Seelye Mansion to Host America 250 Celebration on July 25
Details
As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, the historic Seelye Mansion will host a special community celebration honoring the nation's history and the Seelye family's longstanding connection to it.
The Seelye Mansion's America 250 Celebration will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, on the grounds of the Seelye Mansion in Abilene. In the event of inclement weather, the celebration will be held on Sunday, July 26, during the same hours.
The event commemorates both the 250th anniversary of the United States and the Seelye family's deep roots in American history. The Seelye family first arrived in America in 1630 under orders from the King of England to help establish colonies in the New World. During the Revolutionary War, at least 85 family members served in support of the nation's fight for independence.
The Seelye Mansion also has strong ties to America's military history. During World War I and World War II, the home welcomed servicemen stationed throughout Kansas. Mansion guest books contain more than 800 entries from military visitors between 1942 and 1945, including servicemen from Fort Riley, the Smoky Hill Army Air Base in Salina, and other military installations.
Guests attending the celebration will enjoy an evening of food, music, and family-friendly activities on the mansion grounds. Barbecue will be available for purchase from Rackets Tap House, with additional offerings from the Wanderlust food truck. Live music will be provided by The Fiddlers, and activities will include a watermelon feed, cornhole, and other lawn games.
As a special keepsake, all guests will receive a complimentary souvenir postcard featuring a painting of the Seelye Mansion created by local artist Heather Katrinia.
A tent will be available on-site, and guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for additional comfort while enjoying the festivities.
"America's story is made up of millions of individual stories, and the Seelye Mansion is fortunate to preserve a small piece of that history," said Seelye Mansion caretaker Terry Tietjens. "We look forward to welcoming friends, neighbors, and visitors for an evening of fellowship, history, and celebration."
The Seelye Mansion America 250 Celebration is supported in part by a Dickinson County Celebrates America 250 Community Grant Program, which assists local organizations in creating projects and events that commemorate America's 250th anniversary and highlight the people, places, and stories that have shaped our nation.
For more information about the Seelye Mansion or the America 250 Celebration, contact the Seelye Mansion at (785) 263-1084.
About Seelye Mansion
Built in 1905, the Seelye Mansion is one of Kansas' most remarkable historic homes and a Kansas Eight Wonders of Architecture winner. The mansion features original furnishings, Edison light fixtures, a bowling alley from the 1904 World's Fair, and thousands of artifacts preserved from the Seelye family's era. Today, it welcomes visitors from across the country seeking an authentic glimpse into early 20th-century life.
Location
1105 N Buckeye Ave, Abilene KS