Galena Mining and Historical Museum, Galena, Kansas
N 37° 04.503 W 094° 38.533
15S E 354020 N 4104459
This museum has an interesting history of its own, in addition to the history contained within it.
Waymark Code: WMBN2E
Location: Kansas, United States
Date Posted: 06/04/2011
Views: 4
This museum is the result of numerous individuals who assisted in preserving the history of Galena and the mining industry that supported Galena for decades. One resident in particular, Howard "Pappy" Litch, contributed expansive collections that he had amassed, including mining tools, equipment, ore samples and hundreds of photographs.
In 1983, the Curly and Alberta (Hall) Clark obtained the old KATY train depot (Missouri-Texas-Kansas Railroad) and gave the dwelling to an organization dedicated to creating a museum complex in Galena. The organization obtained contributions and held a membership drive to collect funds to move and house the train depot since the land it was located on was not part of the gift.
Charles and Erma Crane then donated a lot measuring 92x384 feet to the organization, specifically for the museum. The land was made suitable for supporting the project, including moving tons of fill dirt to remove a drainage ditch that ran through the property. Finally, the railroad depot was moved, by 2 hired companies, one from Missouri (to lift the building) and one from Kansas (to pull the building). With much fanfare and media coverage, the depot was moved from north of the business district on Main Street, south on Main Street, west to Short Street, South to 7th and then two more blocks west to its current location at 319 West 7th St, Galena, KS 66739.
The building was remodeled by volunteer workers and a warehouse connected to the depot, to increase the available room to house exhibits.
The exterior exhibits include a Burlington Northern caboose, a Huey helicopter and a tank. Interior exhibits include a large hands-on display of mineral specimens, mining equipment and a model of the Grand Central Mine which was located just east of Galena in Central City, Missouri. A collection of oil paintings called "Abandoned Mine Scenes" that were painted local artist Carol Bliss-Riley are housed at the museum. These paintings were previously displayed in the Smithsonian Institution from 1969 and 1974, and are paintings of old mine scenes from the tri-state area (Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma). Each of the paintings have a wooden frame that has been created by the artist's husband, DeVaughn, with the majority of the frames containing wood that was salvaged from the buildings that are featured in each picture.
Additional exhibits include items that were found commonly in households thru the 1950s, war memorabilia, a collection of cigarette lighters, and much more.
Theme:
Mining Industry and History,
Kansas History,
US Military History.
Galena History.
Street Address:
319 West 7th St,
Galena, KS 66739
Food Court: no
Gift Shop: no
Hours of Operation:
Varies since dependent on volunteers.
Normally:
Monday-Saturday 9:00 Am to 11:30 Noon
1:00PM to 3:30PM
Sunday: by appointment only.
Tours/school field trips encouraged. (call ahead)
Phone 620-783-2192
Cost: 0.00 (listed in local currency)
Museum Size: Medium
Relevant Web Site: [Web Link]
|
Visit Instructions:
In order to log this waymark in this category, you must be able to provide proof of your visit. Please post a picture of yourself or your GPSr in front some identifiable feature or point of interest either in the museum, or on the museum grounds.