Fairfax Industrial District 100th Anniversary Exhibit Opens Next Week

Published on June 27, 2022

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As part of the Fairfax Industrial District Centennial the Wyandotte County Museum will feature the Fairfax Industrial District 100th Anniversary exhibit from July 5th until September 24th. The public is invited to explore this exhibit when it opens next Tuesday.

The Fairfax Industrial District 100th Anniversary exhibit highlights the progression of the district alongside personal memories. It includes familiar and untold stories of people, places, and events in the district. This exhibit is designed to help visitors connect with the place where tens-of-thousands of residents have worked over the past 100 years. Many of the objects and stories on display were shared especially for this exhibit. Visitors will see products made in Fairfax together with items employees saved from their time in Fairfax. Visitors can compare maps of the district, find out how long a company was in business, and look through employee newsletters and newspaper articles. It is a great way for families to connect with their past and we encourage visitors to share their memories connected to the district.

The Fairfax Industrial District began more than 100 years ago with a vision for the future. In 1922, area property owners signed a petition to form the Fairfax Drainage Board. This move ultimately led to the area becoming one of the first planned industrial district, in the country. Through the 1920s the district became a hub for flight schools and airplane manufactures. It continued to expand with new industries despite the Great Depression. The district became a National Center of the Defense Industry during World War II, housing the North American Aviation of Kansas, B-25 plant and the Darby Corporation, which produced landing crafts, aerial bombs, and more. After the war new companies made the district their home. Since then, the Fairfax Industrial District has grown to house more than 130 companies and is still going strong.

A version of this exhibit will also be highlighted at the Fairfax Festival on October 6th, as part of the larger Centennial celebration brought together by the Fairfax Industrial Association.

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