Preserving Our County History

    The Montgomery County Historical Society was organized and incorporated in 1945 to preserve and share the county history.

    In the 1980's the Society was reorganized with its present structure and bylaws under the volunteer leadership of H. Lee Honeyman, Carleton Draper and Edward Wearin.  During this time, the Society developed its first historic structures, restoring the Pittsburg School and the Cozad cabin, which are located in Red Oak on the County Fairgrounds.

    In 1995, the Society opened The History Center, a local history museum and education and research facility, on a five-acre site at 2700 N. 4th Street in Red Oak.  Open to the public throughout the year, this 2,800 sq. ft. facility features a variety of exhibits relating to the history of the county. It has a growing genealogy and reference library for public use, and modest meeting space.

   Under the direction of the Society, The History Center  has flourished and grown, both in terms of facilities and visitors.

   In keeping with its mission to preserve our county history and to share this history with the public, the Society hosts eight free, public Sunday programs during the year and sponsors off-site at rural churches. It provides educational opportunities for school children at The History Center, School House and Log Cabin.  A newsletter has also been published quarterly since 1995.

   The Society supports genealogical research through its museum library and volunteers have assisted hundreds of persons through the Society's internet web pages and in response to personal requests. 

   In addition, the Society has sponsored comprehensive studies of county churches, county schools, military history of WWII, and the organization and exhibit of calendar art of the Thos. D. Murphy Company.

   Today the Society has more than 500 members, including 147 Century Families and many friends and supporters throughout the United States.

    The Montgomery County Historical Society has developed unique facilities and programs through its dedicated volunteers. This has been accomplished without a reservoir of resources.  It has been an all volunteer organization. In the past 20 years the Society has been supported by the efforts of many members, contributors and friends.  These efforts have resulted in a dynamic and growing organization that is outgrowing its current facility.