Teachers Hall of Fame to host open house every Saturday
By Cherise Forno
Dodge City Daily Globe
The Kansas Teachers Hall of Fame is opening its doors Saturday for the holiday season.
The open houses, every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through December 20, provide tourists and Dodge City residents alike the opportunity to purchase Christmas gifts, learn more about Kansas education and the hall of fame and tour the wax museum.
A variety of gift items will be available with a 10 percent discount, including classroom items, souvenirs, western-themed decor, Jim Shore items, an angels collection, children's toys, jewelry, candles, Christmas ornaments and more.
Mary Lou Doris, a retired Dodge City teacher and volunteer at the hall of fame, said the gift shop manages to keep prices low because it is run by volunteers, most of which are retired educators.
The Gunfighters Wax Museum will also be open to visitors free of charge. The upstairs wax museum takes visitors on a tour through history, giving people the chance to see John F. Kennedy, who is an honorary marshal of Dodge City, Gunsmoke characters and Boot Hill scenery. The exhibit, which is decorated with creative displays and lit by blacklights, even features a Halloween display.
"It does give a history lesson if you read all the information," said Judy Jones, a volunteer who taught in Dodge City for more than 35 years and still serves as a substitute teacher when she has time.
During the open houses, guests will also be able to walk through the Hall of Fame Gallery and one-room schoolhouse, where they can learn more about the early days of education and look through memorabilia.
The Kansas Teachers Hall of Fame began in 1977 to recognize past and present day teachers who made contributions to the profession and children in Kansas. Inductees must be people who taught in Kansas for at least 25 years, receive a nomination and have five letters of recommendation.
Reach Cherise Forno at (620) 408-9931 or e-mail her at cherise.forno@dodgeglobe.com.
If you go....
What: Kansas Teachers Hall of Fame Open House
When: Nov. 22, 29 and Dec. 6, 13 and 20.
Time: 10 a.m. — 2 p.m.
Where: 603 Fifth Ave.
Cost: Free
