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

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

By decision of the Board of Directors, MASKS are required of all persons entering the museum.  Thank you for doing your part to keep our community safe.

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.