Logan County • Crook, Fleming, Illiff, Merino, Peetz, Sterling
Explore stories of early settlers The Overland Trail Museum’s gold panning “creek” is a popular attraction during the warm months. (Sara Waite/ Journal-Advocate)
A covered wagon similar to those used by pioneers who traveled the Overland Trail is on display inside Overland Trail Museum's High Plains Education Center. (Callie Jones/ Journal-Advocate)
Museum preserves the history of the Overland Trail
T
he Overland Trail Museum has grown significantly since it began in 1936 as a project of the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Additions to the original stone building have transformed the museum into a showcase of natural history, natives and settlers. What hasn’t changed is the museum’s mission: to preserve and share the rich history of the Overland Trail and the heritage of the early settlers who traveled it. “Items we have here were items the first settlers brought with them and items donated by their families,” said museum curator Kay Rich. The museum is home to a oneof-a-kind Rural Electrification of America exhibit in the Dave Hamil building, which also houses special temporary exhibits highlighting artifacts from the museum’s collection. The museum has also acquired over the years a collection of area historic buildings — some of them originals, some reproductions — that form a “village” in the museum courtyard, including
a church, one-room school and country store. The area’s agricultural heritage is reflected in the Karg Barn and displays of antique farm equipment, and the community’s connection to the railroad is evident with the restored ATSF caboose and boxcar depot. The High Plains Education Center, dedicated in the fall of 2011, features interactive exhibits on the people, geography and industries found in the area. The building also includes a large meeting room that can be rented for pri-
vate functions and classroom space for children’s programs. The newest addition, the Print Shop and Media Center, will be dedicated in the summer of 2021. It houses an Intertype machine and antique printing press, among other things, and includes historical images and front pages from local newspapers going back nearly a century. The museum hosts programs for all ages throughout the year, including monthly Family Fun Saturdays on the first Saturday of
the month, children’s holiday programs, History Cafe for adults, and Christmas open houses in December. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday during its summer season, April 1 to Oct. 31, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday from Nov. 1 to March 31. It is closed on holidays. For more information, call 970522-3895, or visit the Overland Trail Museum Facebook page.
Antiques & Gift ftss 14 Vendors Store Hou urs: Mon - Sat 9 - 6 Rand dy and d Keri Barton n 108 Main n St. 970-425-2112 EXPLORE 2021 • MAY 21, 2021 • 15
