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. This important building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. It stands in the Downtown Historic District in Peabody, Kansas. This building is very special for Kansas. It was the first library in the state that was free and supported by taxes.
History of the Old Peabody Library
How the Library Started
The city of Peabody got its name in 1871. It was named after F.H. Peabody from Boston. He was a vice-president of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway company. In May 1874, Mr. Peabody visited the new city. He offered to donate money for a library building. He also offered to pay for furniture, books, magazines, and even landscaping. This generous offer came with one condition. The Peabody township had to get four lots for the library's location.
Construction of the library began in early 1875. The library officially opened to the public in June of that year. In February 1876, the state government allowed the township to collect a tax. This tax helped pay for the library's ongoing costs. The building served as the city's main library until 1914.
The Library Moves Around
In 1914, the library moved to a new location. The Peabody Township Carnegie Library was built on the original spot. The old library building was first moved to the Peabody City Park. Later, it was moved again. It ended up south of the old Peabody Grade School, near the railroad tracks. The building was repaired and updated in 1927. For many years, it was used for club meetings. It also sat empty for some time.
Becoming a Museum
In 1960, people in Peabody started planning for a big celebration. They were getting ready for the 1961 Kansas centennial. This marked 100 years since Kansas became a state. Local citizens decided to move the old library building again. They moved it to a lot close to its first location. This new spot was east of the Carnegie library. The old library building was then changed into a museum. It officially opened as a museum on July 3, 1961.
Visiting the Museum Today
As of 2011, the museum has specific visiting hours. It is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. This includes the first and third Saturday of each month. It is also open on federal holidays like Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. On these days, you can visit the museum from 1 pm to 3 pm.
Gallery
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This picture shows a fountain next to the W.H. Morgan House. You can also see the Carnegie Library and the Museum. This photo was taken in 2010.
More to Explore
- 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
