EP013 Kansas National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame - Dave Hurrelbrink

In this episode, Sean Thomas Radcliff meets with Dave Hurrelbrink, from the National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame in Bonner Springs, Kansas.

Dave was so kind by spending time with us. He is a dedicated trailblazer and chief cheerleader of this organization which was chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1960.

This NATIONAL Center has many diverse things to see and do AND there is a continual stream of fun, educational, and interesting events for the public.

The National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame is truly one of our nation’s Preservation Oaks! The three million or so people in the local counties of Wyandot, Johnson, or Leavenworth in Kansas, OR Jackson, Clay, or Platt in Missouri are very lucky to have the Center nearby.

Some highlights from this episode:

A few of the Center’s most pressing needs at this time:

1. Dave mentioned that the Center needs more volunteers since they have thousands of visitors each year. There is a wide variety of things that need to get done every day, so volunteers are needed and can have a lot of fun! Please consider volunteering! If you live in Wyandot County, Kansas City, Johnson County, or Leavenworth County Kansas, OR Jackson County, Clay County, or Platt County Missouri – then it’s a short drive to the National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame for a visit or to volunteer.
2. Dave said the “Old School House” has been out in the weather for about a hundred years and requires repairs. If you’re a contractor, builder, handy-man or woman, and would like to help, please contact the Center at 913-721-1075 and talk with Judy!
3. In my opinion and I think Dave would agree; that The National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame seems to have a bit of an invisibility problem, just like Agriculture itself does in our modern society. That needs to change. Until someone creates the “replicator” like they had on the television show “Star Trek”, all of us require agriculture and need to support and promote the National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame. It’s the HUB of all national agricultural information and preservation, whether it is the history of farming, what’s going on today with farming, or the future of farming.

Highlights:

4. Quote from Dave: “Without agriculture, you’d be hungry, naked, and sober!”.
5. The National Agricultural Center has more agricultural equipment than the Smithsonian has.
6. In this episode: We learn about world-famous celebrity camel named Lucy and how she made a two-day dash for the North Pole during the holiday season!
7. We learn about the mission of the National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame which is to Honor, Educate, and Promote agriculture. The Center conducts various programs with school children, high school students, and visitors to accomplish this mission.
8. We learn about some of the past inductees of the Agricultural Hall of Fame.
9. Dave discussed the National Farmers Memorial, its purpose, and how it was created.
10. Dave reviewed a new exhibit regarding Life in America in the 1930s during the Great Depression.
11. Give yourself about 3 hours to tour the museum and grounds. It can take much longer because of the size of the collection. It would take me 3 hours just to get through the art gallery!
12. Dave reviews the Smith Event Barn that visitors can rent for most any event.
13. For the kids – there’s a very cool small gauge railway that children of all ages can ride!
14. Buy a brick for the Walk of Fame with your name or other info on it! If you would like to have your family honored on the grounds for as long as the brick lasts (which is a long time), connect with the Center to get yours today!
15. We learn about how Linemen are still a critical part of maintaining the rural power grid and each year the Center holds a large Lineman’s Rodeo. A lot of people attend this event, so it is really fun and interesting.
16. This year on April 23rd, at the first event of the season, Barnyard Babies, the Center will host the people who maintain the large wind turbines across the country!
17. If you’re a listener in the area the National Agricultural Center serves, OR if you’re a farmer, agriculture scientist, or ag related business and you’re not already a sponsor, please consider supporting and visiting the National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame in Bonner Springs, Kansas!
18. The contact information for the National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame is:
    • https://www.aghalloffame.com/ 
    • The National Agricultural Center & Hall of Fame | Facebook
    • 630 N. 126th Street, Bonner Springs, KS 66012
    • 913-721-1075
    • info@AgHallofFame.com