Exhibits
Our galleries showcase Wyandotte County's rich history from the Kansas City Hopewell to modern times. The museum also features a variety of short-term exhibits in our auditorium.
Trowbridge & Barker Galleries
Named for Harry Trowbridge, the founding curator/director of the Wyandotte County Museum in 1955, this gallery showcases his archaeological collections of Native American artifacts. Many of these Hopewell artifacts were discovered near 61st Street and Leavenworth Road, now a listed archaeological site on the Register of Historic Kansas Sites and the National Register of Historic Places, 14WY1. This gallery also includes many other relics collected by Trowbridge through his archaeological connections and travels.
The Barker Gallery looks at the stories of the three immigrant tribes of Wyandotte County: The Shawnee, Delaware, and the Wyandot. In the 19th century, these immigrant tribes migrated to present-day Wyandotte County. Highlights of the museum collection on display are a mid-1800s dug-out canoe, the Conley Sisters double-barrel shotgun, and the tool chest belonging to James Parr, the first mayor of Wyandotte City (predecessor of Kansas City, KS).
Wyandotte County Heritage Gallery
This gallery covers a variety of themes, including the county’s earliest railroads and industries, healthcare, education, and immigration. The exhibits help visitors understand the diverse stories of Kansas City, KS, and surrounding communities.
Thank you to the Union Pacific Foundation, the Barton P. and Mary D. Cohen Charitable Trust for supporting this project.