If you have not been in the Chetopa Historical Museum, you are in for a treat. There are many surprises for a small-town museum. The displays are beautiful and carry out a theme in most cases that brings one to reminisce over old times and events of Chetopa’s colorful past.

Fannie Bassett, who became curator in 1994, has worked there since 1985. She moved to her husband’s hometown in 1966. She calls him Junior. He worked on the police force when they moved to Chetopa. All three of her children graduated from high school in Chetopa. One son still lives in Chetopa, one son lives in Winslow, Ariz. and her daughter lives in Paola, Kan.

Fannie has written a book compiling Chetopa’s Black History through obituaries and burial locations from 1869-1999. The title of her book is Chetopa Kansas Black History, Volume 1. She is preparing to do Volume 2.

Within the museum you can see a washing machine that was made in Chetopa, a button factory display, medical kits from Dr. Ernestine and Dr. Bob Von Trebra who spent many years as the town’s physicians. There is a display depicting the history of Carson Robinson who led an illustrious life and was a pioneer in the music world of song writing and performing of legendary proportions.

The War of 1812 has a memorable place in the museum. Dr. George Lisle, the founder of Chetopa has a doctor’s case. There is a 1902 Sears Catalogue and dresses that were beautifully handmade on display. The quality of the museum and the story-telling theme of the displays are superb. You are truly missing something if you don’t take some time to browse and let Fannie point out some of the truly remarkable memorabilia. It instills pride in your hometown or for those who are visiting and want to see the stuff the pioneer west was made of.

The museum is open on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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