In the beginning ...
The Allen County Historical Society is headquartered at the Allen County Museum in Iola, Kansas, a community of approximately 6,000 people. The Society was formed in 1956 in a burst of enthusiasm that carried over from the Allen County Centennial Celebration of 1955 and has since grown to one of the best local historical societies in all of Kansas.
When the county government gained approval from its citizens to tear down the historic old courthouse and construct a new building on the Iola city square in 1959, the Allen County Historical Society tried unsuccessfully to save this historic structure. However, when the new courthouse was complete, the County Government set aside a special Museum Room dedicated to Allen County historical exhibits. This arrangement continued until the late 1990’s when the museum room was closed and replaced by the drivers’ license station. By that time the Historical Society had additional museums and the courthouse room was no longer needed to display the county’s history.
Although the Society failed to attract enough support to save the old courthouse, ongoing efforts to tear down the Old Jail sparked a public interest to preserve that building. Through the efforts of the historical society to preserve the Old Jail building, a majority of the citizens were supportive of the cause. Thus, in 1959, a special action of the Kansas Legislature made it possible for the Allen County commissioners to deed the jail to the historical society. After restorative and repair work was completed, the Old Jail Museum was opened to the public on May 20, 1962 and in its first month had 1,677 visitors from 29 states. A contract with the county was signed in 1965 whereby the Allen County Historical Society was made the official Curator of the Allen County Historical Collection. The Old Jail was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
In 1979, the Allen County Historical Society received a deed to a new museum building from the county. Located next to the Old Jail Museum, this building became known as the Gallery Museum and housed the Society's main exhibits on Allen County history. This building was enlarged in 1987, which provided additional gallery space and storage room for the Society's growing collection.
In 1994, a special act of the Kansas State Legislature transfered ownership of the historic Boyhood Home of Major General Frederick Funston and its contents from the state of Kansas to two members of the Funston family who in turn transferred ownership to the Allen County Historical Society. The Society then moved the home from its original site north of Iola to the west side of the Iola town square and restoration work began in earnest. The home was opened to the public on June 17, 1995 and shortly thereafter construction on the Funston Museum began. The Funston Museum opened on June 22, 1997. The completion of the Funston Museum Complex inspired an anonymous donation that allowed the Society to purchase the building currently serving as the headquarters for the Allen County Historical Society in 2000. After five years of work and the assistance of a $249,450 Economic Initiative Development Grant, the Allen County History Museum opened to the public on July 3, 2005. The Allen County Historical Society currently owns and operates all five buildings described above, four of which are open to the public. Our tremendous growth, from one museum room in the courthouse, to the operation of five buildings was only made possible through the dedication of our members and the unfailing support of the community. We hope you come enjoy all that our museums have to offer on the history of Allen County.
Exhibit Sponsors
Exhibit sponsorships are a wonderful way for local businesses and individuals to support the Allen County Historical Society and garner positive attention for their generosity. The funds raised from exhibit sponsors help us cover utility, insurance, building maintenance, and a myriad of other costs, and play a vital role in the financial stability of the historical society. Each of our current supporters and the exhibit they sponsor is listed below. If you, or your business is interested in sponsoring an exhibit at the Allen County History Museum, please contact the society at 620-365-3051.
Take Charge Challenge, Iola - North Front Window Changing Exhibit
Jim Talkington, Shelter Insurance - Allen County and the Wars Exhibit
Allen Community College - Computer Kiosk Exhibit
The Iola Pharmacy - General Store Exhibit
Personal Service Insurance, Humboldt - Humboldt Exhibit
J and J Accounting, Humboldt & Thompson Auction Iola - Old Farm Tools and Equipment Exhibit
Leon & Ardith Harris, Iola, In Memory of their son Stuart - Native American Indians Exhibit
Twin Motors Ford, Inc., Iola - Gas City, Mildred, Bayard, Petrolia, Leanna, and Concreto Exhibit
LaHarpe Telephone Company, Inc. & Diebolt Lumber & Supply Inc., LaHarpe - LaHarpe & Moran Exhibit
Jarred, Gilmore, & Phillips, PA, Iola Territorial Kansas Exhibit
Monarch Cement Company, Humboldt - Interior Changing Exhibit
Wal-Mart, Iola - Quilts Exhibit
John McRae, State Farm, Iola - The Civil War Exhibit
The Community National Bank and Trust of Iola - Iola Exhibit
The Community National Bank and Trust of Humboldt - Savonburg & Elsmore Exhibit
Iola Insurance Associaties - Rural Schools Exhibit
Great Southern Bank, Iola - Allen County Banking Exhibit
Sonic Equipment, Co. - African-American History Exhibit
Windsor Place - Zebulon Pike Exhibit
Sonic Drive-In - Famous Allen Countians - Plus One Exhibit
54 Rebuilders - Carlyle, Cofachique, and Geneva Exhibit
Iola Rotary Club - Gas Boom Exhibit