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The Ellis County Historical Society Museum preserves and illustrates local history by housing exhibits of artifacts, collections of documents, photographs, manuscripts and other archival materials that reflect this region's past. The museum displays over 25,000 artifacts which reflect the diversity of interests and life-ways in Ellis County, and can be viewed on guided museum tours through three main galleries.

Incorporated within the museum itself is an 1879 native stone chapel, the oldest building originally erected as a church in Ellis County. It is quite possibly the oldest church in all of western Kansas. Many of the church's artifacts are on display.

On the main floor of the museum is an exhibit titled "Wild and Wooly Years," and more displays are being added on a regular basis.

Throughout the year other rotating exhibits are displayed including antique toys, wedding gowns from the late 1800s to present, and more.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Mt. Allen Cemetery Tree Swings

As with many of the cemetery stories and records that date back to 100

Hays, KS Cemeteries

Plymouth Stone Schoolhouse

When the Germans settled on the Kansas high plains over a century ago, after homesteading their farm and establishing a church, the next priority was to build a schoolhouse. This schoolhouse was originally built in Russell County in the 1870'

Hays, KS Historic Schoolhouses

Walker Air Base Display

The model of the Walker Army Airfield that is on display at Forsyth Library on the campus of Fort Hays State University was completed in October 2000 by Fort Hays State University student Steve Arthur. The Walker Army Airfield was located in Ellis County, about 2 and 1/2

Hays, KS Historic Airfields

Downtown Historical Walking Tour

The famous and infamous walked the streets of Old Hays City during the 1860's to 1880's including Wild Bill Hickok, Buffalo Bill Cody and General George Armstrong Custer. Twenty five bronze plaques mark the route and explain the historical significance of each site. Begin the tour near 13

Hays, KS Tours

Sternberg Museum of Natural History

Within the four story domed museum, you will find a recreated day 88 million years ago when the mighty Tyrannosaurus haunted the land and Kansas was covered by an inland sea.

Hays, KS Museums

Things to do near Hays, KS

Hopewell Church

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Butterfield Overland Despatch Trail

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