Dickinson County Historical Society

Specific Need

The Dickinson County Historical Society provides a vital link between the past and the present for all the communities in our county. We not only house and display a unique collection of the artifacts, digital photographs, and documents of our history, but we are also the official repository of the historical documents and statistical data of Dickinson County, that is so necessary for research and information.

The Dickinson County Museum is unique for our rural area in that it contains three museums in one location - the Dickinson County Museum, the Museum of Independent Telephony, and the C.W. Parker Carousel, which is on the National Historic Register. We have Native American artifacts on loan from the Kansas State Historical Society and early telephones on loan from the Smithsonian Institute.

The outdoor museum displays the 1858 Volkmann Log Cabin; the 1868 Kellogg Schoolhouse; the Stone Safe House (c 1850); the 1907 Acme Mutual Telephone Exchange Office; the 1915 Prichard Family Farm Barn; the 1932 Burklund Grocery Store. A special feature is the 1901 C.W. Parker with the original steam engine and a 1903 Wurlitzer pump band organ that plays music as the carousel takes visitors on rides all year round.

Our events offer an opportunity to learn more about the heritage of the county while engaging in fun activities. The Annual Ida Stover Quilt Show, Pioneer Camp, Memories of the Prairie, Ice Cream Social, Heritage Days, and Christmas in the Cabin brings history into our everyday world.

Your donation to the Society will enable us to keep our general fund healthy. It is the general fund that takes care of the necessary, but not-so-glamorous items, like housekeeping, office supplies, maintenance and repair of the facilities, and all the behind the scenes operations that make the museum what it is - a grand gallery!

Visit the Dickinson County Historical Museum and experience the presence of the past.

Mission

The Dickinson County Historical Society was established to collect, preserve, promote, and share the history of the county and the state of Kansas; for the citizens of the county; schools; and the general public.

The history of Dickinson County is very unique. The early settlers, agricultural development, cattle drives, the creation of the independent telephone industry, and carousel manufacturing distinguishes it from every other county in Kansas. The Society's museum displays these artifacts and proclaims the history of our rich cultural heritage while our special events and educational programs promote awareness for preserving the traditions.