This building originally housed both prisoners and the sheriff and his family under one roof. 

click here to print:
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Architectural Scavenger Hunt
Entry Form & Rules

Architectural Scavenger Hunt - Featuring Fredonia  
November 2022
Exciting news! Just how observant are you about the community you live in? Play along with us in our "Architectural Scavenger Hunt", featuring Fredonia. You have a bit more than a month, October 22 - Nov. 30, to identify these locations and return your entry to the Wilson County Kansas Historical Society & Museum to be in the drawing for prizes including $100 in Chamber Bucks and other prizes.
Download and print the flyer and rules and enjoy the hunt! Entries may be turned in at the museum during our open hours, or dropped in the mail slot just to the right of the front door when we are closed. You may also pick up a flyer at the museum.  For the complete rules, follow the link.

Museum Hours

Tuesday - Friday
1:00 - 4:30 pm
Saturday
10 am - 2 pm
Closed Mondays
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except holidays or by appointment

Special groups welcome

FREE ADMISSION
​Donations appreciated
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620-378-3965
​wilcohisoc@twinmounds.com

Historical Society & Museum

First organized in April 1940, the Wilson County KS Historical Society has found its home in the old county jail.  The museum features items of particular significance to the story of southeast Kansas, especially Wilson County.  It is composed entirely of items contributed by citizens of the county and families of early settlers.  Many objects on display were brought to the county by covered wagon.

Genealogical Research

Open to the public, the museum's research library contains a master obituary index extracted from the county's newspapers, which aids family historians in locating information about Wilson County ancestors.  Society members have compiled township notebooks, cemetery records, school records, and family histories.  Old county maps, county histories, reference books, and photographs are included in museum materials.  A staff member is often on duty to greet guests and assist researchers.

Fredonia, KS, after May 4,1886. This photo shows the west half of the north side of the square. Many buildings were burned in a fire in July 1886. Only the two buildings at the far left were saved.  In 1887, 9 brick buildings were built and 6 of those remain today, all 2 story. In 1888, the remaining wood buildings were lost in a fire.  This photo is shot from the ruins of the fire that consumed most of the west side of the square on May 4, 1886. Only the building currently housing Larry Marshall Realty and south were not lost.

For more history, photos, and event notices, like us on Facebook at:
​Wilson County Kansas Historical Society.  

Board of Directors of the Wilson County Historical Society and Museum:
President, Joyce Garner
Vice-president, Mike Casteel
Secretary, Leanne Githens
Treasurer, Joe Bambick
Brenda Clark
Emma Crites
JoAnn Jones
Jerry Scott
Jean Studebaker
Jean Vorhees
Thank you for serving the community!