| Year(s) Listed: • 2017 |
| City/Town: • Lincoln |
| Location Class: • Commercial |
| Built: N/A | Year Saved: 1997 |
| Historic Designation: • National Register of Historic Places |
| Awards: • Advocacy Award |
| Contributor: Kansas Preservation Alliance |
In rural Kansas most people think the preservation of history, whether it be buildings or artifacts, is a nice idea but not very practical when it comes to the time and money it takes. Jack and Kathie Crispin feel differently. In 1997 they purchased the Cummins Block Building, a long-neglected limestone commercial building in downtown Lincoln. They worked tirelessly to list the building on the National Register of Historic Places and perform a full rehabilitation. Currently the first floor of the building contains two museums created and curated by the Crispins, with the second floor serving as their residence. Jack and Kathie Crispin have shown their lifelong passions for preserving and promoting history. They have rehabbed a historic building, created museums from their extensive personal collections, donated their time and expertise on historical boards and committees, and shared their knowledge with many others so that they may follow in their footsteps.