Frank House director, 308.865.8284 OR sullivankw@unk.edu
Programs that celebrate the “month of love” and African-American Heritage Month are scheduled for the month of February at the G.W. Frank House, located on the University of Nebraska at Kearney West Campus, will take place Saturdays at 1:30 p.m.
On Saturday, Feb. 9, the program is “Take heArt.” Participants will learn about art and the history of Valentine’s Day. Nadine Sheldon’s collection of more than 100 Victorian Valentine cards are on display.
During a workshop, people will be given demonstrations, have an opportunity to view historic Valentines and can create their own message of love. Participants will also have a chance to view Nadine Sheldon’s collection of 100 Victorian Valentines in the mansion. Her card collection will be on display all month long.
The next Saturday, Feb. 16, there will be a presentation on “The Frank Men, Leaders of the Abolitionist Movement.” The men of Frank family had been long-time members of the anti-slavery societies. The Honorable Augustus Frank, brother of G.W. Frank, was a U.S. Congressman during the Civil War. Augustus Frank was the original owner of the land where G.W. Frank built his mansion. Augustus Frank was also one of the congressmen who pushed for the 13th Amendment to be passed. The 13th Amendment was passed to abolish slavery and prohibits involuntary servitude. In addition, the father of Augustus Frank was a conductor for the Underground Railroad, which was a system of routes and safe houses used to help slaves move to either free states or to Canada with the help of abolitionists.
The featured attraction for Saturday, Feb. 23, will be a parlor performance by “Roger Mexico.” Kearney musician Paul Powell will perform an array of adult contemporary acoustical music under his stage name.
The Frank House is open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturdays now through May. Various programs about the Frank’s will be presented starting at 1:30 p.m. each Saturday. In addition, guided public tours of the Frank House will be given between 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. The tours highlight the history and art of the Victorian mansion and give detailed information about the artifacts inside.
These events are sponsored by UNK, and all events are free and open to the public.
