Business Details
25 Years
experience
Explore History at Museum Of World Treasures
Founded in 2001 by Dr. Jon and Lorna Kardatzke, the Museum Of World Treasures provides a gateway to the past that educates, entertains, and inspires lifelong learning. Located in Old Town Wichita, Kansas, our three-floor facility houses over 30 exhibits spanning natural history, military conflicts, ancient civilizations, and cultural artifacts. We offer immersive educational programs for schools, scouts, and homeschool groups, complemented by hands-on activities and expert-led tours. Our venue accommodates private events from weddings to corporate meetings, combining historical ambiance with modern amenities. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we rely on memberships, donations, and community support to maintain our collections and expand our educational outreach.Our team of curators and volunteers ensures artifacts are preserved and presented with historical accuracy. Through rotating exhibits and special events like midnight camp-ins, we create engaging experiences for visitors of all ages. Our commitment to accessibility includes wheelchair access, educational resources, and inclusive pricing programs like Museums for All. By bridging past and present, we foster curiosity and cultural appreciation within our community. This mission drives every aspect of our operations, from artifact acquisition to public programming.
Services
Fossil Exhibits
Military History Tours
Educational Field Trips
Event Space Rentals
Artifact Preservation
Lecture Series
Scout Programs
Virtual Exhibits
Membership Programs
Group Tours
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of curated historical expertise across 30+ exhibits
- Our venue combines educational programming with unique event hosting capabilities
- We provide ADA-compliant accessibility across all three museum floors
- Our team includes specialized curators and trained educational docents
- We maintain partnerships with local schools and community organizations
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
What people say
Amazing variety
Great family activity
Knowledgeable staff
Unique venue
Educational programs
Services
Fossil Exhibits
Our Fossil Gallery features complete dinosaur skeletons including Ivan the T. rex and Ed the Edmontosaurus. Interactive displays explain fossilization processes and paleontological techniques. Visitors explore prehistoric marine life from Kansas' ancient sea bed alongside Cenozoic era specimens.
Educational Programs
We provide curriculum-aligned field trips for K-12 students with guided tours and hands-on activities. Special programs for scouts, homeschool groups, and virtual learners include artifact analysis and historical reenactments. Educator resources support lesson planning and group visits.
Event Rentals
Our banquet facility accommodates weddings, corporate events, and private parties with historical ambiance. The space features Egyptian mummies and dinosaur exhibits as unique backdrops. In-house catering and event coordination services available with flexible pricing options.
Military Exhibits
Comprehensive military galleries cover conflicts from Civil War to Vietnam War. Authentic uniforms, weapons, and personal artifacts illustrate soldier experiences. Special displays include Berlin Wall segments and World War II battlefield recreations with first-hand interview recordings.
Ancient Civilizations
Exhibits showcase Mesopotamian relics, Egyptian mummies, Greek pottery, and Roman coins. Rotating displays feature Pre-Hispanic African artifacts and Asian royal treasures. Interactive timelines and preservation demonstrations help visitors understand historical context and archaeological methods.
People
Dr. Jon Kardatzke
Founder
Co-founded the museum in 2001 with a vision to make history accessible through tangible artifacts. A former educator, he oversees collection development and educational programming strategy.
Lorna Kardatzke
Founder
Co-founder instrumental in establishing the museum's nonprofit status and community partnerships. Focuses on donor relations and expanding educational outreach initiatives.
Questions
What are the museum's operating hours?
We're open Monday-Saturday 10 AM-5 PM and Sunday 12 PM-5 PM. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.
Do you offer group discounts?
Yes, group rates available for parties of 10+. Contact us directly for special pricing and reservations.
Can I host events at the museum?
Our venue accommodates weddings, corporate events, and private parties with historical ambiance and modern amenities.
Are there educational programs for schools?
We provide curriculum-aligned field trips, scout programs, and virtual learning resources with hands-on historical activities.
How can I support the museum?
Support through memberships, donations, volunteering, or attending fundraising events helps sustain our educational mission.
Is the museum accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Fully wheelchair accessible with elevator access to all floors and designated parking spaces available.
