Main Museum
Location: 530 N. Adams
Visitation: Tuesday-Saturday, 1 PM to 4 PM
Junction City High School (1905)
Photo by Pennell.
Geary County Historical Society (current)
Welcome to the Geary County Historical Museum!
Today, this building helps educate visitors on the history of our county, but it has an even longer history of educating the public. Originally built as a high school, our building opened its doors on September 12, 1904, to educate the young people of Junction City.
In 1929, the last senior class graduated from this building, and the high school was moved to another building at 9th and Adams. At that time, there were 60 graduates and about 200 students attending the Senior High School. In 1930, this building became a “Departmental School,” housing 6th-grade and kindergarten classes. Head Start classes and special education programs were held here in the 1970s until the out-of-date building was vacated in 1980.
The internal structure of this building has changed quite a bit since its original days as a high school, but if you look around, you might notice original touches, like the transoms above the old schoolroom doors, which helped circulate air.
As you explore the building, imagine early high schoolers rushing to class. The auditorium on the second floor is the area least touched by renovations.
Interior of High School Auditorium (1905)
Photo by Pennell.
Students at Work in High School Manual Training Room (1905)
Photo by Pennell.
School Hallway with Lockers (1914)
Photo by Pennell.
Three floors of exhibits!
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Our basement features a print shop and fire engine! Located on this floor is our accessible entrance and bathrooms.
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This floor features our “main street” exhibit, grandma’s kitchen, indigenous artifacts, an in-depth look at the creation of the Milford Dam, and our gift shop!
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The floor features a train station depot, a one-school house, and our newest exhibit, “Businesses Through The Ages.”
NEW EXHIBIT
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NEW EXHIBIT ~
Businesses Through The Ages
The new exhibit looks at local businesses like restaurants, grocery stores, clothing stores, and soda fountains over the last 170 years, with artifacts from many local favorites, including Cohen’s Chicken House, the Colonial Theater, and Clewell’s Pharmacy.
