Wolf House Museum Complex
The Wolf House Museum provides a unique setting in which to experience Riley County history. John Frank built this two-story limestone house in 1868 as a boarding house and it was advertised as the German Boarding House. In 1875, Dr. George Hazard Perry III and his wife Ellen purchased the home. The Perrys continued to operate a boarding house, and it remained in their family for 63 years until 1938. The John Hepler family briefly lived in the home until 1941, when it became the home of Max and Lucile Wolf. Mrs. Wolf gave the house to the Riley County Historical Society in 1982. Edna Williams served as the first Curator of the Wolf House Museum, from its opening in 1983 until her retirement in 2014.
The House has seen many changes in its time. A new kitchen and upper back of the house were added in 1883. In 1938, the present "modern" kitchen was added to the back. The porch and an additional 4 feet of the kitchen were added after 1941. Currently, the house is interpreted as an 1880's home and periodically special exhibits are featured. In addition to the Wolf House, the Historic Site also includes (not currently open to the public) Mansfield House 508 N. Juliette, Moses House 504 Juliette, and the Wolf Photography Studio, 628 Fremont
We welcome visitors to the Wolf House during our regular open hours and by special appointment. School groups are especially welcome. To arrange a school or special group tour please call 785-565-6490.
The RCHS is working to renovate the Wolf House. The Manhattan Fund- Caroline F. Peine Charitable Foundation, along with donations from the Friends of the Wolf House Museum, provided generous support for painting the exterior, restoring the dining room, parlor, and west bedroom. In the summer of 2013, the east bedroom was restored. Additional restoration projects are planned as funds become available.
The following organizations currently support the Wolf House:
- The City of Manhattan generously provides partial funding for the operation of the Wolf House Museum.
- The Manhattan/Riley County Preservation Alliance provides an annual donation toward the preservation of this historic site.
- The Riley County Historical Society has formed a Friends of the Wolf House group to help support and develop this important Historic Site. For more information or to contribute to the Friends, contact the Society at 785-565-6490.
- The Edna Williams Wolf House Complex Fund endowment has been established with the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation for the ongoing maintenance and preservation of the Wolf House. Donations are gratefully accepted for this fund and may be sent to the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, 555Poyntz #269 Manhattan, Kansas 66502 785-587-8995.
- The Riley County Historical Society also has established an endowment for the ongoing support of the Wolf House Museum. To donate, or for more information, contact the Society at 785-565-6490.
Address:
630 Fremont - Manhattan, KS
Hours of Operation:
Saturday 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Sunday 2:00pm - 5:00pm
And by appointment (785) 565-6490
Closed Federal Holidays
Admission:
Admission free. Donations accepted.