Freedom's Frontier

The Overland Park Historical Society is dedicated to identifying and preserving history of Overland Park, Kansas. We maintain a large collection of historic photographs, artifacts, and documents available for research at the society headquarters.

In 2011, Johnson County purchased the former King Louie building at 8788 Metcalf as a replacement home for the Johnson County Museum.

This architectural icon in the heart of Overland Park — and the County — once included a bowling alley and indoor ice skating rink. With an updated design, the building will be given new life as the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center (JCAHC), and provide several new amenities to the county.

The JCAHC will house not only the Johnson County Museum, but also will be a place where the Johnson County Park & Recreation District can expand many of its programs, including The Theatre in the Park. Many types of Arts classes and cultural learning opportunities are planned for the space as well.

The third major use for the JCAHC will be the Community Gathering Space, where the Johnson County Election Office will host advance voting and conduct election worker training. This space also will be available for rental by the public and community groups for a variety of functions and activities.