Belle Plaine Historical Museum

In July 1998, The Belle Plaine Historical/Genealogical Society was established with a membership of five people, no money, and two objectives: establish a museum and preserve old photographs.

Over the years, we have sponsored educational opportunities for school groups; shared information with local organizations; helped fund other historically minded groups, including the Honor Flight Program for Veterans and Kansas State Society Youth Programs. Additionally, we have arranged presentations of topics of interest including: early printing and photo techniques by Don Fillmore; school memorabilia; Glenn Hamilton's brick barn tour; Arthur Dunn's WWII testimonial; history of trains and railways through Paradise Valley by Cecil Beaman and Dan Hatfield; a quilt show with histories narrated by Eldisa Utt; a display of 1893-1927 fire insurance maps showing development and population growth of Belle Plaine and sponsored several museum trips.

Additionally, genealogy research materials are currently available at the Belle Plaine Public Library to include "Century of Memories," "Cemetery Book" with updates, "Facts and Fables," and other books on early life in Kansas.

In 2021, Belle Plaine celebrates its 150th anniversary. Members of the Belle Plaine Historical Society and volunteers worked two nights and a day to paint the logo on the east side of the building.

With the help of supporters, we have succeeded in accomplishing our two primary objectives and so much more. Yet, there is much more to be done. We invite you to become a member. Your membership fee helps to support the upkeep of the Museum and the preservation of our community's history. Join us on the 4th Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm at the museum located at 204 West 5th Street.