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SVHA MISSION STATEMENT

The purpose of this association shall be to collect, arrange and preserve historical data, books, pamphlets and manuscripts pertaining to the early history and settlement of our community in general and the City of Lindsborg in particular; to preserve and beautify places of historical interest in our city and its vicinity; and to promote the study of history of our settlement and its cultural growth by lectures and other available means.

Coronado Heights SVHA Facebook Page

The SVHA is now on Facebook

Check our Facebook page for the most up-to-date information concerning the Smoky Valley Historical Association, including our public meetings schedule.

Welcome to the Smoky Valley
Historical Association web site

Becoming part of the world wide web is something new for the SVHA. Some of our members, even members of our board, don't know how to turn on a computer, let alone surf the Internet. But we all recognize the need to broaden our outreach to points well beyond the Smoky Hill River Valley of central Kansas.

Keep in mind this is a "work in progress" and more articles, illustrations, and photographs will be included in the months and years to come. We have even discussed making historic video and audio clips available. So keep coming back; history is made every day and there will always be more to add.

Please share your thoughts on our site and/or make suggestions on subjects you feel we should include. Our e-mail address is info@lindsborghistory.org

I want to thank Jay Richardson for sharing his talents in the design and execution of this site and Richard Voigt of KASINET for hosting this pioneering effort (pioneering for us, anyway!).

Chris Abercrombie
SVHA board member
Web site coordinator


Our Pictorial Tour

The highlight of our web site is a Pictorial Tour that features both vintage and modern photos of the various historical sites in Lindsborg and the Smoky Valley. Take the tour by clicking on any of the photos shown to the left.

Coronado Heights

The Smoky Valley Historical Association owns and manages the popular Coronado Heights recreation area and historical site. General information about Coronado Heights can be found by clicking on the "Coronado Heights" photo shown to the left. The rules and regulations for the use of the Heights can be found in the Coronado Heights Use Policy.

SVHA News

The SVHA board recently voted to make up to $7,000 available for restoration work on the 1904 Swedish Pavilion in Heritage Square at the Old Mill Museum Complex, specifically the porches on the east and west wings of the building.

The SVHA was at 2009's Svensk Hyllningsfest. We presented continuous showings of historic films, including full color films of early Hyllningsfest celebrations dating back to the first festival in 1941. The early festival films were made by Dr. William Holwerda, founder of Hyllningsfest.

Funding

Membership contributions are the SVHA's major source of on-going funding. A free-will donation in any amount will secure your membership in the Association for the year. Memberships are renewed in the first quarter of each year.

Significant contributions are received from time-to-time, generally with a specific project in mind. A number of local businesses, organizations, and individuals have contributed to the signage the SVHA has placed along the Välkommen Trail, for instance. Gifts in memory of Bryce Carlson, a Bethany College graduate and enthusiastic supporter of all things Lindsborg, and from the estate of the Lindstrom brothers, who farmed near Falun for many years, have been set aside for the maintenance of Coronado Heights and the road leading to the top of the hill.

Grants, such as those awarded by the Kansas Humanities Council, are also available from time-to-time to further the mission of the SVHA.

Funding for worthwhile projects designed to preserve the rich history of the Smoky Valley and its people are always welcomed. Please contact the Association at info@lindsborghistory.org to share your ideas on how we can further our mission.

The Smoky Valley Historical Association Board of Directors

Chris Abercrombie, president
Barbara Buskirk, vice-president
Marvin Johnson, secretary
Lenora Lynam, treasurer
Ken Branch
Dr. Duane Fredrickson
Julie Neywick
Richard Patrick
Chester G. Peterson

Contact Us

You can e-mail us at:

info@lindsborghistory.org

Our mailing address is:

Smoky Valley Historical Association, Inc.
PO Box 255
Lindsborg, KS 67456

Other Local Links of Interest

Bethany College

City of Lindsborg

Lindsborg Convention & Visitors Bureau

Lindsborg Chamber of Commerce

ATTRACTIONS:

Anatoly Karpov International School of Chess

Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery

Old Mill Museum

Red Barn Studio

EVENTS:

Midsummer's Festival

Svensk Hyllningsfest

Credits

Photos are from the Old Mill Museum collection and private individuals. The text was written by Chris Abercrombie. The web site is designed and maintained by Jay Richardson, and is hosted by KASINET.

This site was last updated on 12 Sep 2011.

Bethany Lutheran Church