Moundridge Museums

The Cole House Museum

Located at 402 W. Cole street. This house was the first house located in what is now the city of Moundridge, Kansas.  It began in 1875 as a two-room two story house with a lean-to kitchen.  Through additions over the years, it grew to 14-rooms. The house was owned by the Cole family for over 110 years.  Visiting the home is like stepping back into history when time moved at a slower pace. 

Photographs tell the story of one pioneer family's struggle to establish a home on the Kansas prairie.   Handmade quilts, clothing, furniture, dishes and other personal artifacts are included in the museum tour.   Most of the trees and flowers were planted by the Coles.  A 21-ft deep, hand-dug well was used by the family to cool their food and is still on the property.   Visitors can experience what life was like in the late 1800's through stories about the family.  

The house was donated to the City of Moundridge by Grace Kutnink, the grand daughter of builders, Drusilla and Thornton Cole.  The contents of the house are owned by the Moundridge Historical Association.  The house and artifacts have been restored to be enjoyed by all who visit.  The first floor is accessible to visitors with special needs.  The second floor of the house, grounds, family and area history is assessible through a video that was graciously put together by our members.

                                   Cole House Museum, 402 W. Cole, Moundridge, KS  67107

 Old fashioned kitchen where meals were prepared for family.                          Original dishes are on display.

              Thornton and Drusilla's family circa 1903.                           Parlor with stained glass window and original art.

Agriculture Museum

Completed in 2010, and located on the Cole House grounds  at 406 W Cole , the museum displays many artifacts used in early agriculture in the area.   Plows, implements and planters date back to the 1800's.  Descriptions of their uses and donors are included with displays.  Early 1900 tractors, are shown for your  information and enjoyment.

                                     Early wagons used in area agriculture.

  Veterinary tools and photographs showing local history.                             Early 1900's buggy.

                                                     Saw rig used to cut hedge during 1930's.             Samples, plants , research and photographs of crops.

Heritage Museum

Located in the big red barn on the museum grounds, the Heritage Museum  opened in October of 2011.   Displays feature information and exhibits pertaining to the early residents of the area their religion, genealogy, oral histories, business, medicine, domestic arts, photographs, music, art and military. 

Newspapers on microfilm from 1887 are available for research.  Antique printing presses from the local newspapers are also on display.

The Heritage Museum will depict the history of many families in the area.  Through their generous donations artifacts, as well as financial gifts and volunteering their time, they have made this resource a reality for others to enjoy.

Blacksmith Shop

The Blacksmith shop is under construction just north of the Heritage Museum.  It is being built by volunteers who are local blacksmiths and friends.  The project began as an Eagle Scout project and will be completed in October of 2011.    It will be an operating blacksmith shop where visitors can come to watch this skill still being practiced today.  Pictured below is the construction process.

Depot Museum

Located at 205 W. Cole, the Depot Museum was built as an actual railroad depot in the 1880's when the railroad came through the area.  In 1986 the building was purchased and moved a few feet off the railroad right-of-way.  Artifacts and photographs will help depict the importance of the railroad to the development of Moundridge.  The Depot museum has been used for storage and is currently under renovation.  The facility will be available for tours upon completion.

Homestead Trail Celebration

We celebrate our heritage with a Homestead Trail Celebration on the third Saturday in October.  Blacksmiths, Mountain Men, tours through the museums, old fashioned music, games, food and fun. 

         Old fashioned games and rope making.                                               Area Blacksmiths demonstrate skills.

                                                                Hay rack rides and fun for everyone.

 Moundridge Historical Association