Kansas State University alum and Emporia native Kim Westcott has recently taken on the role of director at the Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum. She was recently welcomed with a meet and greet event at K’s Place on Monday, Aug. 4.
Westcott said she studied both history and ethnic studies during her time at Kansas State University.
“I’m really excited to have everyone come out and say ‘Hi,’” Westcott said. “I feel like small museums can be the heart of a community; they are definitely a place where community members can go, especially since the museum is free,” Westcott said.
Westcott said she wants it to be a place where people can get out of the heat and enjoy learning.
“You get to know about history,” Westcott said. “I’m a big history buff. I think it is super important to celebrate our history and the people who have gotten us to where we are today.”
To prepare herself for this role, Westcott said she has begun working through the books written by the Johnsons, and said she plans to watch all of their films as well.
She also learns a lot from the exhibits.
“I think my favorite is the Lizzie Le Blond exhibit. She was one of the very first women to be a sports journalist and filmmaker,” Westcott said.
“The way she would climb mountains in her hoop skirt, and the heeled boots — I think that’s amazing.”
Westcott said both Le Blond and Osa Johnson defied gender stereotypes for their era.
“I think that’s my favorite thing; the women’s empowerment portion of the museum.”
An odd fact she enjoys sharing is that Osa used to walk her pet cheetahs around town, and that she also had pet gorillas.
To Westcott, this history draws parallels to modern life.
“They were the trendsetters of their time, and I think about how similar that is to today,” Westcott said.
Stop by the Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum to meet Kim and learn more about the Johnsons. It is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday. August admission is free, courtesy of Jennifer Dietsch State Farm. The museum is located at 111 N. Lincoln Ave., Chanute.
