Miami County Historical Museum

Encounter the Border and Civil War exhibit, Native American exhibit, and the local history of Miami County. Featured August 28th, 2011 in The Kansas City Star newspaper, as one of the top ten "Treasures of the Civil War" exhibits in the Kansas and Missouri areas.

Hours

Mon-Sat 10 am – 4 pm

Contact Information

12 E Peoria
Paola, KS 66071
Phone: 913-294-4940
websiteFacebook

Location Type

Kid-friendly
Museum

Site Info

Parking
Restroom
Camping
Wheelchair
AC / Heating
Bus / RV Parking
Camping
Giftshop
Group Meeting Room
Group Tours
Parking
Restrooms
Research Library
Staffed
Wheel Chair Accessible
After an extensive year-long research project, the Miami County Historical Museum has emerged as one of the top Border War/Civil War exhibits in Kansas and Missouri. The K. C. Star newspaper listed our museum as one of ten Civil War Treasures of the Kansas and Missouri area. We also feature an extensive Native American exhibit, with complete arrow heads dating back to 10,000 B.c., as well as pottery shards dating 6,500 B.C., all found in Miami County. Our museum is home to the history of John Brown and William Quantrill. John Brown settled in Osawatomie while Quantrill initially settled in Paola as a school teacher, before turning guerrilla. We feature numerous artifacts, including photos, weapons and even an amputation kit from this period. The building our museum is now in was once a turn of the century coffin shop. Check out our collection of wicker coffins.

Video

Stories & Comments

Beatriz Giraldo  |  on 10/18/2011

This museum is so much more than advertised and could be expected. I saw the article on it in the August K.C. Star newspaper ad, stating that it was one of the "Civil War Treasures" of the Kansas/Missouri area. It was everything the article said it was and more. I plan on bringing more of my family members to this museum as soon as possible. The museum's director explained that this exhibit in partnership with the Freedom Frontier National Heritage Area has made this exhibit a total success.

Alvaro Flores  |  on 10/19/2011

After seeing all of the fascinating artifacts the Miami County Historical Museum has to offer, I can't wait to visit and see this amazing museum in person!

Sarah @ Mum In Bloom  |  on 10/20/2011
website

This museum is a hidden treasure indeed. My children love the exhibits and the volunteers who work here are very friendly and knowledgeable. My in-laws from Maryland go to this museum each time they visit to help them tie the history links between Kansas and the East Coast. Keep up the good work!

Martha Salazar  |  on 10/20/2011

This museum is definitely amazing. I will go asap with all my family to see the historical exhibits.
Good Work!!

Mike Hursey  |  on 10/21/2011
website

This museum is so GREAT!! Tallest man in world lived here at one time. Vivian Vance went to school here. Roy Rodgers and W.C. Fields visited.
All in Miami County

Kathi Vandever  |  on 10/24/2011

This museum has exploded with new exhibits & history of the Civil War in Miami County. Now is a great time to see the displays, because it is the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. I visit every time I am in Paola and always discover more interesting history in Miami County. Did you know there used to be a large circus that wintered in Paola?!

Charles Frey  |  on 1/11/2012

Great Exhibits! Great staff!

AngieO  |  on 3/18/2012
website

I took my kids there on a field trip with 2 other families. We had so much fun looking though the exhibits, and getting a real feel for the history of the area!! You wouldn't realize the sheer scope of this museum by driving by. Even the smallest of our group was so interested, we stayed for hours. My 14 year old even said that he had no idea history could be fun to learn. They were mesmerized - as was I! I will be visiting again, and sharing this gem with everyone I know, guaranteed.

Alexandra  |  on 4/16/2012

Great website :)

Hannes Poetter  |  on 1/24/2013
website

Paola Town Square about 1900. Make sure to visit our facebook page at the Miami County Historical Museum, where you can find many pictures showing life in Kansas 90-150 years ago.
User Submitted Photo

Share Your Story (* fields required)

 
 
Your email address will not be posted on the website.
   
Upload photo or document
Leave blank to submit form:
 
Comments are moderated, and will be published after approval.

7MB limit
Acceptable image formats: JPG, GIF, and PNG
Accepted document format: PDF


cancel

Uploading...
Miami County Historical Museum
Miami County Historical Museum
Main Gallery Containing 40 Enlarged Photos of Miami County Early Settlers, and Border and Civil War Veterans
Civil War Dragoon Jacket with Two Bullet Holes, Belonged to 1st Sergeant Daniel Carpenter
Border War/Civil War Room Containing Numerous Weapons and Diaries from Border/Civil War Period
Photo of John Brown. Miami County is Home of the Battle of Osawatomie, just minutes from our Museum
One of our Large 20" x 30" Photos of the Paola Square During the 1860's
more photos  1 2 >
Share your photos
Upcoming Events
Saturday, October 20, 2018
Candlelight Ghost Tour
The Harris-Kearney House and Westport Historical Society are excited to announce our next paranormal ghost investigations of the year! Join us on Saturday, October 20 & 27,...   details>>
Saturday, October 27, 2018
Candlelight Ghost Tour
The Harris-Kearney House and Westport Historical Society are excited to announce our next paranormal ghost investigations of the year! Join us on Saturday, October 20 & 27,...   details>>
Saturday, October 27, 2018
Dark of The Moon
On October 27, the museum will offer a DARK OF THE MOON Paranormal Investigation of the 1855 Harris-Kearney House Museum from 9:00pm until 2:00am @ $40.00pp. Take part in a...   details>>
Saturday, October 27, 2018
Candlelight Ghost Tour
October 20 & 27: SPOOKS of Kansas will show you their paranormal discoveries of the 1855 Harris-Kearney House! The Candlelight Ghost Tours will happen on October 20 and 27...   details>>
This website is not produced with federal funds. © 2018
National Park ServiceVisit MissouriKansas Department of CommerceSEK
Web Development by Imagemakers Inc.
Are you sure you want to delete this?
Yes    Cancel