The Franklin County Historical Society's 85th annual meeting on February 6, 2022 featured a presentation on Santa Fe depot architecture and the many roles depot buildings played in Kansas communities.

The talk covered how railroad depots evolved from simple functional structures into more recognizable civic landmarks, with Ottawa's own rail history serving as part of the broader context. Freight, mail, telegraph traffic, and passenger travel all passed through these spaces.

For local audiences, the program connected architecture, transportation, and small-town development in a way that fit Ottawa's railroad heritage closely.

For more, see the Old Depot Museum's annual meeting notice.