KrisAnn Sullivan
Frank House director, 308.865.8284 OR sullivankw@unk.edu
UNK- The history of the restoration and development of the Frank House since it became a museum in the 1970’s, and the vision of the future of the Frank House, will be presented in “A Frank Talk with the Director” on Saturday, April 11, from 1:30-2:30 p.m.
KrisAnn Sullivan is the director of the Frank House museum, which is located on the University of Nebraska at Kearney West Campus. She will discuss recent developments, including special events, partnerships, house attendance, a major staff project and plans for refurbishing, at the Frank House museum. In addition, the identity of the Frank House and informal walking tours will also be presented. There are 30 seats available, and there is no registration fee, although donations to the Frank House will be accepted.
Recently, the Frank House has been undergoing a refurbishing project to the southwest rooms and halls of the first floor. The project is approved by the Frank House Advisory Board members and funded in part by the Friends of the Frank House.
“The museum’s actions are directed toward a vision of the Frank House as refurbished to its grandeur, and recognized as a showcase of Nebraska’s cultural heritage and the university’s excellent education, scholarship and public service,” Sullivan said.
Last year alone, more than 150 events and meetings took place at the Frank House, and 151 tours were given. Of these, the Saturday at the Frank House program has grown to include 10 programs for the public each semester, some resulting in more than 50 people in attendance.
“New partnerships have been formed with Trails and Rails, the Museum of Nebraska Art, Rowe Sanctuary, Children’s Museum, Kearney Visitors Center and Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce, bringing education, cultural outreach and promotional activities to the region through cooperative events such as ‘Teacher’s Night Out,’” Sullivan said. Recently, the Frank House staff has been digitizing 1,000 letters of Augustus Frank.
“Soon Nebraska students will be able to transcribe, search and study the letters,” Sullivan said.
The Preservation Celebration, similar to an “Antiques Road Show,” is a new annual event featuring faculty experts giving evaluations of antique items that are brought to the event by the public. It will be held on May 2.
