Welcome to the Anderson County Historical Society Museum
THIS MONTH'S FEATURE
Gerth Cabin
Valentin Gerth was the first white settler to arrive in Anderson County in 1854. He traveled from his original home to Kansas City and then walked, carrying his trunk, to the site close to present day Greeley, Kansas. He lived in a tent that year and traded with the Indians. The following year he planted a crop and walked back to Kansas City for supplies. By 1856 he had traded with Indians for a horse and built his cabin south of present-day Greeley about three fourths mile on the side of a hill. There he married, raised his children, buried his parents on top of the hill and farmed. Some of his descendants still live in Anderson County. The original Gerth Cabin was donated to the Anderson County Historical Society and moved to the west edge of Greeley and renovated. It is available today for tours by appointment. For a tour call Nancy Rockers at 785-867-3933.
About Us
MONTHLY MEETINGS
MONTHLY MEETINGS---Everyone Welcome!!!
Our next historical society meeting will be November 2nd at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Building, Garnett. This is volunteer appreciation meeting, and the Historical Society is providing meat, potatoes, and a vegetable. So bring your best salads and desserts for our carry-in meal before the meeting. Table service provided. The program will follow the meal.
Collections at the Museum
We house a very wide collection of artifacts of Anderson County. Our "category" rooms include: School, Military and Organizations, Church, Home, Library, Medical & Business, Farm, and Country Store. We specialize in helping with family genealogy and research. We have most publications relating specifically to Anderson County. There are numerous printed family genealogies and surname files.
Museum Hours
The Museum will be closing September 30 for the winter. So be sure and visit us before then. Days open: Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. After the museum closes you many contact us for a visit via e-mail: at Information@historyandersoncoks.org
The museum phone will only be checked periodically so e-mail is the good way to inquire about visiting the museum. You may also call Kenny Kellstadt at 785-448-7562.
Properties
The Harris House
Harris Carriage House
Harris Carriage House
The Harris House was a gift to the Anderson County Historical Society in December 1980, by Dr. Claib B. Harris Jr, his wife Donna, his sisters Miss Isabella Harris and Mrs. Sue Williams, Garnett; and Mrs. Margaret Chafee, of Perry, Oklahoma. This home is open for tours and the society has sponsored special events. Private or group tours c
The Harris House was a gift to the Anderson County Historical Society in December 1980, by Dr. Claib B. Harris Jr, his wife Donna, his sisters Miss Isabella Harris and Mrs. Sue Williams, Garnett; and Mrs. Margaret Chafee, of Perry, Oklahoma. This home is open for tours and the society has sponsored special events. Private or group tours can be arranged by emailing or calling the Anderson County Historical Society.
Harris Carriage House
Harris Carriage House
Harris Carriage House
The Carriage House, behind the home, holds numerous items significant to the era. A Manners family 1860 conestoga wagon, the 1890 Garnett man powered fire hose cart, a Shellhorn family homemade sleigh, and an early yeast maker each represent a significant role in the history of Anderson County. Numerous other items of agricultural interest are displayed.
Valentin Gerth Cabin
Harris Carriage House
Valentin Gerth Cabin
The 1856 Valentin Gerth Cabin. First White settlement in Anderson Co, and a slave hideout. Located in Greeley, Kansas.