History of Odessa Historisches Museum

ODESSA — The Historisches Museum was conceived in 1970 and incorporated in 1971 with the establishment of a historical society to serve the Southwest Lincoln County area.

As a physician, new to the Odessa area, Dr. John E. Gahringer was impressed by the historical accounts that patients and neighbors recounted to him regarding the settlement of the land by German-Russian immigrants. He realized it was important that this special German-Russian heritage be preserved.

About this same time, Dr. Gahringer had purchased an empty building in which to store his own personal historical collections. Combining these two ideas resulted in the formation of the Odessa Historisches Museum and Historical Society, having as its mission statement the collection and preservation of information with reference to the settlement and growth of the Odessa countryside.

This was done at the same time a committee was organized to establish a Fest patterned after a similar one in Munich with the additional qualities of a harvest fair. September was chosen because of the more desirable weather conditions.

As a result, the museum opened in 1971 with the first Deustchesfest. It grew and served the community for 10 years, when in 1981 the museum was set on fire by a drugged felon on parole. This resulted in a loss of 95% of the collections, artifacts and records.

Discouraged, but not defeated, the Historical Society members rallied and began to formulate plans to build a new museum. Countless hours were accumulated by the entire board and enough funds were donated to begin construction of the new museum.

Groundbreaking ceremonies were celebrated on May 30, 1983, with President Henry Michaelson, construction manager Delbert Cook and Dr. Gahringer. Work proceeded so well that in May 1984 dedication of the completed building was celebrated.

Odessa Historisches Museum has continued to grow with passing years. In 1994 St. Matthews Congregational Church, which had been constructed in 1916 and was owned by Esther Schlimmer, was gifted to the Odessa Historical Society by her family. It houses as many of the original church furnishings as could be located.

It has become a center for the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia meetings and a source of genealogical information for the society members. The church is also available for rental for weddings and other gatherings, such as Odessa Quilt Club exhibits during various times of the year.

The newest addition to the museum complex has been the Big Red Barn. After 10 years of many fundraising projects and generous donations from Friends of the Museum, it was possible to realize the completion of a large barn patterned similarly to turn-of-the-century barns found in the Odessa area. There are many restored pieces of farm equipment to be seen inside and many artifacts used by pioneer settlers.

Current President Paul Scheller and Historical Society board members extend an invitation to everyone interested in getting a glimpse into the history behind this wonderful land of golden wheat, to come visit the museum and see what it’s all about.

The museum is open each Sunday afternoon from Memorial Day through September. During Deustchesfest weekend, the museum is open each day. The museum is also open any time by appointment; call 509-982-0234 or 509-982-2137.