Our museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Reno County, Kansas, and the surrounding region. Through our exhibits and programs, we offer visitors a chance to explore the past, learn about local culture and traditions, and make connections to the present day. Read more about our current exhibits below.
Newly remodeled gallery that allows guests to get a closer look at various models of transportation from a classic Schuttler wagon to a rare 1903 Ford Model A.
The Children’s area is the Reno County Museum’s interactive, historical, and fun children’s exhibit. We are updating the children’s area with new and exciting ways to play and learn about local history. A BNSF train, Carey Salt Co. cart, and a Gleaner combine cab are some newly finished play stations. In the combine, children can sit in the driver’s seat and drive! This is an excellent opportunity to introduce children to agriculture. Three new sections in the room are currently being designed and worked on that touch on Hutchinson’s history for interactive play areas. Updates to come on progress. The children’s area is open during normal business hours and closes at 4:45 p.m. each business day.
Check out our Reno County Historic walking tour today! Enjoy walking in beautiful Downtown Hutchinson with the stories of historic buildings and sites at your finger tips. Just visit pocketsights.com or download the app on Google Play or App Store (Apple) set your location and then you are on your way to experience the past through todays eyes. While you’re there, check out some the other Reno County Tours like the Reno County Ghost Towns, Hutchinson Sculpture Tour and the Hutchinson Art tour.
Pat Mitchell was the official historian for Hutchinson. During her life, Pat accumulated over 10,000 photographs and a variety of objects covering Hutchinson’s history. Upon her death in 2001, the collection was transferred to the Reno County Museum. The staff has spent the last several years cataloging and digitized these items. So far, nearly 3000 photographs have been scanned and are currently being hosted on the Wichita State University Servers.
Historic Voices is a program that brings stories to life through video. With the help of the Hutchinson Community Foundation, we were able to create this program for the Reno County Community to tell their stories.
If there is an individual you would like to see featured, please send us a message or email our curator, David Reed at david@renocomuseum.org.
Reno County Museum Announces Groundbreaking Exhibit on the Vietnam War
“I Walked Into A Different World” – The Vietnam War Remembered
Hutchinson, Kansas – The Reno County Museum is proud to unveil its latest exhibit, “I Walked Into A Different World” – The Vietnam War Remembered, opening to the public on Friday, April 10, 2025. This compelling exhibit offers an immersive journey that takes visitors through the pivotal stages of the Vietnam War—starting with the draft, delving into the experiences of combat, and concluding with the challenging process of coming home.
Thanks to valuable partnerships with Shawn Stone and the Wichita Militaria Collectors Club Inc., visitors will have the rare opportunity to view an extensive collection of Vietnam War artifacts sourced from private collections. Additional contributions from Kansas for Vets/KS4VETS have enriched the exhibit with a meaningful narrative, showcasing the courage and sacrifices of those who served.
The Reno County Museum has also gathered stories from Reno County residents, both past and present, including individuals who have resided elsewhere. Their accounts provide a deeply personal perspective on the war. Visitors will hear audio excerpts from interviews with local veterans who bravely shared memories long kept private, offering a candid look at the complexities of their service and its enduring impact.
Through an engaging combination of visual dioramas, meticulously curated artifacts, literature, and expert testimonials, this exhibit offers a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of the Vietnam War’s legacy. Whether through tangible artifacts or the profound recollections of those who lived through it, “I Walked Into A Different World” presents an unflinching look into one of history’s most defining conflicts.
The exhibit will be on display for an extended period, running until June 2026, ensuring ample opportunity for the public to experience this extraordinary presentation. The Reno County Museum is open during operating hours:
Admission to the museum is free, with a suggested donation of $2.00 for adults and $1.00 for children aged 10 and younger.
Don’t miss this unique chance to connect with the history, humanity, and heroism of the Vietnam War. For more information, please visit the Reno County Museum or contact us at [Museum contact information].
About Reno County Museum
The Reno County Museum is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history of our region. Through thoughtful exhibits, community engagement, and accessible programming, we aim to inspire and educate visitors of all ages.
THE RENO COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY IS A 501(C)3 ORGANIZATION THAT IS COMPRISED OF THE RENO COUNTY MUSEUM AND STRATACA-KANSAS UNDERGROUND MUSEUM.
