Our Past Is Present November 2, 2018

November 2, 2018

            Today’s story on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society is a tribute to Gaylynn Childs, who retired as the Executive Director of our organization in 2012 after having served in that capacity since 1985.  

Gaylynn has stated in her last correspondence to the Society’s membership, that when she came to Junction City she ”knew very little about the community and had relocated here quite reluctantly as a result of the residency requirement that came with her husband’s new job as the Director of the Junction City/Geary County CVB.  Her husband, Norm Childs, had served in the US Army for twenty-plus years and they moved where the Army told them to go.  When he retired from the Army, Gaylynn felt she had earned the right to choose where she and her family would live.  However, as she began to learn the museum business, she also learned something about the fascinating history and the colorful people that built this community and was hooked ever since.”

            Gaylynn recalled that she “had the privilege of seeing the stately old building (at the corner of Sixth and Adams Streets) restored and truly come to life through the efforts of dedicated board members, hundreds of wonderful and friendly volunteers and an assortment of talented staff people” who had shared their knowledge with her. 

            Gaylynn spent countless hours doing research and writing scripts for “Our Past Is Present;” wrote a weekly column for the local newspaper; did fundraising; promoted the work of the Historical Society and did work with others on an annual Gala presentation.  In 2008-2009 she created and organized the Sesquicentennial; developed, oversaw and did physical labor to restore the Starcke House Museum; worked with others to cause attention to the history of the First Territorial Capitol on Fort Riley, edited and collaborated with others to create a 335 page book titled Set In Stone, which is frequently cited by your host on this program.  This is only some of the important work Gaylynn Childs has done to create and encourage people from all over the world to visit and enjoy the wealth of history in Geary County. There have been times when the staff and I have called her to ask questions and without fail, she has instant recall about an event or person we are researching. 

            Thank you Gaylynn for your dedication to making us all aware of how much “Our Past IS Present” in our community through the work you did while serving at the Geary County Historical Society.