Our hearts go out to the Hawley family, of the Steamboat Arabia Museum, after reading this morning's sad news that Greg Hawley was killed in a car wreck on Saturday.
Along with his father Bob and his brother Dave, Greg helped dig the steamboat's wreckage out of a cornfield north of the river, where the Missouri River once flowed before changing course. In the deep, muddy hole, they found tons of frontier-bound cargo, which they cleaned up and put on display at the museum. It tells an amazing story of how we got to Kansas City and points west. We think it's one of the coolest attractions in town.
Thank you, Greg Hawley, for making the city a better place. -- By C.J. Janovy
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Wow!This is extraordinary,pretty much as well significantly to digest. Good perform.
I just read about Greg's tragic death. I am so, so sorry. What a loss!
I first visited the Arabia Steamboat Museum in 2005, and was immediately struck by the generosity of the families involved in the excavation. It would almost certainly have been more lucrative to sell the artifacts than to learn to stabilize and conserve them and build a museum to house them. And as a museum professional, I was dismayed to learn how little help they received from other museums as they began this momentous endeavor.
The museum is one of my favorite places in the world, and I tell everyone I can to visit. The artifacts are beautiful and intriguing, and it's a delight to be able to watch the conservators in action. But the best part, by far, is the opportunity to talk with members of the Hawley family. Each time I have been struck by their passion, their generosity and their ethics. The world would be a far better place if there were more people like them.
Greg's book, Treasure in a Cornfield, is one of the most compelling books I've ever read. It is so beautifully written that I felt as if I had been there during the excavation myself; I've repeatedly described the details of the excavation and the artifacts to friends and family, and given copies of the book as gifts.
To the Hawleys, Mackeys, and others involved in the excavation and museum: thank you for giving such an amazing gift to the rest of us.
To Greg: thank you for taking me along on the adventure through your book.
And to Greg's family and friends: my heart goes out to you.
I've taken family to the Steamboat Arabia Museum several times, and did again yesterday when my sister visited from Wichita�my first visit since this heartbreaking loss to what is clearly a tight-knit and exceptional family.
Though I've visited a number of times, this was the first time it struck me fully what a turn this adventure took; from a personal treasure hunt to a desire to share an amazing find with anyone who loves history. And it seems that each man involved was fully behind that mission.
Seeing David's comments in the movie, then seeing his sweet father personally appear the way David had before answering questions and making a personal connection with the people who had come to enjoy their finds�I don't know, it was just so sad, even to someone who doesn't know more than that about the family. The loss must even now seem unbearable, and I'm so sorry it happened. Truly good people don't come along every day, but this family seems to be full of them.
Just wanted to say how much I enjoy Greg's life's work, and that I share it as often as I can. It's my favorite museum, and I've been to the Louvre :)
Peace and comfort to the Hawley family and friends, and know that what Greg gave to the world is very much alive.
To the Hawley Family,
We were so saddened to hear of your loved one's tragic death. He leaves behind quite a legacy...not only the Steamboat Arabia Museum, but a beautiful family.
We were impressed with the Steamboat Arabia a couple years ago, and even more so when Greg made an appearance after the film. He was a genuine, down-to-earth guy who loved sharing the Steamboat Arabia with everyone. We are so grateful for that.
I read Chris Smith's comments and my heart aches. Chris, the best way you can honor Greg's memory is to love his daughter and his grandson. We all need to love and cherish our loved ones today...for they just might be gone in an instance.
God bless the Hawley family. You are in the hearts and prayers of many.
My husband and I toured the Steamboat Arabia Museum on my birthday in September 2004 while passing through and were looking for something to do. After the tour, I bought the book "Treasure in a Cornfield". In the front pages, Greg wrote a personal note to me & my husband and signed and dated it. Greg was feverishly sick with the flu that day but still made time for a personal introduction with us to autograph my book. I'll never forget the feeling I had being in his presence; that he was an easy-going, genuinely nice guy. I never forgot that and had since told many people about him and the museum. It is truly a tragic loss. My heart goes out to the family.
My husband and I met Greg @ the museum when we visited on our anniversary. He was such a nice man--good-hearted. We had a brief conversation with him, touching bases like politics, America, etc. I could tell he was a down-to-earth guy. My heart goes out to his family. May God comfort you in your grieving.
My Dad was a childhood friend with Greg and I have good memories of being at the Arabia dig when I was too small to remember much else. Such a terrible turn of events and I'm sad to say this is third senseless death from wreckless automobile drivers to touch my friends or family in recent years.
People need to realize EVERY time they get in a car that they could kill someone and parents shouldn't enable their teens with cars that are capable of driving at excessive speeds. We've always had such a great appreciation for the Hawley family and this is such a crushing loss for us all.
My Dad was a childhood friend with Greg and I have good memories of being at the Arabia dig when I was too small to remember much else. Such a terrible turn of events and I'm sad to say this is third senseless death from wreckless automobile drivers to touch my friends or family in recent years.
People need to realize EVERY time they get in a car that they could kill someone and parents shouldn't enable their teens with cars that are capable of driving at excessive speeds. We've always had such a great appreciation for the Hawley family and this is such a crushing loss for us all.
Greg and Karen came to McLennan Comm. College in 2003 ... and thrilled us with fascinating stories about the Arabia and steamboat travel on the Western rivers. His book, Treasure in a Cornfield, inspires my students in American History ... I wish every College and University in America would use this fabulous book ... Greg was as
wonderful a friend as I have ever had .. sadness has poured over me since Karen sent that tragic e-mail on Sunday night ... Darlene and I send our love to this strong spirited and faithful family ... I will bring Texas love to you as best I can on Thursday ... with tears, hank the ole prof
All I want is for Greg to come back somehow, but I know that is not possible. He has been my father-in-law, my son's grandpa and my best friend for the past 3 years and I don't know what to do without him. I can only thank all of you for taking time out of your life to express what he did for you and your life. I knew he touched everyone he was around and it makes me cry to read these because it makes me miss him more. I will live everyday for him and every decision I make, I will consider what he would have suggested. I just wanted to take time and say thank you for your words.
chris smith
Greg Hawley's Son-In-Law
I worked for Greg Hawley, and the Hawley family, as a tour guide at the steamboat in 2005. I cant express the sorrow I feel for his family and close friends to lose such a joyous spirit and Ambassador of God.
God must have a plan for him elsewhere. I am sure he has been welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven with open arms.
Blessings to the family. Sara
Greg had a zest for life. I have so many fond memories of our friendship from our college days at Graceland College. He lived life fully and always seemed to be upbeat and happy. He did so much for me over the years and I am a truly a better person for knowing him. It is such a shame to see his life ending so soon. He will be missed by many. My prayers are with his family and friends.
I first met Greg in June, 2007 when I called him about a duplex that he had for rent. I have been renting the duplex ever since. I couldn't have asked for a nicer landlord. He was truly a very nice guy. He did some work on the duplex next door to mine, over the summer and he and I stood outside and talked for quite sometime. He talked alot about his family and his new grandson, I could tell they meant alot to him. Greg had suggested, earlier in the summer, that I take my daughter to the Arabia Steamboat. I did take her and we thoroughly enjoyed it, I was totally impressed. I always enjoyed talking to Greg, he always seemed to be happy and in a good mood. This is a horrible tragedy, that has taken a very special person. I only knew Greg for a short time, but it didn't take long to see that he was a really good person. My heart goes out to his family.
Greg will be missed by many in the community including my folks.Greg's dad and my parents are great friends.My heart breaks for the family.God bless and you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
We traveled to KC in 2007 to visit the museum and were very impressed. This is sad news, he will be missed by his family and those of us who love the museum.
David Jolley
Pickerington,Ohio
My Steamboat Arabia website:
http://www.pbase.com/hockingph...
Over the past Christmas holidays, we visited the Arabia for the first time. At the end of the tour, Greg came into the room to talk about the salvage effort and answer questions. You tell how passionate he was and how much fun he had finding the Arabia. We stayed in the museum for about two hours and on our way out we past Greg, who asked us how we liked the museum. We spoke to him for about 30 minutes asking all the questions we did not think to ask until the end. Though the museum was closing, it was a Sunday, and I am sure he wanted to get home to his family, he did not hesitate to continue to answer questions, questions I am sure he had answered 100 times in the past. You could tell how nice he was and much his family, friends and the museum will miss him. Our condolences to the family.
I have known Greg for more than 30 years and I am proud to call him family. It warms my heart to read the kind remarks from those that have had the pleasure to come in contact with Greg. He is truly a person with many gifts and none more than that of enriching peoples lives just by taking time to talk about the things he loves most, his family and life adventures. I like to think that our lives are just a little more interesting and blessed for the time we shared with Greg. I would also like to thank all those who have taken the time to post your thoughts and prayers.
So, so, sad. The Hawley family has been an inspiration to many visitors of the Arabia. Our prayers are with them as they deal with this senseless loss. Rest in peace Greg. you will be remembered.
I was fortunate enough to speak with Greg a bit this summer, researching Kansas City attractions. He was thoughtful, smart, and you could tell he loved what he did. This is a terrible shame. My condolences to the Hawley family.
I am sorry to hear of the death of Greg. He will be missed as a husband, father, son brother and by the many friends he had, as a result of his indomidable spirit, enthusiasm and his desire to share your families'historical treasures.
God Keep You.
Another senseless murder in KC perpetrated by a dumbass in a Nazi sled. Rest in peace, Mr. Hawley.
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