Living Off the Water: ​The Challenge to Tame and Sustain Life in the Solomon Valley
Shared human experiences with water along the Solomon River from Glasco to Hoxie, Kansas.
During 2017, the Solomon River Heritage Alliance (SVHA) had the honor of participating with The Kansas Humanities Council’s exclusive Kansas tour of Water/Ways, a traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum on Main Street program. 

Besides the seven Kansas host communities there were also nine Water/Ways “partner sites” that endeavored to further extend the statewide conversation about water with local exhibitions and public programs; SVHA member communities including Glasco, Beloit, Alton and Stockton were privileged to be included.
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SVHA created seven panels that convey our story of water in the Solomon Valley.  The first panel introduces Robert McBratney's 1869 diary of his exploration of the valley with several references to the Solomon River, while he explores the route for a future railroad.  His notes form a baseline of observations.  Our stories, exhibit theme and title, Living Off the Water: ​The Challenge to Tame and Sustain Life in the Solomon Valley, reflect our history and heritage.
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The Smithsonian Water/Ways program focused on the numerous relationships between people and water in America. This included how water shaped our history and traditions; how it impacts our daily life. And, what the future of water holds for us.
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The Museum on Main Street program, is a one-of-a-kind cultural project that serves residents of rural America. Support for the program was provided by the US Congress.
Select Below to Read More Water/Ways Stories
R. McBratney  |  Bridging The Solomon  |  Water Power  |  Journeys End  |  Webster Dam  |  Ground Water Issues  |  A Sacred Promise