event invites & more!