Historic Base Ball Exhibit

Old Cowtown Museum is celebrating America’s 250^th with a new exhibit beginning Sunday, June 7 from noon to 5 p.m. at the museum, 1865 W. Museum Blvd. The155^th Celebration of Base Ball in Wichita exhibit will showcase early Wichita baseball, or “base ball” as it was originally called, including a feature on the first organized Wichita team, which debuted in 1871.

From the 1870s through 1885, the country’s newfound love of baseball grew, and Wichita served as an innovator not only for the sport, but for civic issues that reflected a changing society. Historic Kansas baseball teams pushed back against societal norms at the time, including featuring integrated teams, women’s teams and Native American teams.

The exhibit was created in coordination with the Cowtown Vintage Base Ball Club (CVBB), which has been playing at the museum since 2004. Guests are invited to come explore the history and impact baseball had on the nation and the city of Wichita in its early years.

Author Vance Aaron Davis, a historian on the CVBB, has authored the story of Wichita baseball in the book “Heart and Purse – The Story of Early Base Ball in Wichita, Kansas 1870-1879.” A book signing will be held from noon to 1 p.m. on June 7, prior to the CVBB 1 p.m. game  between the Wichita Red Stockings and the Wichita Bulldozers on the Cowtown baseball field .

Every Sunday from April to October is "Pay What You Wish Admission" thanks to a generous donation from Colby Sandlian. Regular adult admission to the museum is $12, $10 for children.