Our History
The Herington Historical Society & Museum was chartered on March 25th, 1975. Herington postmaster George W. Kohls envisioned a museum to house a collection of artifacts pertaining to the history of Herington and it’s surrounding communities. Since the basement of the Herington Post Office was a seldom used area, Mr. Kohls obtained agreement for the museum collection to be housed there until funds for a suitable Museum building could be secured. For 8 years, the post office basement was the home of the museum’s collections. Meanwhile, a building fund was established and through contributions from local citizens, businesses, and organizations a new museum building at 800 South Broadway was dedicated in September of 1984. The museum soon outgrew its space. In 1987, in conjunction with the 100 year “Centennial Celebration” of the town of Herington, a museum addition expanding the floor space to 6000 square ft. along with the addition of a refurbished Rock Island Baggage car which would house the museum’s railroad artifacts, was added.
Today, the museum is home to thousands of artifacts, exhibits, and photographs pertaining to Herington and Southeast Dickinson County. A stone memorial in front of the museum was built from the remains of the historic Rock Island Depot after it was razed in 1985.
In addition to the many items on display, the Herington Museum also maintains all of the Herington historical newspapers from 1884 – 2010 on microfilm. We have many local church records, cemetery records, family history information and many other research resources.
Jolene Bradford - Curator
Jolene has served as curator for the Herington Historical Museum for many years. As curator, Jolene makes sure that the artifacts are received, documented, displayed and protected. She is often the first contact at the museum for research requests and also authors the museum's newsletter.
Phyllis Smith - President
Phyllis and her husband, Wilbur H. Smith, were owners of the local State Farm Insurance agency from 1965-1995. Phyllis was also owner of "The Fabric Cottage" in Herington for many years. She still enjoys sewing and quilting when time allows. Phyllis is also active in the Herington Chamber of Commerce and can often be found working in the Deli department of the local Barnes' Heartland Foods.
Dennis Vahsholtz - Vice President
An avid disc golfer, Dennis chose to make his long time interest in the growing sport of Disc Golf his occupation and chose to locate his business in Herington. As current owner of Discs Unlimited, a premier supplier of golf discs and supplies, Dennis grew up in Herington and graduated from Herington High School. Dennis has served on the museum's board of directors for several years and is now serving as the board Vice President. Dennis can also make a mean bowl of chili. If you have attended our annual soup dinner, you have probably tasted it.