The National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame opened for the
1999 season on Monday, March 15. The opening coincided with
National Agricultural Week, March 15-19.
The Center offers a variety of special events and educational
programs that are designed to educate the public about the history
and importance of agriculture. Some relate to America’s rural
agricultural heritage and others tell the story of America’s
abundance of wholesome inexpensive foods.
The National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame was chartered
by Congress to honor the American farmer. It is a unique 172 acre
complex, 18 miles west of Kansas City, that incorporates:
The Center’s main building, housing farming and rural life
exhibits, a 200 seat auditorium, a gallery of rural art, and a gift
shop.
The Agricultural Hall of Fame, honoring American
agriculture’s most prominent historical figures, among them
George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Deere, and Cyrus
McCormick.
The Museum of Farming, displaying classic tractors, threshers,
and other implements that have made real differences in
farming.
Farm Town USA, a replica of an early 1900s rural village,
including a farmstead, blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, railroad
depot, poultry hatchery and general store.
The National Farmers’ Memorial, featuring three massive,
high-relief bronze panels that honor farmers past, present and
future.
A narrow-gauge miniature train, one-mile nature trail, and
picnic facilities.
The 1999 schedule of events includes: April 18, an old-fashioned
country auction to benefit the Center; June 12-13, Hot Dog and Ice
Cream Days; July 17, Farm Heritage Day; September 12,
Grandparents’ Day; September 16, Ag Hall Golf Classic;
September 18, Sheep Fest; October weekends, group hayrides;
December 11-12 & 18-19, Santa’s Express Train.
The Center is open seven days a week from mid-March through
November (except major holidays), and is located near the
interchange of I-70 and Kansas Route 7 in Bonner Springs, Kansas.
Admission fees apply. For more information, please call
913-721-1075 or visit their website at www.AgHallof-Fame.com.
