The Johnson County Museum will waive admission fees Sept. 12 for a free look at its "Everyday Democracy" exhibit. The special exhibit traces nearly two centuries of Johnson County history, from the forced removal of Shawnee people to modern-day immigrant support organizations.
On display through the end of 2026, "Everyday Democracy: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness in Johnson County" explores how residents have experienced, challenged and reshaped the nation's founding ideals in everyday life.
One section focuses on Charles Bluejacket, a Shawnee leader who lived through the 1825 treaty that set his people's removal in motion. Bluejacket and other Shawnee people were relocated to a reservation that included present-day Johnson County. He operated a farm and orchard, served as an interpreter in dealings with the U.S. government and became a leader in the Shawnee Methodist Church before relocating to Indian Territory in 1871.
Another section highlights Charles W. Ekengren, a Swedish immigrant naturalized as a U.S. citizen in 1859. Ekengren volunteered for the Union's 2nd Kansas Volunteer Cavalry during the Civil War. A fall from his horse severely injured his ankle, and he returned to Olathe to work as a stonemason and plasterer.
The exhibit also documents how suburban growth reshaped the county. Developers J.C. Nichols and William Strang marketed homeownership as a pathway to prosperity, but by 1950, racially restrictive covenants covered 96% of Johnson County's suburban neighborhoods, according to the Johnson County Post. Those covenants prevented Black families and other potential homebuyers of color from owning property.
A section on immigration highlights the Naturalization Council of Wyandotte and Johnson Counties, which offered weekly English and citizenship classes in the 1960s and 1970s. That thread continues with Eye of an Immigrant, a nonprofit founded in 2020 by Komal Kaur, then a high school junior at Olathe East. The organization amplifies immigrant voices and helps families with financial barriers in the immigration process.
Near the exhibit's end, visitors can write a postcard to Johnson County residents in 2076, when the nation will mark its 300th anniversary.
The Sept. 12 Free Day is one of four the museum holds each year. The final 2026 Free Day falls on Wednesday, Nov. 25. On regular days, admission runs $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, veterans, active-duty military and students 18 and older with ID, and $4 for children ages 1 through 17. A family cap of $23 applies. SNAP EBT cardholders receive 50% off through the Museums for All program, according to the museum's visitor information page.
Johnson County Library cardholders can also pick up a limited number of free museum passes at any of the library system's 14 locations.
The museum, at 8788 Metcalf Ave. in Overland Park, is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Upcoming community events
- Saturday, Sept. 12 — Johnson County Museum Free Day, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park. Free admission.
- Saturday, Sept. 19 — Prairie Village Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.
- Wednesday, Nov. 25 — Johnson County Museum Free Day, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park. Free admission.
