Historical Museum

Displaying the history of Dickinson County

    Museum depicts life on the Plains during the American pioneer movement and westward expansion periods.  Exhibits include Indians, pioneers, railroad, agriculture, Victorian and cow town eras.                                     

A walk though the museum gives you an overview of the life on the prairie in 1850's before statehood.  As you view the displays, you will see the prairie molded in the hands of the settlers as they developed towns, started businesses, build churches and schools, formed the government, and made the county their home. 

     Displays start with the American Indians who lived in the area over 1000+ years ago.  Browse through items used in the home, items from county churches and schools, those used by the cowboys, some fire fighting equipment, and items highlighting the businesses of the county.

Many  entrepreneurs called Dickinson County home.  One was CL Brown who founded KPL, now part of Western Resources.  Brown also founded a local telephone company that is now known as Sprint, thus a wonderful part of the County's history.  After browsing the Historical Museum, you will wonder into the Museum of Independent Telephony where you see the progression of the development of the Telephone industry.

But don't stop with the exhibits inside the museum, as the museum continues out-of-doors. Step through the back door of the Historical Museum building and experience a step back in time with buildings from the pioneer days.  You will also find the 1901 C.W. Parker Carousel which is a 'must ride' for all visitors.  

Open daily, you will want to check the Calendar of Special Events Page for dates of special events at the Center.

And for the person who wants to know more about the history of fashion, you will want to visit the Fashion Museum, located in downtown Abilene which displays period clothing including the collection owned by the Historical Museum.

  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 4: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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