This building originally housed both prisoners and
the sheriff and his family under one roof. Mark your calendars for these upcoming events you won't want to miss!
📣 Announcing 2026 History Camp!
Join us May 26–29 for four fun-filled days of hands-on learning at the Wilson County Historical Museum! Students entering grades 4–8 this fall—or ages 8–13—are invited to attend. Campers will explore what life was like in Wilson County during the 1940s through interactive activities and guided tours of local historic sites. 💲 Cost: $20 (covers all fees and supplies) 📅 Dates: May 26–29 ⏰ Registration deadline: May 15 Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to step back in time and experience history firsthand! 👉 Sign up today—spaces are limited!
KSHS digital partner websites
Kansas residents with a valid driver's license or state ID may freely access KSHS content on the following sites by logging in below. - Ancestry.com includes millions of Kansas records from the State Archives and Research Collections, among them Kansas State Census Records from 1865-1925, Civil War Enlistment Papers of Kansas Volunteer Regiments (1862, 1863, 1868), and selected World War I manuscripts. - Newspapers.com is digitizing historic Kansas newspapers from the Society's near-comprehensive collections. Museum HoursTuesday - Friday 1:00 - 4:30 pm Saturday 10 am - 2 pm Closed Mondays except holidays or by appointment Special groups welcome FREE ADMISSION Donations appreciated 620-378-3965 [email protected] |
Historical Society & MuseumFirst organized in April 1940, the Wilson County KS Historical Society has found its home in the old county jail, 420 N 7th St, Fredonia, KS. 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.
Historical & Genealogical ResearchOpen to the public, the museum’s research library features a comprehensive master obituary index compiled from Wilson County newspapers, helping family historians uncover valuable information about their ancestors. Society members have also created detailed township notebooks, along with extensive cemetery, school, and family history records.
The collection includes historic county maps, published county histories, reference books, and a rich archive of photographs. A knowledgeable volunteer is often on hand to welcome visitors and assist with research. The Wilson County Plat Maps of 1881 and 1910:
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.
Board of Directors of the Wilson County Historical Society and Museum:
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