Preserving our heritage...
The Rush County Historical Society was originally organized in March of 1960 for the purpose
of promoting a county observance of the Kansas centennial celebration. The society became inactive
at the conclusion of the festivities until being reactivated in 1962 and incorporated in May 1963 with plans to develop a museum
to preserve the history and tell the story of Post Rock. The first officers of the society were Roy Ehly,
president; Oliver Wilhelm, vice-president; Harry Grass, secretary, and Stan Merrill, treasurer.
In 1975, the Society acquired the former Santa Fe depot in Timken and moved it to Grass Park in LaCrosse. On April 17, 1983, the building was dedicated as the Rush County Historical Museum. On exhibit are a selection of the tools, clothing, and other artifacts that depict the history and lifestyle of the county's residents. In recent years the building has undergone a series of improvements including a more authentic paint scheme and improved research facilities.
In May of 2003, the Society moved the former Nekoma State Bank building to their complex in Grass Park. Dedication ceremonies were held in May 2007. The interior of the bank has been fully restored to become a museum of rural banking. The museum's period lobby featuring the original 1916 counter and early 20th century furnishings immerses the visitor into a world of rural banking from long ago.
Continuing to Grow...
In addition to maintaining three historic properties, the Society continues to actively pursue the preservation of Rush County history and county historic sites with ongoing research and preservation efforts. Future plans include adding additional historic structures including a one-room school and church.
Latest News:
The museums are closed for the season.
Rush County Photo Treasures Many of the photographs are now on display at the Rush County Historical Museum. Congratulations to our winners: Mayors' Choice, Marjorie Ochs; RCHS President's Choice, Raynell Penka; People's Choice, Raynell Penka.
We will be scanning your images for our “Barns of Rush County” Photo Contest. Check out the locations on our rules page.
Special Projects:
50th Anniversary Celebration
Join us for a year-long 50th Anniversary celebration - “Celebrating 50 Years of Saving History” - a series of 50 events held throughout the county starting in December 2012. Check out our Anniversary website for an up-to-date schedule of events.
In celebration of 50 years, we are offering a special price on our history book, “Rush County…125 Years in Story & Pictures”. Order a copy today.
School Group Tours Program
Special school group tours are available in early spring before the museums open for the summer season. Participating classes receive classroom materials and supplies. The next series of tours will be held during the fall of 2013. For more information, check out our previous tours.
Rush County Fair Special Events
2010 - “All Things Post Rock” Photo Contest
2011 - “All Things Barbed Wire” Art Contest
2012 - “Rush County Photo Treasures”
2013 - “Barns of Rush County”