Kansas Tourism Awards Attraction Development Grant to Museum of World Treasures
March 13, 2026
Kansas Tourism has awarded a Kansas Attraction Development Grant to Museum of World Treasures to support development of the Gateway Learning Space, a new flexible environment designed to expand hands-on history experiences for visitors.
Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe presented the grant during a visit to the museum on March 13, marking the official launch of development for the new learning space. Museum co-founder Lorna Kardatzke attended the presentation alongside museum leadership, board members, and community supporters.
“Museum of World Treasures truly is one of the treasures of Kansas,” said Bridgette Jobe, Kansas Tourism Director. “We love promoting it, and it has become a fixture for Wichita.”
A New Hub for Hands-On History
The Gateway Learning Space will serve as a dedicated program hub where visitors can engage directly with world history through demonstrations, workshops, and guided learning experiences.
The space will support a wide range of programming, including:
- hands-on artifact encounters
- historical demonstrations
- early childhood discovery activities
- scout and school programs
- lectures and presentations
- community learning events
“We are incredibly grateful to Kansas Tourism for investing in this project,” said Danielle Clark, Development Director at Museum of World Treasures. “By combining authentic artifacts, interactive technology, and hands-on programming, the Gateway Learning Space will transform the way visitors experience history at the museum.”
Strengthening Tourism and Educational Programming
Kansas Tourism’s Attraction Development Grant program supports projects that enhance visitor experiences and strengthen tourism across the state. The funding will allow Museum of World Treasures to expand interactive programming that engages families, students, and lifelong learners while contributing to Wichita’s cultural tourism economy.
The Gateway Learning Space will allow the museum to host a broader range of educational programs and community events throughout the year, creating new opportunities for visitors to connect with world history.
As Museum of World Treasures celebrates its 25th anniversary, the Gateway Learning Space represents the next chapter in the museum’s evolution and its continued commitment to sharing world history through engaging visitor experiences.
