Museum Buildings

Take a peek at the historic buildings that make up Ellis County Historical Society!

Red Brick Building

Freshly remodeled and open to the public!

This half of the Presbyterian church was added in 1917 when the congregation grew too big for the limestone church. In the 1970's, they had grown enough to change locations entirely. The Ellis County Historical Society was formed to take care of the historic buildings. After remodeling for five years, we now use it for exhibits and a research space.

Limestone Church

The limestone church was originally a Presbyterian church built in 1879 and later partially remodeled to make room for the brick church. The limestone church gallery space is currently closed for remodeling.

Both are located on the corner of 7th and Main Street.

Volga German Haus

The Volga German Haus is a replica of a traditional limestone home of the Volga German settlers in Ellis County. This one-room building contains all the typical trappings of a pioneer's proud home.

Located north-west on the main campus on 7th and Main Street.

Younger Harness Shop

From its humble beginnings in early Hays, through its many incarnations as other businesses, and finally in its life as an exhibit building, the Harness Shop has outlived many of its downtown neighbors.

Subsequent occupants of the building have been C.M. Holmquist, lawyer; Francis W. Ostrum, abstractor; and the Match Box, a gift shop. It is also possible that at some point, Kathryn O’Loughlin, the first female to serve in Congress from Kansas and a Hays lawyer, used the building as a law office.

Located south-west on the Main Campus on 7th and Main Street.

Firehouse Museum

In partnership with the Hays Fireman's Association, this museum spotlights different aspects of historical fire-fighting.

Located behind the churches on the main campus of 7th and Main Street.

Boot Hill

Boot Hill was once a grave site between 1867 and 1874 for anyone who died "with their boots on". About half of the bodies have been moved to Allen Cemetery.

Located at 1806 Fort St, Hays, KS 67601