National Agriculture Center and Hall of Fame closes for 2014

The National Agriculture Center and Hall of Fame near Bonner Springs has closed for the rest of the year.

In an e-mail sent to media, Jody Albers,president of the board of directors from the Center wrote “The decision was a difficult one, but they felt it to be the best for the future of our museum.”

In the meantime, she wrote, the board is exploring options for the 2015 season.

In a press release, Albers posted an additional notice, writing: “The Board of Directors believes that this is an opportune time to regroup and rethink the Center’s future. Our balance sheet is strong, and our board of directors and partners are committed to a bright future.”

The idea for a National Agriculture Center and Hall of Fame began in the 1950s. The mission was to educate society offering the history of agriculture, its value and to honor leaders in the industry.

It took an act of Congress and President Dwight D. Eisenhower signing the federal charter for the center to begin in 1960.

The center is funded by private and corporate donations and money generated by admissions and memberships and facility rentals.

This story was originally published May 13, 2014 at 11:43 AM with the headline "National Agriculture Center and Hall of Fame closes for 2014."