Wabaunsee County Historical Society

Goal: $10,000.00

Specific Need

Exhibits for the new space! We are so excited to share the story of Wabaunsee County with a comprehensive plan for all exhibits at the museum. The three new exhibits we are developing include the native stone arched cellar, Native American stone tools, and children's area.

Our goal is a safe descent into the Stone Arched Cellar- we got new steps (that look old.) and a handrail. The fact that it was hidden under the floor for so long made it an exciting discovery and untouched for decades. So, once you safely step into the cellar, it will be the same experience as it was over 140 years ago.

The cataloging of our extensive collection of Native American Stone Tools is complete, the script to the exhibit is written, and the cabinetry is under fabrication. The artifacts span from 10,000 years ago through the 1700’s. The exhibit will explain this timeline, and display the form and function of tools.

The Children's area is a place where we hope kids can fall in love with their Kansas heritage. We will include lots of authenitc artifacts, like those used in our children's outreach program, to learn more about life before electricity.

Mission

The mission of the Wabaunsee County Historical Society is to collect, preserve, and exhibit artifacts relevant to Wabaunsee County, Kansas; to record the history and culture of the people of this county through time; and to provide educational experieces for the residents of our county, school children, the traveling public and those searching for their family roots. www.wabaunseecomuseum.org

Profile

The museum renovation project is underway thanks to generous donations from our members and friends. Last year, thanks to the money raised during match day from 79 individual members, we were able to start the renovation of the building and exhibits. Your donations led to grants awarded from the Kansas State Historical Society, Kansas Department of Commerce, and Kansas Tourism to fund the museum renovation. The restored facade is almost complete!

Photos & Videos

Farmers Union building before renovation
Farmers Union building before renovation
Pouring footings to support the new windows
Pouring footings to support the new windows
Facade almost complete!
Facade almost complete!
Kids programming- Wash Day!
Kids programming- Wash Day!
Kids programming- Making Butter!
Kids programming- Making Butter!
Current steps to stone arched cellar underneath museum
Current steps to stone arched cellar underneath museum
New exhibit- Cellar being excavated
New exhibit- Cellar being excavated
New exhibit- Cellar steps delivered
New exhibit- Cellar steps delivered
New exhibit- Cellar Steps being lowered for installation
New exhibit- Cellar Steps being lowered for installation
Arched cave underneath the museum building
Arched cave underneath the museum building
Feiden Brothers stone masons who built many stone cellars and structures in Wabaunsee County
Feiden Brothers stone masons who built many stone cellars and structures in Wabaunsee County
View of the new windows in the Farmers Union building
View of the new windows in the Farmers Union building
Interior in need of repair
Interior in need of repair
Native American stone tool collectors Carrie & Otto Grunewald in 1925
Native American stone tool collectors Carrie & Otto Grunewald in 1925
Evaluating Native American stone tools from the Gruenwald collection in 2022
Evaluating Native American stone tools from the Gruenwald collection in 2022
Conceptual Design for Native Stone Tools
Conceptual Design for Native Stone Tools
$20,641.17 received
in 94 gifts
206.41%  of  $10,000.00 Goal

Contact

PO Box 387
Alma, KS 66401
Phone: (785) 765-2200

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