Digital Memories

GCHS Digital Memories Project: Juneteenth

In 2017, Geary County Historical Society started a new oral history program, Memories at the Museum, as a way to collect stories and memories from members of the public. Our plans for 2020 were disrupted by the historic COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the nation. Out of an abundance of caution, we are introducing a new way to participate in Memories at the Museum without gathering face-to-face, called Digital Memories. 

The first Digital Memories theme is Juneteenth, the topic we had planned to discuss for the month of June. Junenteenth has been celebrated in Junction City for decades, so as most people in Junction City know, Juneteenth commemorates the day of June 19, 1865, when enslaved Texans were belatedly informed of their freedom.

How to Participate

Simply download our fillable Digital Memories document to your computer, fill it out, save it, and email it to us at GearyHistory@gmail.com. Participants are also welcome to write their responses by hand and mail their response to us at our address, 530 N. Adams, Junction City, KS 66441.

Want to share your story with staff at the museum? Call us at 785-238-1666 to schedule a personal interview. 

Not the writing type? For those who prefer to tell us their story out loud, we also welcome audio and video responses. For families, interviewing one another on camera about these topics is a wonderful way to share knowledge and personal history, while building important life skills and strengthening intergenerational bonds. Simply conscript a younger family member to interview you! 

You are welcome to share your audio or video recordings with us at GearyHistory@gmail.com. By sharing these memories with us, you grant permission to GCHS to enter your submission to our historical archives for use in future research and exhibits. If you prefer some degree of anonymity, let us know, and we will work with you to protect your privacy.

Don't let these prompts limit you — these are just a starting point. Feel free to come up with your own questions to answer or simply tell us your story! In our usual Memories at the Museum program, prompts are not necessary, as participants do a great job of starting a conversation and discussion among themselves, which is one reason we encourage folks to interview one another.

Questions? Comments? Feel free to give us a call at 785-238-1666 for more information.

Thank you for helping us make history.