Rooks County Historical Society and Museum celebrating 40 years

The Rooks County Historical Society and Museum will celebrate an important milestone in 2026. On May 3rd, 1986, the official Museum, which archives and displays Rooks County communities and family histories, held the opening dedication ceremony. The Rooks County Museum is now celebrating forty years of service.

A series of steps led to that historic moment. The establishment of a county historical society began on June 18th, 1973, at a Stockton Pride Historical Committee meeting with Chairman Thelma McLaughlin. On April 29th, 1974, the Rooks County Historical Society elected the first board of officers. Those elected included Lora Belle Sander as President, Darrell Sutor as Vice President, Leonard Jim Dix as Secretary, and LaDonna Schneider as Treasurer.

The first displays were presented in glass cabinets throughout the Rooks County Courthouse hallways. Soon, the increasing collection led to the need for archival storage facilities. With the Rooks County Commissioners' support, museum plans began. The first location was on the county fairgrounds. Archiving and organizing historical relics began in 1984 under the direction of Vada Hazen. By May 1986, the Museum opened, offering monthly meetings, programs, and tours. The facility was overwhelmed with artifacts that needed to be preserved, documented, and stored. On February 21st, 1993, Frank Walker offered a large financial gift to build the new Museum located on Highway 183. Historical Society President Jennie Riffel accepted Mr. Walker's generous offer, and construction of the Museum's current location began on March 13th, 1994.

On Sunday, April 19th, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., the Rooks County Historical Society and Museum will hold its Annual Meeting and Membership Drive. The current board will discuss the events of 2025 and present plans for 2026. Officer elections will be held to fill three board seats. The guest speaker is the Historical Society's first President, Lora Belle Sander. She will reflect on the Museum's forty years of providing a window into Rooks County's history and culture. Light refreshments will be served, and all are welcome.

The Rooks County Historical Society and Museum looks forward to an exciting future and would like to take a moment to thank all those who have contributed to the organization over the past 40 years.

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