GALLERY 1

Gallery 1 tells the history of Pratt County back to the dinosaurs and you can see some fossils.

Our Native American artifacts give evidence of hunting excursions into this area before 1500.

You will see a model of Skunk Johnson's cave, and learn the hardships of an early day trapper. and his exciting escape from the Indians.

When you view the covered wagon, with bows dating to 1878, you can visualize the pioneers coming along the trails to establish homesteads. You will see their sod-buster plows, and learn how they broke the sod to build their homes out on the open prairie.

You will see their quilts, fashions, baby clothes, handwork, toys, hand-forged tools, etc. It is a rich collection of Pratt County history detailing the founding of each Pratt County town and community.

Visiting Gallery 2 is a great way to see and feel history as part of our living past.

Surrounding our garden and its beautiful iron fence are the PERIOD ROOMS.

The judge presides over the courtroom. A late 19th Century dental office, and a room of medical equipment make us grateful for the wonder of modern medical science.

The bedroom is complete with a corner for baby. The parlor and dining room are beautifully decorated in pioneer style.

If you wonder how the pioneer woman cooked in such a kitchen there are recipes on display describing how to "do it from scratch." Just outside the kitchen is the back porch complete with laundry, cream separator and churn. The fuel bin "out back" is next to the cave which serves as a cool place for food storage, as well as a family shelter from prairie storms.

As one completes the tour around Gallery 2, you see the "school marm" instructing her pupils in the little rural school house.

Our "old Time Main Street, Pratt County, Kansas," is located inside the museum so that you can enjoy the displays rain or shine.

Walking down the board walk on Main Street is an old-style way to "window-shop".

The Tonsorial features hot baths, shaves and haircuts. Our Land Office contains many interesting early-day maps and law books. The Post Office, Bank and Telephone Office were authentic Pratt County establishments. You will enjoy entering the General Store, complete with butcher shop. After leaving the Livery Stable, which is complete with tack room, small forge for horseshoe repair and veterinarian instruments, don't try to pass a file to that man in the Jail House.

Look out for the horse and buggy as you cross the street to the ice house where you can learn the art of cutting ice from mill ponds and can see sacks of newly ground wheat in front of the Mill door.

Along the board walk is buried the Centennial Time Capsule of the City of Pratt to be opened in 2034.