Heritage Center of Dickinson County
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   Located in Abilene, Kansas

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Dickinson County Historical Society

INTRODUCTION

Dickinson County Historical Society is a not-for-profit organization governed by a board of trustees that reside in the county.  Founded in 1928, the purpose of the Society is to bring together those people interested in history, especially that of Dickinson County.  Membership is open to anyone interested in preserving the Dickinson County's history.  History and membership information are included below, as well as a printable form which you can complete and mail with your dues payment.

The Annual Meeting and Dinner is held in November each year.   The DCHS celebrated it's 75th Diamond Anniversary in 2003. The next meeting will be November 17, 2005. Tickets are required for the dinner and entertainment.  Call the Heritage center for additional information and to purchase tickets.

HISTORY

The Society's major function is to discover and collect any materials which will tell the history of Dickinson County.  They provide for the preservation of such materials and make it accessible to all who wish to examine or study these materials.

The Society maintains the Heritage Center which consists of the Historical Museum, the Museum of Independent Telephony, the Out of Door Museum & Carousel, and the Research Center.  They also present special events such as the Pioneer Camp and Chisholm Trail Days.  See the Special Events Calendar for a complete list of events.

The Historical Museum has been at this present home since August 1971.  Started in 1928, the museum started in a small room in the basement of the Abilene Public Library displaying a collection of artifacts relating to the county history.  After the new courthouse was completed in 1958, the museum was given room in their basement but it wasn't long and the museum experienced growing pains again and felt the limitations of their location.

Property was purchased by the Society from the Eisenhower Center which included a building that had been an antique car museum.  They renovated the old museum building and developed the displays.  The next year, in 1972, the Museum of Independent Telephony was established and located in the same building.  

The new location made it possibly to have larger items and equipment to display as well as such items as the Carousel,  the Log Cabin and Barn and before long, a complete pioneer community just out the back door of the Historical Museum had developed.  By 1990, it was obvious that the County Historical Museum had developed into a Heritage Center with three distinct museums plus the repository for county and family history records.  

The Society also publishes historical materials and marks historic buildings and sites in the county.

MEMBERSHIP:

Membership is open to any person interested in the history of Dickinson County by paying the annual membership dues.  Print and complete the membership form below and mail with your dues payment to DCHS, 412 S Campbell, Abilene, KS 67410-2905.  Contact the Heritage Center office for additional information.

MEMBERSHIP CLASSES and BENEFITS (as of May 2005):

    Individual Membership    $15-$24:

  • Free admission to the Heritage Center Museums with membership card (Does not include Carousel rides, you will still need to purchase tickets for this)

  • Two (2) Free Passes for Guests

  • One Vote at  Annual Membership Meeting  

  • Quarterly Newsletter, The Gazette

  • Invitations to special events sponsor by the Society

  • Free Use of Research Facilities for personal projects. Copies may be made for a small fee.

  • Receive discounts on workshops and special programs

    Family Membership  $25 to $49:

  • All the Same Benefits as Individual except will receive

  • Six (6) Free Guest Passes

   Patron Membership  $50 TO $99:

  • All the Same Benefits as Family or Individual except will receive

  • Twelve (12) Free Guest Passes

  Corporate Membership    $100 TO $499:

  • Free Admission with Membership Card

  • 25 Free Guest Passes

  • One vote at Annual Meeting

  • Use of Research Facilities without charge.

  • Quarterly Newsletter, The Gazette

  • Recognition on the Quarterly Gazette

  • Discounts on Workshops & Special Programs

  • Special Program upon Request and Availability

  • Certificate of Appreciation

  Benefactor Membership   $500 to $999:

  • All the Benefits of the Corporate Membership plus

  • Name placed on Benefactor Honor Roll by Year and displayed at the Heritage Center

  • Heritage center available for ONE Private Event including access to all Facilities for meetings, Reunions, Groups, Birthdays, etc.

  Life Member   $1000 and up:

  • All the Benefits of the Benefactor Membership plus

  • FREE admission for Life of member and/or Spouse.

MEMBERSHIP FORM

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  The Heritage Center of Dickinson County

412 South Campbell,  Abilene, Kansas 67410 -- directly east of the Eisenhower Center

  785-263-2681   e-mail  heritagecenterdk@sbcglobal.net

Open daily all year.

 Winter Hours:  Monday - Friday  9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Saturday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM --- Sunday 1:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Extended hours from Memorial Day thru Labor Day - Open until 5:OO PM Monday - Friday  and until 8:00 PM Saturdays

Admission fee: $4.00 for those 16 years and older. Carousel extra.      Seniors (62 and over) $3.00.  Carousel extra.  Carousel only  $2.00 each  Children (age 2-15)  $2.00 each and includes Carousel. Inquire for group rates of 8 adults or more and school group rates.

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