Museum History

The Seward County Historical Society was founded in 1961. Seward County pioneer descendants Robert W. Baughman, Fred Hill, Lewis Eyman and Oliver Brown realized the importance of preserving the history of the area and were fearful that since so many of the early settlers were gone that the time would come when the history could not be established. A twenty-one member Board of Directors was created.

The ground for the Coronado museum was donated by Mr. N.S. Lepley and the First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Liberal donated the Larrabee home. This charming home was built in 1918 and was moved from its original location at 510 N. Lincoln to the present site in 1961. It still retains the warmth and charm which it held as a family home. The solid light oak paneling banisters and flooring would be difficult to duplicate today. The museum houses the priceless antiques, heirlooms and pictures of early day Seward County. One large room has an early day kitchen, complete with wood stove, cabinet, churn, pump vacuum and etc. Also one end of the room is furnished in old bedroom furnishing with the center of the room furnished in living room articles, complete with an ornate pump organ. On display are beautiful china and handmade bed linens.

On the museum grounds are found native tamarack, sand hill plums, cottonwood trees and wild roses.

Did you know?

• In 1541, Coronado, in search of the Seven Cities of Cibola (Gold), passed through what is now Kansas at or near Liberal
• The Museum was the vision of four men, Robert W. Baughman, Fred Hill, Lewis Eyman, and Oliver Brown
• The Museum was started to preserve the history of Liberal, Seward County and the surrounding area
• The Museum was named after "Coronado"
• The Museum was built in 1918
• The Museum was the former home home of the Larrabee Family
• The Museum still retains the solid light oak paneling, banisters and flooring
• At one time, the windmill that is located on the grounds of the museum supplied the water for the native grass and flowers