​The Museum

​The roots of the Rock Creek Valley Historical Society run deep. For over 40 years, the society has displayed a collection of historical items and their individual stories among five different buildings.

The main museum building was completed in 2001 and features a replica of an early rural schoolroom, instruments used by an early local doctor, housewares and everyday life items from early pioneer homes, historic Oregon Trail information, and a display showcasing the famous Marlboro Cowboy, Wayne Dunafon, who called Westmoreland "home" for many years. There are multiple displays that feature information and artifacts from the 1880's to 1900.

Stone Church

In 1887, the Stone Church was handbuilt by the German Evanglical Association and in 1914, the Church of Christ purchased the property and used the grounds until 1977. At that time, the Rock Creek Valley Historical Society had the opportunity to secure the property for preservation and to establish a museum.

Summervill Log Cabin

Built in 1867 by Henry Labbe, this two-story log cabin became home to Isaac and Hettie Summervill when they were married in 1886. Eight children were born to the Summervill's and one child, a son, passed away in child birth. Isaac died in 1912, but Hettie and her seven daughters tended to the homestead and farm until her death in 1955. 

Oliver (Doc) Maskil remembered visiting his grandmother in this house, and provided for having it moved to Westmoreland from it's original Neuchatel, Kansas site. It is furnished with utensils and other household items similar to those that Hattie and her family would have used.

​

Wiziarde Building

Who knew that Westmoreland was home to a traveling novelty show that featured acrobatics and other circus acts?

The Wiziarde family honed their craft not only with their traveling shows, but also back home by owning and operating a bakery and restaurant in Westmoreland. 

The Wiziarde family and other members of the troupe trained in this barn. Frank Wiziarde, a child of the family, later became the star of a Saturday morning children's show on WIBW TV in Topeka, Kansas, where he was known as Whizzo, The Clown!

​The building was donated to the historical society and moved to the museum grounds where it was restored in 2015.

This building is available for event rentals.

The Annex

Antique farm machinery, an early railroad car preserved from the Westmoreland Interurban Railway, and a large collection of printing equipment that essentially traces the history of newspapers from the earliest days until the advent of computers can be viewed in The Annex Building at the Museum Complex.