Pony Express Museum takes families back to the past

Snow and freezing temperatures didn’t stop a trip back in history Monday as the Pony Express Museum hosted its annual Family Day.

The event provided a fun day of exploring history and included activities including crafts, games, demonstrations and more.

“When it came to the Pony riders, the mail must go through, so we said Family Day must go through despite the weather,” said Cindy Daffron, executive director of the Pony Express Museum. “We gave today our best and it’s been a good turnout.”

Families had the opportunity to explore many aspects of the Pony Express museum’s history, highlighting the complex relationship between Pony Express riders and Native American tribes.

A few activities included relay stations and a guide through the Ebenezer Ferry boat, which transported Pony Express riders, animals and other goods across the Missouri River.

“A lady told me her granddaughters have been coming to day camp at the museum,” Daffron said. “As they were walking through today, she was in awe with how they were able to interpret the museum and tell her everything that’s inside this facility. That’s what we’re all about. Our mission is to educate the next generation.”

Each year, families from near and far travel to attend the event and it continues to grow.

“Of course, today we saw a few less people because of the weather, but still, we’ve had families come up and tell us they traveled three or more hours to be here,” Daffron said. “A man visited from California and gifted the museum a check of $1,000 for three years because he was so impressed with what he saw and wants the museum to continue our efforts.”

The Pony Express Museum will be celebrating 165 years of history in April and hopes to continue sharing an important part of history with the community through educational events year-round.