By RYLEE BURD
Tiger Media Network
Tucked away in the heart of Hays, the Ellis County Historical Society (ECHS) is far more than a museum. It is a living bridge between the past and present, powered by a small but passionate team determined to keep local history alive. From century-old ledgers to lively community events, every detail tells the story of Ellis County’s people, culture, and legacy.
For Patty Nichols, the society’s archival assistant, preserving history is both a calling and a puzzle to be solved. Nichols spends her days surrounded by family genealogies, court ledgers, and church records, helping visitors trace their roots or uncover forgotten pieces of the county’s story.
“I’m here to help people with their research, whether it’s finding their ancestors or learning about the early days of Ellis County,” Nichols said. “Helping someone finally find an answer they’ve been searching for is the most rewarding part of what I do.”
A typical day for Nichols involves diving into district court ledgers dating back to 1867, cataloging names and cases that document the early growth of the community.
“You come across names like Sheriff Alex Ramsey, who was shot in the line of duty, or Tommy Drum, who ran a saloon where Hays’ first Methodist Church once stood,” she said. “It’s like stepping into the past.”
The work is not always glamorous. Preservation takes patience and resources.
“Humidity and warm air are terrible for old documents,” Nichols said. “Thanks to a capital campaign, we finally have climate control, but archival materials are expensive. Every box and file folder adds up.”
While Nichols safeguards the archives, Administrative Assistant and Bookkeeper Cynthia Goetz Stone keeps the operations running smoothly from behind the scenes. Working part-time from her home office, she manages finances, helps write grants, and serves as the Special Events Chair, leading ECHS’s biggest community gatherings including Trivia Night, Pioneer Day, and Oktoberfest.
“We’re a small but mighty team,” Stone said. “Our Executive Director is full-time, but everyone else works 20 hours a week or less. What we accomplish with such a small staff and the help of amazing volunteers is incredible.”
The society’s volunteers are the true backbone of the organization, helping with everything from cataloging artifacts to setting up events. Their efforts have helped transform the museum in recent years, breathing new life into exhibits and outreach.
“We’ve heard wonderful feedback about how much our buildings and operations have changed,” Stone said. “People are excited about our future growth, especially the new museum coming to Victoria.”
Stone’s favorite part of the job is the people.
“I’m retired now, so I only take on work I truly love, and ECHS is the perfect fit,” she said. “After 30 years in eastern Kansas, I’m grateful to be back home in western Kansas, because this is home.”
Both Nichols and Stone agree that preserving local history is about more than just keeping old papers safe. It is about connection.
“Preserving local history is vital,” Nichols said. “It’s how we learn about our communities and how we can take what was done in the past and do something better.”
The Ellis County Historical Society continues to grow, driven by curiosity, care, and community. Whether through exhibits, archives, or events, its mission remains the same: to keep the stories of Ellis County alive for generations to come.
Stone summed it up best: “This isn’t the old Ellis County Historical Society. Come see what’s new. We’re bringing our history to life, connecting the past, present, and future of Ellis County.”