Cloud County Historical Museum facts for kids
The Cloud County Historical Museum is a special place in Concordia, Kansas, where you can explore the history of the area. The museum is housed in a beautiful old building that was built in 1908 to be a Carnegie library. A Carnegie library is a library that was paid for by a man named Andrew Carnegie, who helped build thousands of libraries across the country over 100 years ago.
The museum's job is to protect and show objects and papers that tell the story of what life was like for the early settlers of Kansas.
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What Can You See at the Museum?
The museum has many fascinating exhibits that bring the history of Cloud County to life. You can see everything from a famous First Lady's letter to art created by soldiers.
A Lost Letter from Martha Washington
Imagine finding a hidden treasure in a drawer! That's what happened at the museum in 2011. Workers discovered a letter written by Martha Washington to her famous husband, George Washington, the first President of the United States.
Experts confirmed the letter was real back in 1920, but it was then put away and forgotten for almost 100 years. Now, this incredible piece of American history is one of the museum's most prized items.
The Story of Camp Concordia
During World War II, there was a military camp for prisoners of war in Cloud County called Camp Concordia. The museum has a special section dedicated to this camp. You can see historical records and items that tell the story of the soldiers who lived there.
One of the most interesting parts of this exhibit is the collection of original paintings. These were created by the prisoners of war during their time at the camp, showing their talent and experiences.
The Whole Wall Mural
On the outside of the museum's annex building, you can't miss the giant hand-carved brick mural. It is one of the largest of its kind. The mural is called "The Whole Wall Mural" and it shows important events, people, and places from the history of Cloud County.
It was designed and carved by an artist named Catharine Magel, with help from other artists. It's a unique piece of public art that tells the town's story in a very creative way.
Other Treasures of Cloud County
The museum is filled with many other collections that show what life was like in the past. You can learn about:
- Old churches, schools, and businesses in the area.
- Displays of beautiful cut glass.
- Collections of rare coins and old books.
- A rock and gem shop.
- Old county newspapers on microfilm, which is like a tiny photograph of a newspaper page.
See Also
- List of Carnegie libraries in Kansas
- List of museums in Kansas
