Ness County Museum

The Ness County Historical Society's main museum is located at 123 Pennsylvania Avenue in Ness City, Kansas. The site is home to the very first business in Ness City, the Large & Extensive Emporium, a mercantile store. Ross Calhoun, an early settler of Ness City, built the 16 x 20 wooden building in the late 1800's. Eventually, it included a bank and post office. The original wooden structure was destroyed by fire in 1898. During the fire most of the town residents came to help save the contents of the store by carrying items to safety. 

Construction started on the current limestone building in 1899 by George Hunt & Sons. Upon completion, it housed George Hunt & Sons, also a mercantile store. It remained that throughout the building's life, eventually becoming a "five and dime" or "variety" store such as Ben Franklin's. Some previous owners were Simon Hayes, Beardslee Brothers, Les Curry, Don Rucker and Becky & Gomer Stukesbary. While the main floor held the mercantile businesses, the upper floor and basement had a millinery shop, creamery, bakery, law offices, and other businesses. The upper floor was eventually divided into apartments and remains unavailable to the public at this time. 

By 1989, the building's business history ended. Ralph Pfannenstiel had purchased the building and it remained empty until 1992 when the Ness County Historical Society purchased the building and opened its doors to the public as it's main museum. The museum has a wide collection of artifacts and displays, with information on important figures of Ness County, such as U.S. Senator Andrew Frank Schoeppel, famous scientist George Washington Carver, & professional baseball player Smoky Joe Wood.

The museum is open on Thursdays & Fridays, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. or by appointment.