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Emporia, Kansas

The Lyon County Historical Society was established in 1937 when it archives were first located in the basement of the Civic Auditorium/William L. White Auditorium. In 1980, operations moved just across the street to the vacant Emporia Public Library, formally the 1904 Carnegie Library Building which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum operated there for 36 years when it moved to its current location at 711 Commercial St in historic downtown Emporia.

The archives house one of the state's largest collections of letters, diaries, and local newspapers, dating from Lyon County's early settlement to the present. There are more than 25 scrapbooks alphabetized by family name that cover more than 100 years of newspaper clippings about births, deaths, marriages, honors and activities of Lyon County families.

It is an excellent source for genealogists and historians.

Exhibits include the following eight core themes: Natural History, Native Americans, Immigration, Transportation, Farming, Ranching, Business and Industry, and Military/Veteran's Day

Attractions and Upcoming Events

1904 Carnegie Library Building

The 1904 Carnegie Library Building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, housed the Lyon County Historical Museum for 36 years from 1980 to 2016

Emporia, KS Carnegie Libraries

The First Presbyterian Church

Designed by Charles W. Squires and built in 1897. The limestone block construction with multiple towers and large mitered, arched stained glass windows is typical of the Victorian influence. This church is an example of the Richardson Romanesque style.

Emporia, KS Historic Churches

Emporia Parks

C of E Park at 15th and Chestnut, Fremont Park at 4th and Union, Hammond Park at 18th between Center and State, Jones Park, south of 24

Emporia, KS Parks

Prairie Passage Stone Sculpture Garden

The stone sculptures known collectively as "Prairie Passage" were designed by Emporian Richard Stauffer and produced by the 1992 Kansas Sculptors Association Team Carve. Stauffer's design was selected to illustrate the theme "Prairie Passage," reflecting Emporia'

Emporia, KS Arts

Emporia Zoo

The Emporia Zoo houses nearly 400 specimens including vultures and buffalo. One of the country's smallest accredited zoos is home to a variety of birds, mammals, and reptiles. The zoo also features exceptional botanical displays and spectacular holiday lights.

Emporia, KS Zoos

Things to do near Emporia, KS

Old Bell Monument

Wareham Hotel

Morgan House

City Well and Log Cabin

Lake Wabaunsee