Our county museum has four main goals to accomplish. They are the following:
- Preservation of artifacts
- Exhibition of artifacts
- Collection of historical information
- Promotion of historical education
The Ottawa County Historical Museum features many outstanding displays. One of the premier George Washington Carver exhibits resides within the museum. Also included is an excellent military exhibit – one of the best anywhere. There is an interesting dinosaur exhibit relating to Silvisaurus condrayi, the most famous Kansas dinosaur, found in Ottawa County. There are rocks and many fossils other than Silvisaurus, including a dinosaur egg from China. Many dishes, Eisenhauer dolls, Jagger Wheat, and Bohnenblust plates from throughout the world are exhibited. A 1917 Fordson tractor, which was featured in the December 1984 National Geographic Magazine, restored by Bob Robins is displayed in the museum. Pioneers and Native Americans are featured along with a school room. There is information about Indian captives of the area, as well as a fire wagon and old jail from Bennington. A letter written by Grace Bedell to Presidential candidate Abe Lincoln suggesting that he grow a beard is highlighted.
Communities of Ottawa County are represented with many photographs displayed. There are many other artifacts and exhibits for visitors to observe. Please click the following link to view a list of donors and artifacts: Donors and Artifacts.
The Curator at the museum is Samantha Davis. She welcomes you to visit the Ottawa County Historical Museum.
We serve all of Ottawa County – Ada, Bennington, Culver, Delphos, Minneapolis, Niles, Tescott, Wells and other communities.
Museum Advisory Board Members are: Neal Kindall, Jana VanMeter, Ray McGavran, Margaret McGavran, Connie Preheim, John Carson, and Jim Kay