The American Grain Elevator
Educational entities only
(Running time: 43:59)
They’re called sentinels, standing guard over expansive fields and grasslands. They’re also called lighthouses of the plains, directing travelers to the nearest town “They” are grain elevators, and they’re celebrated in the book, The American Grain Elevator: Function & Form. In this engaging video, author Linda Laird discusses these unique structures, why and when they began, purposes, different materials used and more. There are also a number of close-up shots of collectible items and pictures. But wait, there’s more. When you borrow this interesting video, you’ll also be borrowing a copy of the featured book, which was the culmination of a 20-year project to photograph and document American grain elevators. (Note: the sound drops briefly at 2:23)
DC3
Educational entities only
(Running time: approx. 1 hour)
Look in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! Actually, it’s three tricked out planes, used by the amazing DC3 project. Salina was the base location and project operations center for the DC3 (Deep Convective Clouds and Chemistry Project). Join Dr. Steven Rutledge, Atmospheric Science Professor at Colorado State University, and principal investigator for the DC3 project, as he lays a foundation of understanding about ozone, lightening and clouds then proceeds to outline the exciting DC3 project. Using aircraft equipped with impressive and extensive scientific instruments, the project worked to provide comprehensive measurement of how clouds precipitate, how they make lightening, how they process chemicals in the atmosphere and what impacts they may have on climate in the long term.
Kansas Train Tales
Educational entities only
(Running time: approx. 35 minutes)
All aboard! In this engaging video, Kansas author Robert Collins shares some of his extensive knowledge of area train lines. This video is driven by audience questions and topics covered include the Doodlebug, the train on display in Salina’s Oakdale Park, the Andover train robbery, Harvey Houses, Native Americans and more.
Robert Collins is the author of more than 14 books and numerous articles and short stories. Filmed April 1, 2010, as the Smoky Hill Museum’s First Thursday presentation
History of Camp Phillips
Educational entities only
Don't miss this visual, energetic and engaging presentation, as Dr. Merle "Boo" Hodges, shares about the men, the mission and the memory of Camps Phillips. It was born of necessity, used for training troops for war, and then taken apart. While Camp Phillips was used for a relatively short time - its legacy lives on.
History of Schilling Air Force Base
Educational entities only
(Running time: 59:31)
Take to the skies with this engaging video. It will introduce you to twenty facts about the Schilling Air Force Base. Some are well known, while others are little known and surprising. Presenter, Tim Rogers, executive director of the Salina Airport Authority, uses numerous photos and memorabilia to tell the story. Enjoy a sneak peek at the Wings Over Salina Aviation Experience.
Oceans of Kansas
Educational entities only
(Running time: approx 1 hour 19 minutes)
Explore the days when Kansas was under water and teeming with incredible ocean creatures with Mike Everhart, adjunct curator of paleontology at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History. He is also the author of the book Oceans of Kansas. Mike employs striking visuals and engaging discussion to bring alive a time of scales and teeth. Filmed as the Smoky Hill Museum's March 2010 First Thursday presentation.
The Two Greatest Cattle Trails
Educational entities and other public groups
(Running time: approx. 42 minutes)
It was a world of dust and horns. A place where many men learned their “true grit.” Cattle trails weren’t for the faint of heart, and Salina was nestled between the two greatest trails, the Chisholm and Western. This engaging presentation covers the history of cattle trails, challenges, the drive itself and much more.
Dennis Garstang is a member of the Wild West History Association. Filmed May 6, 2010, as the Smoky Hill Museum’s First Thursday presentation.
Understanding the Maya and the 2012 Apocalypse: Fact or Fiction?
Educational entities only
(Running time: approx. 1 hour 5 minutes)
Delve into 2012! This engaging and visual presentation helps separate fact from fiction and reality from hype. Dr. Heather McCrea discusses a number of the 2012 apocalyptic theories and philosophies, then turns her attention to the Maya calendar, writing systems, world views and more.
Dr. Heather McCrea is an assistant professor of history at Kansas State University. Filmed June 3, 2010, as the Smoky Hill Museum’s First Thursday presentation.
The Smoky Hill Museum
Educational Lending Library
To arrange use of any of our Lending Library titles, please contact our Curator of Education Nona Miller. nona.miller@salina.org (785) 309-5776