Ray County Museum

On a hill overlooking the Ray County Fairgrounds stands an old brick building of curious proportions. Built in 1910, in the shape of a "Y", every room has an outside view. The total cost of $19,491.00 was spent to create County Home (Poor Farm). This three-story building has a total of 54 rooms and its unique design earned County Home a place on the National Register of Historical Places. In the 1970's this unique building became the Ray County Museum sponsored by the Ray County Historical Society. The displays are varied and of great local interest. Rooms preserve Ray County's rich heritage and particular historical events, some of which are The Civil War, World War I and II. Other subjects and events represented in the vast 54 room museum are Indian Artifacts, The Shotwell Parlor(1800's), Coal Mining, Black History, Country Kitchen, Governors, The Daughters of the American Revolution, Quilts, Country School, Post Office, Costume, Doctor, Wildlife, and The Mormon History Exhibit Room, replica of the Golden Tablet, funded by the Mormon Church. A very extensive genealogical library is located just off the Main Entryway. The Ray County Historical Society, in conjunction with the Ray County Genealogical Society, maintains regular hours to help historical researchers.