Although the town of Haviland, Kansas only occupies a 0.5 square mile area with a population of 701, this town is definitely sheds new light on the old expression ‘big things often come in little packages.’ The town was named for Laura Haviland who as a champion of the Underground Railroad during the Civil War. Had it not been for the discovery of meteorite fragments, Haviland would probably be just a dot on the map as opposed to the home of an annual meteorite festival and a host of other activities.
One special attraction for visitors is the annual Antique Engine Show devoted to of agricultural equipment of yesteryear. Highlights of this event are tractor pull competitions for both adults and children. Other activities taking place are craft and quilt display and sale.
Another special event is the annual auction sale under the auspices of the ladies auxiliary of Barclay College. This fundraiser, features sales of ceramics and craft items along with machine and handmade quilts. Another interesting sale is conducted each spring and fall by the Haviland Home Business Association dedicated to and presented by local entrepreneurs.
A Christmas pageant is hosted each year by the college and the local churches. This pageant takes place with the help of members of the Quaker and Methodist churches and includes live animals.
The main visitor attraction for Haviland is the Kansas Meteorite Museum which is an outgrowth of the discovery of a 50ft diameter crater believed to be less than 1000 years old. From fragments first collected by Native Americans, the exhibit has now grown to around 3 tons varying from grapefruit size to a much larger specimen found in 2009. In addition to fragment exhibits are demonstrations of how fragments were fashioned into tools and other objects by early settlers.Still bored? Click to continue: Unravelling the Myth of Quilts and the Underground Railroad