Ellis County Historical Society
SPECIAL PROJECT FUNDRAISER
Preserving the Millstones That Helped Build Our Community
For nearly 150 years, four millstones have stood as enduring witnesses to the history of Hays and Ellis County, Kansas.
Imported from France in 1876 by Volga German pioneer miller Jakob Meier, these remarkable millstones helped power one of Ellis County's earliest grist mills. Today, they remain among surviving artifacts that connect us directly to the pioneers whose courage helped build our community.
In partnership with Operation Mill Stones, a community preservation initiative founded by Jakob Meier's great great granddaughter, Bridgette Crosby, is working to relocate, conserve, and permanently display the millstones at the Ellis County Historical Society Museum in Hays.
Every gift, regardless of size, helps preserve an irreplaceable piece of Ellis County's history. Thank you for helping ensure these remarkable millstones continue telling their story for generations to come.
Pete Felten Legacy Fund
This fund celebrates the legacy of local sculptor and artist Pete Felten. His statues have become intertwined with the history of Hays and the surrounding region.
Contributions to this fund will help support the preservation of Pete Felten's studio, and artwork, as well as begin the foundations of a future museum, gallery and garden.
Fr. Valentine Sommereisen Memorial Plaque Fund
This fund honors the legacy of the first resident Catholic priest in Hays. He was a missionary to early Volga German and frontier settlers of Ellis County.
Contributions to this fund will help fund a bronze historical marker near the site of Fr. Valentine Sommereisen's retirement home, and help recognize and preserve his role in the history of Ellis County's Catholic and immigrant communites.
2026 Quilt Raffle
The Kansas-inspired quilt shown here is a special collaboration by the Big Creek Quilt Guild and was generously donated to support the 2026 textile processing project work.
Chances to Win
$5 Each or 3 for $10
Visit the Hays museum to get your tickets today!