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!

The museum is open with evening hours once a month on the third Wednesday of the month.  Tour the museum and and/or join us for a short program at 7 p.m.  Most of these programs are streamed live on Facebook and can also be found on our History of Wilson County page.

Announcing!
2025 History Camp is May 27-30 this year. Students that will be in grades 4 - 8 in the fall are welcome to attend. $20 covers all fees and expenses for the 4 days. Kids will learn a lot about Wilson County in the early days through hands-activities and tours to local sites of historic interest. Sign-up deadline is May 16.

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Museum Hours

Tuesday - 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 & 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.

Historical & 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.

1910 Fredonia Herald History of Fredonia

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.

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
Emma Crites
​Rob Frazier
JoAnn Jones
Jerry Scott
Jean Studebaker
Jean Vorhees
Thank you for serving the community!