The Ford County Historical Society is dedicated to increasing the knowledge and understanding of the history of Ford County and each community therein, the history of Fort Dodge and the military presence in the area, the Trail of Fame, the Mueller/Schmidt House (Home of Stone), and Coronado Cross in Southwest Kansas. Through an aggressive program of collections, exhibits, educational opportunities, and special events the Ford County Historical Society and the Board of Directors seek to stimulate creative thought and enhance the self-esteem of residents and visitors to Ford County, and the State of Kansas providing a sense of place, time, and space for all.
To that end, insofar as its resources permit, the Ford County Historical Society collects, preserves, and interprets objects and informational materials related to the exploration, founding, and evolution of Ford County and each community within the County. The Historical Society collects, preserves, and interprets objects from the period of the turn of the Century (1900) to the present in order to present a coherent and total picture. These objects and informational materials are made available for study and enjoyment of all in a pleasant, secure, safe, and accessible setting. The Ford County Historical Society has in its collection items ranging from three-dimensional objects to archival documentary and photographic materials. The Ford County Legacy Center and the Mueller/Schmidt House (Home of Stone) indoor galleries, with both long-term and changing exhibits, include topics of specific and general interest from the early development of Ford County to modern times. These displays, taken together with the outdoor interpretive areas, Coronado Cross, and the Trail of Fame present a picture of the life and material culture of the region. The Museum provides guided tours, special events, workshops, living history demonstrations, and other activities appropriate to these purposes.