Main Museum
Our recently remodeled lobby welcomes visitors with a timeline of historical events in Kearny County’s past, tributes to the O’Loughlin Family and charter KCHS members, and collages featuring scenes from early-day Kearny County. Visitors can watch videos covering a variety of topics in the Otis and Mary Lee Molz Theatre. Souvenirs and literature are also available here. Adjacent to the lobby is our town square display where visitors can stroll back in time through the general store, dentist and doctor’s offices, millinery shop, court house, barber shop and more. The museum library and staff offices are also located in the Main Museum.
Annex
As visitors step through the main museum doors into the annex, they are transported back to a time when Native American Indians and buffalo roamed the Kansas prairie. In addition to Native American artifacts, the annex also houses an 1831 Conestoga wagon, Santa Fe Trail exhibit, military display, the museum’s fossil exhibit featuring mastodon tusks found in Kearny County in 1981, and much more.
The Great White House
Alonzo Boylan, Lakin’s first depot agent, moved his family to Lakin in the fall of 1875. Construction on the Great White House began soon after. For several years, the Boylans opened their home for church services and social gatherings including the wedding reception of John and Mary O’Loughlin. The house was acquired by the O’Loughlins in 1916 and moved from its original location on the railroad right-of-way near Garfield Street.
Santa Fe Depot
When the Lakin Depot was shut down in 1982, the Historical Society knew the importance of preserving such an important piece of our past. They purchased the depot and moved it to the museum complex where volunteers went to work restoring it and filling it with railroad memorabilia, pictures and equipment. Built in 1882 on the west side of Main Street next to the railroad tracks, the depot was originally a two-story structure with living quarters above and a freight addition in the back. When the depot was remodeled in 1930, the roof was lowered since the living area had not been used for many years, the freight room was modified and the waiting room moved to the front.
Columbia School House
Our schoolhouse was built in 1893, the year of the Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The school’s first teacher, Willard Miller, suggested the name “Columbian” which was used until 1912 when it was renamed “Columbia.” The school originally was located north of Lakin. It was gifted to the historical society by Maybelle Gropp in 1978 and moved to the museum grounds.
The Round Barn
The 12-sided barn was once located about one-half mile west of Lakin. The unique structure was built in 1909 by R.B. Glass, a farmer, surveyor and engineer. The barn was restored and moved in 2001. Miscellaneous farm and ranch equipment can be found inside the barn with more implements located outside in the barn and machinery yards. In the fall of 2001, the historical society was awarded the Nile H. Miller Local Historical Organization Award for its efforts in restoring the barn.
Deerfield Texaco Station
The Deerfield Texaco Service Station opened in 1923 at a time when petroleum companies were expanding their service to include secondary products such as oil, tires, and mechanical assistance. The station features a “Registered Rest Room,” as well as vintage road maps, petroleum memorabilia and other items of interest. The station is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Machinery Building
Visitors to the machinery building will find a one-room soddie, grain wagon, oil wagon, vintage fire truck and several antique tractors. Also housed here are assorted dairy items, washing machines, stoves and a barbed wire display.