The Evah Cray Museum

VISIT US!

WE WILL BE CLOSED THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 9 AND AGAIN THANKSGIVING WEEK

PLEASE JOIN US ON DECEMBER 13 FROM NOON TO 3PM FOR OUR OPEN HOUSE.

FREE ADMISSION, TASTY TREATS, CHRISTMAS CAROLS, AND BEAUTIFFULLY DECORATED HOME

NORMAL HOURS:

WEDNESDAYS THRU SATURDAYS

10AM - 4PM

ADMISSION:

$10 per person

10 years and under FREE

Our Story

A glorious example of the opulence of the Victorian era in Atchison, Kansas.

The Evah C. Cray historical home museum and carriage house were built by W.W. Hetherington for his family in 1882. Hetherington was the son of the founder of Exchange National Bank of Atchison.

The home has two three-story towers that were inspired by Mrs. Hetherington's love for Scottish castles. The northeast tower was added later by the Hetherington family after a holiday in Scotland and England. The cabinetry in the tower room on the first floor was made entirely in Europe and re-assembled in Atchison.

The house has five beautiful fireplaces, ornately carved woodwork and original chandeliers on the first floor.

The Hetheringtons and their descendants lived in the home for 80 years. The home then had several other owners. Cloud Cray, Sr. bought the home for his wife Evah Cray, a preservationist and history enthusiast, in 1978.

From 1978 until her death in 1992, Mrs. Cray poured her love and passion into acquiring Victorian period antiques to decorate the home. Included in the decor is an 1893 World's Fair, award winning bedroom set, burled and hand carved. Another is a 200 year old walking wheel winder.

The carriage house has been completely remodeled. It now houses a gift shop, small theater featuring a film on the architecture of Atchison and the director's office on the first floor. There is an apartment on the second floor. The 25-room mansion is a glorious example of the opulence of the Victorian era.