Take a trip back in time to discover Atchison, Kansas, in its heyday during the Gilded Age of American history. Your tour will start at the Atchison County Historical Society for an town overview, and then you’ll visit the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum, the Evah C. Cray Museum, and the Muchnic Gallery. All three historic houses are primary examples of the opulence of early town leaders from the 1860s-1880s. All the properties on the tour are listed on the National Registry of Historical Places, just four of the 49 located in Atchison County! Each stop will last between 45 minutes to an hour.
Located in the historic 1880 Atchison, Topeka, & Santa Fe Depot, the Atchison County Historical Society houses thousands of artifacts on display, including local railroad history, one of the best military collections in the country, and the world's smallest Presidential Library. Director Steve Caplinger will share the town’s early history and you’ll have a chance to tour the exhibits on your own. The depot was listed on the National Register in 2001.
The Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum preserves and celebrates the life, legacy, and pioneering spirit of Amelia Earhart, one of the world's most celebrated aviators. Located in the beautifully restored 1861 Gothic-style home where her journey began, the museum invites visitors to walk in Amelia's footsteps and discover the experiences that shaped her extraordinary life. The home, built by Amelia’s grandfather Judge Alfred Otis, was listed on the National Register in 1971.
The Evah C. Cray Museum allows visitors to experience the Gilded Age in this 25-room, Romanesque mansion built in 1992 by W. W. Hetherington, son of the founder of Exchange National Bank of Atchison. Known for its two impressive three-story towers, five ornate fireplaces, and original chandeliers, the Hetherington family meticulously maintained the home for 80 years. From 1978 to 1992, the house was cared for by Evah C. Cray, a local preservationist and history enthusiast. Mrs. Cray furnished the home in Victorian era antiques, includes an award-winning bedstead from the 1893 World’s Fair. Today, the home is a public museum with a fully restored carriage house featuring a gift shop, theatres, and office space. It was added to the National Register in 1974.
The Muchnic Art Gallery is housed in the stately, 1885 Queen Anne style mansion on Fourth Street – one of Atchison’s most impressive blocks. Built by lumber merchant George Howell in 1886-88, the 14-room house boasts a slate roof, eyebrow windows, and an inviting wraparound porch. As a lumber baron, magnificent wood carvings from oak, walnut and mahogany adorn the home. Since 1970, the Atchison Art Association has mounted exhibitions from regional and Benediction College artists in the space and offered art classes and special events. The house was listed on the National Register in 1974.
You will return to the Atchison Event Center for lunch.
Wednesday, November 4
Time: 8:15 am - 12:15 pm (trolley boards at the Atchison Event Center, 710 S 9th St, Atchison, KS 66002 at 8:15 am)
Cost: $100 (price includes choice of a full day of tours OR 1/2 day tours and 1/2 day workshop plus lunch)
Capacity: This tour is limited to 45 participants, and will be filled first come, first served.
**This is not included in full conference registration and must be added on separately**
Look for an email titled “TOUR INFORMATION – 2026 KMA Conference” from the Assistant Director about a week before the conference for updates and other details if you register for this tour.
