About
How We Began & Our Purpose:
The Halstead Historical Society was formed in 1993 to prevent the demolition of the 1917 depot. The Society purchased it from the Santa Fe Railroad and lovingly restored it through the years. The purpose of the Historical Society is preserving artifacts and promoting interest in the history of the City of Halstead. The Halstead Heritage Museum & Depot is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Lehman-Dreese Gallery
The former Santa Fe West Waiting Area, is our Revolving Gallery.
The Charles Basore Gallery
The former Santa Fe East Waiting Area, displays our Early Halstead history.
The Baggage Room Gallery
With the help of donors Toevs, Brack, and Collins, this is our Award-Winning Railroad Room.
The John & Marge Talbott Gallery
The former Santa Fe Offloading Cargo Room houses our larger displays.
The Station Master’s Ticket Office
OUR GaLLERIES:
DISPLAYS YOU WON’T
WANT TO MISS:
Outside, on the Depot grounds, is the 18’ tall, 600 lb. statuary grade bronze sculpture, “The Protector”, designed by the famed artist, Bernard “Poco” Frazier. It was formerly displayed in front of the Halstead Hospital.
The original swan that actress Kim Novak rode down the Little Arkansas River by the swinging bridge, and other memorabilia from the filming in Halstead of the movie, Picnic (1955), and The Parade (1984).
Historical tracking of over 70 Civil War Veterans from both sides who settled in this area.
The first hand-drawn Halstead fire cart.
Various Halstead High School Artifacts.
Display of Dr. A.E. Hertzler, “The Horse & Buggy Doctor,” who began the nationally known Hertzler Clinic & Halstead Hospital, including his medicine cabinet, surgery table, diploma, etc.
A 1908 Studebaker Buggy as was used by Dr. Hertzler on his house calls.
Artifacts from the Halstead School of Nursing (1910-1969).
Extensive railroad memorabilia, including Harvey Girls, and vintage agricultural equipment, etc.
Afterwards, enjoy exploring Halstead with our “Self-Guided Tour” of points of interest in the area! Halstead is a small town brimming with charm, history, and welcoming locals that offers an escape into quiet streets, beautiful parks, and delicious dining options. Whether you’re here for a day trip or staying longer, Halstead is perfect for visitors seeking a slower pace and a genuine connection to Kansas’ rich culture.
FAmous Halstead Citizens
The Halstead Historical Society was formed in 1993 to prevent the demolition of the 1917 depot. The Society purchased it from the Santa Fe Railroad and lovingly restored it through the years. The purpose of the Historical Society is preserving landmarks in the community, as well as promoting an interest in the history of the City of Halstead, and The Halstead Heritage Museum & Depot is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
Bobby Berger
Bronc Riding World Champion,
National Rodeo
Hall of Fame
Inductee in 2018
Lucyle Jewett
Halstead native and award-
winning quilter produced over
200 quilts in 100 years.
We own 18 of her quilts
and display them frequently.
Murat Halstead
Halstead’s namesake,
newspaper editor,
author and Civil War
correspondent
Dr. Arthur E. Hertzler
The “Horse & Buggy Doctor”
renowned thyroid surgeon
and author who started
hospital & clinic
Margaret Kraisinger
Author, former teacher &
Hardware Store Owner,
and 1st woman inductee into
the KS Cowboy Hall of Fame
Jim Roper
Winner of the
first ever NASCAR
stock car race in 1949
Adolph Rupp
5x NCAA National Coach
of the Year Recipient and
4x Division I Men’s Basketball
Championship Coach
Bernard Warkentin
Early settler and Santa Fe
Railroad Land Agent
responsible for bringing
Mennonites & Hard Red
Winter Wheat to this area
PRIVATE TOURS:
We are happy to host private tours
of any size year-round!
Please call 316-619-6734 or email
halsteadhistoricalsociety@gmail.com
to schedule.
MUSEUM HOURS:
Open to the Public
Saturday & Sunday 2 - 5 pm
April through November
(Private Tours Year-Round)
Halstead Heritage Museum & Depot
116 East 1st Street
Halstead, Kansas 67056
CONTACT US
Whether you have a question, an idea, or would like
to volunteer, please contact us. We’re here to help.
