Book on Jim Gatchell Museum to be Released February 20

A local history book about the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum will be released on Monday, February 20, according to a release from Arcadia Publishing.

The new book, written by Museum Educator Jennifer Romanoski, follows the histroy of the museum from its inception when Jim Gatchell opened his pharmacy in 1900, collecting items from many area people including Native Americans; to Gatchell’s death and the family’s donation of his artifacts to Johnson County; and the building of the museum to house them, which still stands today.

Romanoski, who has been the educator at the museum since 2009, selected photographs with help from museum staff and volunteers to show the Gatchell and the progression of the museum.

The book will be available for purchase February 20 for $23.99.

The museum will also host a book signing and Chamber After Hours event on Thursday, March 2 from 5 to 7 p.m.