The Gordon Parks Museum is proud to announce its participation in the 2026 Kansas Tourism Sunflower Summer program. The Gordon Parks Museum celebrates the life and work of Fort Scott native Gordon Parks, internationally known, photographer, filmmaker, writer and musician. The Gordon Parks Museum established in 2004, located at Fort Scott Community College in his hometown of Fort Scott, Kansas, is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the remarkable life and work of Gordon Parks. The museum’s valuable collection includes many of his iconic photographs, personal artifacts, awards, medals, honorary degrees, and replica furnishings from his New York apartment, highlighting his extraordinary achievements and lasting impact.

The Sunflower Summer Program is a benefit for Kansas families with school-aged children, pre-K through Grade 12, to encourage them to explore, and fall in love with Kansas. The program is designed to give affordable access to tourism attractions across the state and support the Kansas tourism economy.

Eligible Kansas families will download the Sunflower Summer App to claim tickets to participating venues. One (1) adult ticket is eligible for free admission with eligible students. Tickets are redeemed at participating venues upon their arrival. Each user can only use tickets once per venue during the 2026 season. The 2026 Sunflower Summer season will run from July 9 - August 2.

"We are thrilled to be a venue for the 2026 Kansas Sunflower Summer program," said Kirk Sharp, Executive Director of the Gordon Parks Museum. “There’s something special about seeing kids explore, learn, and enjoy hands-on experiences right here. This program makes it easy for families to create meaningful memories together, and we’re proud to be one of the destinations that helps showcase the best of Kansas.”

Kansas Tourism, a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce, aims to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on our state and local communities.

“Kansas Tourism is excited to have the Gordon Parks Museum as a part of the Sunflower Summer program,” said Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe. “This program is an amazing benefit for the residents of Kansas, and we are looking forward to growing the program in the 2026 season. The Gordon Parks Museum is an important part of making this the best season yet for the program.”

About The Gordon Parks Museum: The Gordon Parks Museum is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the remarkable life and work of Gordon Parks, internationally known photographer, filmmaker, writer and musician; and to use his remarkable life story to teach about artistic creativity, cultural awareness and the role of diversity in our lives.

About Sunflower Summer: Sunflower Summer is a program operated by Kansas Tourism, a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce. The program aims to help Kansas families affordably explore the Sunflower State. The official Sunflower Summer mobile app is available on Apple and Android. More information can be found at SunflowerSummer.org