Uncover the past in the museum on the prairie
Come visit our unique collection of artifacts and yearly dynamic displays.
Open every Sunday, June thru August
2 - 4 pm*
(785) 418-5721 or (931) 241-8001 *for appointment
osage county historical society presentation
Many thanks to Eileen Davis for her engaging and insightful presentation on the rich local history.
Eileen Davis - Secretary at Osage County Historical Society came out to present:
a brief but engaging presentation covering the local history of the Michigan Valley Area. :
- Exodusters in Our Area
- Bulmer Grain Company in Michigan Valley
- Appanoose Church of the Brethren
Exodusters in our area
After the Civil War, many formerly enslaved African Americans in the South faced hostile tenant-farming conditions, violence, and limited land‐ownership opportunities. Many of them looked to Kansas, in part because of its symbolic history around “Free State” status and the availability of homesteads. Between about 1879 and the early 1880s, large numbers of African Americans — called “Exodusters” after the Biblical Exodus reference — travelled north or west to Kansas seeking land and freedom.
Bulmer Grain Company
In the Michigan Valley area of Osage County, the Bulmer family operated a business called Bulmer Grain Company. For example, an obituary notes that Lee Milner Bulmer (1938-2024) “owned and operated Bulmer Grain Company, Michigan Valley” alongside his brother and father. The presence of a grain company illustrates the importance of agriculture (grain production/storage) in the local economy
Appanoose Church of the Brethren
The Appanoose Church of the Brethren was built around 1886 on the I. B. Garst farm, about 7½ miles southeast of Overbrook (on the Franklin-Douglas county line). The congregation followed the Brethren tradition (Anabaptist roots) with characteristics such as believer’s baptism (often by immersion three times), love-feasts, simple church buildings and plain worship.
About Appanoose Museum
Our History
Artifact/Talents Donations
Our History
Learn about the rich history of Appanoose Area Preservation Society (AAPS), also known as the Appanoose Museum. From its founding in 1998 to present day, museum activities have been directed towards our mission “to preserve the past to positively affect the future.”
Exhibits
Artifact/Talents Donations
Our History
Explore our collection of exhibits, which feature a diverse range of artifacts and information from various time periods and communities from the Kansas and USD 287 area. Our exhibits are carefully curated to provide an educational and enriching experience for visitors of all ages.
Artifact/Talents Donations
Artifact/Talents Donations
Artifact/Talents Donations
Discover the heart of our museum by contributing your artifacts or talents. Your donations enrich our collections, while your creative skills in graphic design or decorating breathe life into our exhibitions. From crafting captivating flyers and logos to designing striking t-shirts, your contributions add vibrancy to our endeavors. Together, let's weave a tapestry of the past and present, uniting community and culture through shared experiences. Join us in preserving history and fostering community connections.
Appanoose Museum Military Room
Explore Our Military Collections
Discover a collection of military items presented to the museum by local veterans, as well as a wall containing the names of local servicemen and women from this area
Request a plaque for your veteran
Join our community by requesting a plaque for your veteran to be displayed in the military room. Click the button below to submit a form to request the plaque (no charge).
Message us if you’re interested, and we’ll be in touch!
Recent additions to our collected donations
A tribute to the late Maurice Hoffman (d: 2024), lifetime member of the Appanoose Museum and an Appanoose alumni.
Join us in preserving our local history!
Help Our Cause
Donations play a crucial role in supporting AAPS to maintain exhibits, preserve artifacts, and provide educational programs and events for the community. Your support is greatly appreciated.