HAYS, Kan. -- In a 4-by-8 foot oil-alkyd on linen painting, the history of Hays is summed up in 17 scenes. The mural, "History Holds the Future," may be viewed on the second floor of Fort Hays State University's Memorial Union.

Bruce Burkholder started the mural in 1986 and went on to complete it on Oct. 2, 2009. Burkholder painted the mural after sculptor Pete Felten solicited Hays artists to paint the history of Hays. He ultimately decided to paint a mural that mirrors Hays history with the present day. The mural is from the collection of Dr. Christine and Dennis Fisher of Hays.

Scenes in the painting include George Armstrong Custer sitting in a tent with his wife Libby, the Krueger Opera House and a view of the original Main Street, among others.

The painting is available to all viewers visiting the union free of charge. For more information on the painting and its history, visit http://bruceburkholder.com/historymural.htm