Abilene's Museum Secrets: Explore Beyond the Obvious
While Abilene's well-known museums draw in hundreds of thousands of visitors yearly, there's a world of lesser-known museums waiting to be explored. Dive into these five fascinating, under-the-radar attractions that shine a spotlight on our unique history:
1. Seelye Patent Medicine Museum
Behind the Historic Seelye Mansion, you'll find the intriguing Seelye Patent Medicine Museum. Explore artifacts from the A.B. Seelye Medical Company, which sold over 100 products across 14 states since 1890. This museum offers a peek into the world of patent medicines that were once essential household items.
2. Jeffcoat Photography Studio Museum
Head to downtown Abilene to visit the Jeffcoat Photography Studio Museum, where three generations of photographers have documented local life. The current exhibit, "Guns & Smoke," pays tribute to the Abilene Police and Fire Departments. Check out this visual journey through time and learn more at Jeffcoat Photography Studio Museum.
3. Museum of Independent Telephony
The Museum of Independent Telephony, located within the Dickinson County Heritage Center, is a hands-on experience tracing the telephone's evolution from Alexander Graham Bell's first message to modern devices. Become a telephone operator or try out a rotary phone while discovering the inspiring story of C. L. Brown, a local entrepreneur who built a global empire, including Sprint Telecommunications. This museum celebrates the Kansas innovators who transformed global communication.
4. Trail Center at Old Abilene Town
Opened on May 29, 2021, the Trail Center breathes new life into the old Way Station Building with its interactive exhibits on the Chisholm and Smoky Hill Trails. Inside, you can see an original bull head from the "Bull Head" saloon, once owned by "Shotgun Ben Thompson," and learn about the drovers who trailed cattle from Texas to Kansas in the late 1860s and 1870s. Learn more at www.AbileneKansas.org/Longhorn.
5. Schmidt Railroad Museum
The Schmidt Railroad Museum commemorates the life and passions of Frederick (Fred) Wingfield Schmidt (1936–2009). Growing up in Junction City, Kansas, Fred developed a deep interest in music, Kansas history, and steam engines. He pursued his passion by earning B.A., M.A., and PhD degrees in music education. Fred taught choral music at Ft. Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, and during summers, he worked as a fireman on the steam locomotives of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Moving to Abilene in 1974, Fred worked in sales and repair of musical instruments before becoming actively involved in the Dickinson County Historical Society.
Fred and his friend Joe Minick undertook several notable restoration projects, including the steam engine for the Parker Steam Carousel at the Heritage Center in Abilene and the steam engine from the 1856 steamboat Arabia, now displayed at the Arabia Steamboat Museum in Kansas City, Missouri. In 1993, Fred and Joe founded the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, which has been in operation ever since. The railroad acquired the former ATSF 3415 steam locomotive in 2001, which was restored to operating condition in 2009. Fred's wide-ranging intellect and curiosity led him to accumulate a vast collection of books, artifacts, and understanding, some of which are now housed in the Fred Schmidt Railroad Museum. This museum is located in the historic former Rock Island Depot at the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, adjacent to Old Abilene Town and the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum.
From the Seelye Patent Medicine Museum to the Schmidt Railroad Museum, Abilene's lesser-known museums offer a glimpse into our city's diverse and fascinating history. Whether you're interested in medical artifacts, photography, telecommunications, or the legacy of local pioneers, these museums provide a unique perspective on Abilene's vibrant past. Be sure to add them to your itinerary to learn why Abilene is the Best Historic Small Town.