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ECHS is creating a sister site in Victoria Kansas inside the former rest home building, now called St. John’s place. The space will have a permanent storage area for artifacts and a large gallery located through the main south entrance at 701 7th Street. On display will be the majority of the rural county history focusing on the following themes: Walker Army Airfield, Angus Cattle Ranching in the US, Oil Industry in Ellis County, Western Kansas Agriculture, and the Volga German Immigrants, Churches and Villages.
You can help us make it a reality!
In 1876, the first group of Volga German immigrants left the comfort of their families and the security of their villages to make the treacherous journey seeking a better life in America.
Choosing Ellis County, Kansas, these hard-working, faith-filled men and women transformed a frontier prairie teeming with saloons, brothels and gunslingers into a county known far and wide for its towering limestone churches and productive farmland.
This modern, innovative, compassionate county is what it is today because of them, our ancestors. You are who you are today because of them. Isn’t it time that we gratefully honor them with the recognition that they so richly deserve?
Now is your once -in-a-lifetime opportunity to share your ancestors’ story by being a part of the Ellis County Historical Society’s Settlers Hall of Honor.
Inside the front lobby and Founders’ Gallery, wall space will be set aside for memorial plaques dedicated to first generation Ellis County settlers. Content of the plaques will vary slightly but may include photographs, family genealogy, historical family anecdotes.
Every family has a story worth sharing, and the ECHS Heritage Center will celebrate county residents and village founders throughout its exhibits. This is your opportunity to honor your family's legacy while supporting a cultural center that will endure for generations. Join us in preserving and celebrating our shared history.
These designated spaces are limited and ECHS has set aside a certain number of plaques of each size to be displayed.
The Ellis County Historical Society staff will help each family compile history and information to be included on the wall and will have full design authority and discretion.
Funds collected for the Hall of Honor will be used for the redevelopment of the sister site building (ECHS portion of St. John’s Place) and museum housed within, all currently in the planning stages. ECHS is a 501(c)(3) and your donations are tax deductible.
Download the panel brochure with stipulation and cost info, along with panel examples at our website fundraiser page Support Us | Ellis County Historical Society (echshays.org)
For more information, please contact Cynthia Stone, ECHS Administrative Assistant, by text/call 785-893-1431 or by email at [email protected].