Former director of Prairie Museum publishes memoir

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

03.10.2026

Former director of Prairie Museum publishes memoir Book will be available for purchase in museum bookstore

(Colby, KS) A former director of the Prairie Museum of Art & History has written a book that the museum is now offering for sale in its own gift shop.

Randy Mathews, who served as director of the Prairie Museum from March 2023 to December 2024, is the author of “Twenty Minutes ‘til Doors – (Mostly) true tales from the showbiz fringe.” In his personal memoir, Mathews shares favorite stories of his experiences as a stagehand, lighting director and other technical roles, starting in high school in the early 1970s and extending through most of the 1980s. During that roughly 15-year period, Mathews worked with an eclectic mix of popular dance and club bands, professional touring musicians and concert production companies.

Mathews left the touring industry in 1987 but later spent another 25 years managing several historic theatres, auditoriums and arenas throughout his native Kansas. He and his wife, Erin, moved to Colby in 2021. He said he thought at the time that he was retired, but then quite unexpectedly he was approached about managing the Prairie Museum.

“Long-time executive director Ann Miner was retiring, and I was offered the opportunity to serve as interim director until a permanent successor was named,” he said. “Because it was a short-term commitment and I had some relevant experience managing small, non-profit organizations, I accepted.”

Jenny Linden succeeded Mathews as executive director of the Prairie Museum upon his retirement. She said when she found out he had completed his book project, she ordered a copy from his printer, Barnes and Noble Press, for the museum’s archives, and offered to make it available for sale in the museum’s bookstore. She also invited Mathews to serve as a guest speaker during next season’s Food for Thought educational series at the museum.

“I was highly anticipating the release of Randy’s book, as he is one of the funniest people I know! I am thrilled to have copies of the book in our gift shop, and I am eagerly anticipating his Food for Thought presentation later this year.”

Net proceeds from books sold through the Museum Mart bookstore will go to the museum, Mathews said. “It’s the least I can do to show my appreciation.”