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RUSSELL–The Russell County Historical Society has announced the opening of a special exhibit titled, “The 40th Anniversary of the Ford-Dole Visit to Russell, Kansas.” The exhibit is open now at the Fossil Station Museum, 331 Kansas Street, with daily viewing hours of 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
The exhibit will revisit President Gerald Ford and Senator Bob Dole’s 1976 visit to Russell after claiming the party nomination at the Republican National Convention in Kansas City. Following Dole’s selection as Ford’s running mate, the campaign boarded Air Force One for a trip to Dole’s hometown of Russell.
It was an emotional homecoming for Dole, who had recovered in Russell after returning from service in World War II with severe injuries. The citizens of Russell, led by the VFW Chapter 6240, rallied for Dole and raised over $1,800 to help with his medical expenses.
The exhibit will be accompanied by a community event in late summer from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Aug. 20, at the Russell County Courthouse lawn.
The mission of the Russell County Historical Society is one of education through safeguarding and preserving county social and economic history. The Historical Society collects artifacts for preservation and display and collects materials and information representing the development and growth of the county.
For more information, visit www.russellkshistory.com.