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Kearny County Historical Society Museum


category : Museums
Kearny County Historical Society Museum Step back in time as history unfolds at the Kearny County Museum on Buffalo Street. Established in 1979, the museum won the Kansas Historical Society's Award of Excellence in 1982.

In 1974, the museum property, one-half city block, was given to the Kearny County Historical Society by Jennie Rose O'Loughlin, daughter of John and Mary O'Loughlin. Jennie's father, John, was the county's first permanent white settler in what was to become Kearny County. He was also the first permanent settler of Southwest Kansas. In 1873 John came to the railroad designated stop of Lakin to establish a store.

The complex consists of the museum building constructed in 1979 and annex, the White House, School House, Santa Fe Depot, Farm Machinery building and a Round Barn, totaling over 20,000 square feet. The Lakin area was an important part of the Santa Fe trail and houses an excellent Santa Fe Trail exhibit. The 1831 Conestoga Wagon is quite impressive.

The Museum was built in 1979. It houses a large reference library, with volumes reaching back as far as 1847. Extensive files on Kearny County history, families, newspapers, county records are housed in the Museum. An extensive collection of indexed photographs, Kansas Historical Society publications, and all newspapers printed in the county are on microfilm.


Admission: Free Admission
Hours: Open Year Round, Tuesday - Friday, 9am - noon and 1-4pm; Sunday: 1pm - 4pm, Appointments welcome.
Address: 101-111 South Buffalo Street
Phone: 620-355-7448
Our Email: kchs1@pld.com
"If you're passing through at a time other than our public hours and you see my white car parked out front just knock on the door, or stop by any downtown business and they will call me." - Patricia Heath, Curator

Come visit us in Lakin, Kansas

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Lakin Municipal Golf Course

The course, 9 holes with grass greens, was one of the first in southwest Kansas with an underground sprinkler system and bluegrass fairways. It\'s located at Louck\'s Park.

Lakin, KS Golf Courses

Round Red Barn

The Kearny County Historical Society has purchased the old, 12-sided barn on the west edge of Lakin. It was restored at its present site, and then moved to a foundation at the Museum Complex in 2001. The barn was built in 1909

Lakin, KS Historic Buildings

Historic Churches

The Lakin Christian Church was organized in 1901 in the old courthouse building, and the existing building was dedicated in 1908.

The church is made of concrete, is nearly square, and has a splendid seating capacity.

Lincoln and Buffalo Streets

Lakin, KS Historic Churches

Historic O'Loughlin House

The O'Loughlin house was called, "The Little White House", as it was the largest building in the town and was the center for social gatherings, church services, meetings and housed visiting dignitaries. The White House is the oldest two-story house in Lakin. It was built in 1875

Lakin, KS Museums

Beymer Water Recreation Park

Beymer Water Recreation Park offers a variety of activities for the outdoorsman. Swimmers may cool off at the designated swim beach, while picnickers enjoy a barbecue on the many tables and grills. A covered picnic shelter is available for large parties. Reservations may be made at the County Clerk\

Lakin, KS Recreation

Things to do Museums near Lakin, KS