Living History

Preserving history that makes our community unique. That’s Lyon County History Center in a nutshell. But there’s so much more to explore and experience! Located at 711 Commercial St., the home of all things historical is also host to a broad array of community-oriented happenings.

Carefully curated rotating exhibits, the extensive research room and archives, and the immensely popular Kids Zone are the museum’s foundational offerings. Kids of all ages are drawn to the bright and charming Kids Zone, located on the second floor. New this year are unique toys, expanded shelving to house the many child-friendly items and books, and safety gates that ensure a safe and engaging place for the littlest visitors. The Kids Zone is stocked with games, books, toys, and all the accessories a child could want to engage in fun and educational play.

Exhibits on the first and second floors of the museum tell the story of Lyon County’s past. The museum focuses on seven core themes of immigration, transportation, farming and ranching, business and industry, military and Veterans Day, natural history, and Native Americans. The continuously updated exhibits and engaging programs make history relevant to each new generation of visitors.

There’s a newly expanded public research and conference space on the first floor, adjacent to the Winter Family Museum Store. The small gift shop features whimsical t-shirts, local history books and books by local authors, and unique gift items and souvenirs with a decidedly local flavor. The research library is open by appointment, and can be arranged by calling 620-340-6320 to schedule.

Established by a local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1937, the museum’s first home was in the basement of the Civic Auditorium. When the Carnegie Library was decommissioned, it became the museum’s home in 1980.

During the 1990s, the archives were housed in a former restaurant. And finally, in 2016 LCHC found its forever home in the historical Montgomery Ward/Winter Furniture building in downtown Emporia. The much larger footprint allows for expanded community interaction and participation utilizing the wide-open third floor meeting space.

Thousands know LCHC as the registration home for huge events like the annual Unbound Gravel bicycle race. A variety of historical presentations, civic events, and community meetings are also held at the History Center. From jigsaw puzzle tournaments to quilt shows, there’s something new happening at this lively museum every week.

As history keepers and storytellers, the Lyon County History Center team is committed to preserving the past while building a vibrant future for our community–a place where history lives on and every visit is an opportunity to explore, learn, and connect.

Visit the Lyon County History Center at 711 Commercial St. in downtown Emporia. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $3.00 per adult and $1.00 per child. Volunteers are an important component of the museum’s operation; new volunteers are welcomed and appreciated.

See the History Center website at explorelyoncounty.org for more information, call them at 620-340-6310, and find them on Facebook for the most up-to-date information about exhibits and events.