Collections

The museum's collections encompass a wide range of artifacts, documents, photographs, and oral histories that chronicle the diverse history of the area, including its Native American roots, early settlement, industry, agriculture, and social developments. Most of the collection dates to between 1850 and 1950.

Explore the Collection

Curious about what’s in the Great Bend Museum’s collection? Visit our online catalog to explore objects, photographs, and documents from Jackson County’s past. While our digital catalog is still a work in progress—and many records are still being updated—it’s a growing resource that’s free and accessible to all, anytime and anywhere.
Start exploring today and discover the stories we’re uncovering, one item at a time.

Share your History

Do you have an item that helps tell the story of our community’s past? We’re always looking for photographs, documents, artifacts, and other objects with local significance to expand our collection. Your donation can help preserve the history of the Great Bend region and share it with future generations through exhibits, programs, and research.
If you have something to contribute, we’d love to hear from you! Call or email us to start the conversation.
Please note: Under federal law, the museum cannot provide appraisals of donated items.