Annual Meeting Honors

Daughters of the American Revolution Present Awards

Our Annual Meeting on April 23, 2023 had a few surprises! The William Wilson Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Regent, Marian Christy Nolan, nominated and presented the following DAR Awards:

Patsi Graham was awarded the Daughters of the American Revolution Community Service Award. The Community Service Award is presented for outstanding voluntary service in cultural, educational, humanitarian, patriotic, historical, citizenship, or environmental conservation endeavors. Patsi represents the substance of this award with her years of commitment to the Scott County Historical Society.

Dennie Siegrist was awarded the Excellence in Historic Preservation Medal. This award honors individuals who have saved and/or preserved their local history. Dennie has spent countless years preserving and telling the stories of peoples who called western Kansas their home.  His passion for native cultures is especially evident in his development of the guided Historical Bus Tours which take groups to Punished Woman's Fork National Historic Site, El Quartelejo Pueblo Site, Historic Lake Scott State Park, Little Jerusalem, Monument Rocks and Duff's Buffalo Ranch.

Jerry Thomas was awarded the prestigious National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Historic Preservation Medal. Fewer than 30 Historic Preservation Medals are awarded nationwide each year following nomination by a state level DAR chapter.
"The Historic Preservation Medal recognizes and honors a person who has done extraordinary volunteer work over a long period of time in establishing a historic district, preserving landmarks, restoring, or preserving objects of historic cultural significance, or establishing or participating in oral history projects, youth leadership and education, as it pertains to historic preservation, at the state, regional, and/or national level. Mr. Thomas is that extraordinary person and he is most deserving of this recognition!
On behalf of the National Society as we 'Celebrate Stars & Stripes Forever' through Historic Preservation, we thank Jerry Thomas for his dedication to preserve for future generations the important history of the people of Kansas." Elizabeth Blake Hotchkiss, National Chairman, Historic Preservation Committee
-Photo courtesy of Rod Haxton, Editor of Scott County Record

National Register

The Battle at Punished Woman's Fork was designated in 2007 as a historic location on the National Register of Historic Places.   The historic event took place on September 28, 1878~~~the last major Indian battle in Kansas. The battle site is located just North of Scott City at the South edge of Scott Lake State Park.  El Cuartelejo Archelogical District was placed on the Register much earlier, in 1966.

Become a Member of SCHS!

The Scott County Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the history of the Scott County area and educating the community and visitors about the function of El Quartelejo Museum and the Jerry Thomas Gallery and Collection.

Throughout the almost 90 year existence of SCHS, individuals, families, and businesses have supported the Historical Society’s efforts. These generous people help to continue the work of the Historical Society and assist in maintaining the building and grounds, keeping the facility open to the public, guiding group tours, hosting programs for all ages, and raising funds for improvements.

There are three membership categories:

Individual    $10.00

Family         $20.00

Business     $50.00

SCHS Board of Directors

The first meeting of the Scott County Historical Society was held on January 12, 1931. A number of Scott City, Kansas citizens and early settlers were interested in perpetuating the early history of Scott County and Western Kansas, which led them to meet at the old Steele home to make plans for a new organization.

The following officers were elected:    

President: Elmer Epperson

Vice President: J.K. Freed

Secretary: Mrs. Clarence Dickhut

Treasurer: E.E. Coffin

For almost 90 years, Scott County residents have shared a common dream: to have a museum building in which to preserve and exhibit Scott County's rich and unique history. Thousands of hours from volunteers and the generous donations of Scott County residents and interested persons have kept the dream alive, and brought much of it to fulfillment.  The work continues, with inspiration from those members who have watched the growth and development of the society and grounds for many years, and with the ideas and efforts of new advocates.

Those serving presently on the Board of Trustees of the Scott County Historical Society are:

Alan Graham President

Marilyn Dryer, Vice President

Ruth Dunn, Secretary

Ernie Smith, Treasurer

Pam Sourk

Jerry Thomas, Artist in Residence

Carol Trout

Barbara Wilkinson 

Have an interest in serving as a Board Member?  Contact us!