This building served as Kingman's City Hall until 1967, almost 80 years. When it sold to the Historical Society in 1969, it was the oldest municipal building in Kansas in terms of continuous city tenure. It was officially opened as a museum in 1970. The east portion of the building was added to house city vehicles and is now the entrance as well as the office and work area for the Museum. The Muse
um is owned and supervised by the Historical Society composed and open to any interested citizens. Dues and public donations provide the finances. Maintenance and operation is provided solely by Volunteers. In 2010 the Museum was revived by new, innovative, energetic, hard-working volunteers dedicated to preserving Kingman's history. The renovation continues and fund raising programs have built an elevator to the second floor where much of our history is saved, purchased a new heating system, built handicapped access ramps into the building and into the firehouse, and a complete facelift of new paint and refinished floors. Current fund raising is focused on making the bell tower operable again. The museum has also established an endowment fund with the goal of eventually providing operating costs. Our thanks to the loyal citizens of Kingman for preserving a major part of our city's heritage.
