Since 1939, the Historical Museum has been actively collecting and preserving artifacts central to telling our local history’s stories. These artifacts are acquired in a number of ways, including purchases from local thrift shops.

Thrift Finds in the Museum Collection features objects fortunately discovered by Museum staff at local thrift stores. These items, no longer of use to their original owner, can help us to tell the story of our community.

The newest additions in the series include a 1973 leisure suit from Henry's Department Store and a circa 1955 Toni Todd sundress, both found locally at Goodwill (21st & Amidon).

Some notable finds still on view include designs by Halston and Victor Costa, a Nehru jacket retailed by Henry’s department store, and a 1950s Shocker Lounge bowling shirt.

Produced by the Museum, this exhibition was made possible through funding from Stev Overstreet, Alice Smith, the family of Kenneth E Gerhardt, and Goodwill Industries of Kansas