Peabody Historical Library Museum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Old Peabody Library
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Library in 1908
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 Location in Kansas
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| Location | 106 E Division Ave Peabody, Kansas, 66866 |
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| Built | 1875 |
| Architectural style | Vernacular |
| Restored | 1927 and 1960 |
| Part of | Peabody Downtown Historic District (ID98000590) |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000765 |
| Added to NRHP | July 2, 1973 |
The Peabody Historical Library Museum is also known as the Old Peabody Library. It became a special historic place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. You can find it in the historic downtown area of Peabody, Kansas. This building is very important to Kansas history. It was the very first library in the state that was free and supported by taxes. This means everyone could use it, and the city helped pay for it.
History of the Old Peabody Library
Building the First Library
The city of Peabody got its name in 1871. It was named after F.H. Peabody from Boston. He used to be a vice-president for a big train company, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway.
In May 1874, Mr. Peabody visited the new city. He made an exciting announcement. He said he would give money for a library building. He would also pay for furniture, books, magazines, and even the garden around it. But there was one condition: the Peabody township had to get four lots of land for the library.
Work on the building started in early 1875. The library opened its doors to the public in June of that year. In February 1876, the state government allowed the township to collect taxes. These taxes would help pay for the library to keep running. The building was used as the town's library until 1914.
Moving the Old Library Building
In 1914, the library moved to a new building. The new building was called the Peabody Township Carnegie Library. It was built right where the old library used to be.
The original library building was moved. First, it went to the Peabody City Park. Later, it was moved again. This time, it went south of the old Peabody Grade School, close to the train tracks. The building was fixed up in 1927. For many years, it was used for club meetings or just sat empty.
Becoming a Museum
In 1960, people in Peabody started planning. They wanted to celebrate Kansas's 100th birthday in 1961. Local citizens decided to move the old library building once more. They moved it close to its first spot, just east of the Carnegie library.
The old library building was changed into a museum. It was officially opened as a museum on July 3, 1961.
Hours to Visit
As of 2011, the museum is open during the summer months. It opens from Memorial Day to Labor Day. You can visit on the first and third Saturday of each month. It is also open on federal holidays like Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. The museum is open from 1 pm to 3 pm on these days.
Gallery
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Fountain next to W.H. Morgan House (immediate right), W.H. Morgan Barn (back right with red roof), Carnegie Library (left with brown brick), Museum (back middle with green roof). Looking north-east in 2010.
See also
- List of museums in Kansas
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Marion County, Kansas
- Peabody Downtown Historic District
- Peabody Township Library
- W.H. Morgan House
