annual meeting january 18, 2025 2PM at the Depot museum
Make plans on attending. See the Bio below of our presenters.
Charles and Sara Robinson aka Steve and Suzanne Germes, using their unique historical character interpretation skills will bring the period of “Bleeding Kansas” to life illustrating how Kansas became the 34th State.
The Kansas–Nebraska Act of 1854 allowed settlers in Kansas Territory to vote on whether to allow slavery within its borders. This new law would put into motion the period called “Bleeding Kansas.” This new act repealed the Missouri Compromise of 1820, which had prohibited slavery in any new States created north of the latitude line 36°30'. Predictably, violence erupted between Northerners and Southerners who rushed into the territory to further their beliefs. Within a few days after the passage of this Act hundreds of pro-slavery Missourians crossed into Kansas Territory with the intent on establishing a Pro-Slavery State. Atchison, Kansas played a critical political role in the early years of this period. Dr. John H. Springfellow, a territorial politician, came to Kansas Territory and settled in Atchison and published the first newspaper, the Squatter Sovereign , which was a pro Southern newspaper.
Abolitionists in the East established numerous Immigrant aid companies to oppose this new Act which had repealed the Missouri Compromise. Charles and Sara Robinson were abolitionists who came to Kansas Territory in 1854 from Massachusetts to help ensure Kansas Territory would become a Free State where slavery would be prohibited. Violent guerrilla warfare broke out between the two groups and would last for nearly seven long years.
Join the Robinson’s as they tell you about their lives and struggles to help make Kansas a FREE STATE!
Atchison County Historical Society news
financial news
Ever since the inception of the Atchison County Historical Society in 1967, the county has provided funding to help us pay our regular fixed cost expenses.
We were advised recently, that for the year 2025, we will no longer receive that funding. In recent years, we received $10,000 per year from the tax payers of the county to help accomplish our mission. This reduction to our funding will cause us to have to make some changes to our operation.
One way to help offset this decrease in income is to make an appeal to the citizens of the county to join us by becoming a member. The cost of annual dues to the organization is $20.00 per year for a family membership. Please consider becoming a member and join us in preserving our local history. Thanks for your consideration.
smoky hill trail association
In October of 2024, we hosted the annual meeting of the Smoky Hill Trail Association. Approximately 50 of their members were in attendance. Several speakers presented programs that concerned the history of the trail that originated in Atchison, Ks.
Gov. George Washington Glick
In September of 2024, we received a gift from the Kansas State Historical Society. This statue of the 9th Governor of Kansas, once graced the halls of the U.S. Capital building from 1915 till 2003. Come see him in his display of accomplishments. The bulk of Mr. Glick's life was spent in Atchison, Kansas. He practiced law, help form railroads, farmed and committed a lot of time to public service.
Railroad speeder
We have added a display to the outside of the museum in September. This is a Union Pacific Railroad Speeder used for inspecting tracks. A very short section of track was laid down to accomodate the speeder and one of our other railroad artifacts, namely a work cart.
One Room Schools
We have added a display to our museum that commorates the importance of One Room Schools in Atchison County. Recently we received a gift of many school items from various persons and they are now on display. We are searching through our collections to add to the display. Come by the museum and reminisce.
Steinite Radio
We have received a gift of a Steinite Radio that was battery operated. It has been added to our Stein Exhibit.
Harvey House Items
We found another box with some goodies in it recently. Several different types of china and silverware from a Harvey House. They have been added to the Railroad Exhibit.
hobos were part of the landscape
A piece of art was donated to the museum of a house known only to hobos as a place to receive hospitality in Monrovia, KS. It has been placed next to our hobo picture in the railroad exhibit.
Port Williams
Mike Boldridge brought us a hand drawn map of the old settlement Port Williams. This was created with the help of Walter Boldridge's memories. It is on display in our Black History Exhibit.
Our Programs
At Atchison County Historical Society, we offer a wide range of programs and events that cater to history enthusiasts of all ages. From school field trips to lectures and workshops, our goal is to share our love of history with as many people as possible.