A Franklin County Historical Society program on July 17, 2022 examined Kansas courthouses and city halls as "people's houses" that reflect local government, civic pride, and public memory.

The presentation highlighted the architectural variety of Kansas public buildings, including the Franklin County Courthouse and similar civic landmarks across the state. It also connected building design to broader ideas about justice, access, and local identity.

For Ottawa visitors, it was another reminder that public architecture is one of the clearest ways to read the area's history in the built landscape.

For more, see the Old Depot Museum's program page.