Oswego Kansas Historical Society Museum and Genealogy

06/18/2026

We had a typo - our bracelet event is this today not JULY - feel free to come on down 3-4:30

06/17/2026

It’s coming along!!!

06/16/2026

Brothers in law in deadly clash…thanks to Jane Rea

06/15/2026

During the American Revolution, families turned to bee balm when British tea was boycotted. Most people have forgotten this.

In the tense, cold winter of 1773, early American colonists completely abandoned their morning habits to stand against overseas taxes. Instead of buying standard black tea, you would see them crumbling bright, fiery red wildflower leaves into rustic tin cups.

They poured boiling water over the scarlet petals by flickering lantern light, brewing a warm, citrus-mint beverage.

Here's what most people don't know... the secret to this illegal alternative tea came directly from the Oswego tribe, who shared the botanical with frontier settlements. Known famously as Oswego Tea, it quickly became a fierce national symbol of colonial self-reliance and political rebellion.

It is inspiring to realize that a common red wildflower growing in the woods once played a massive role in shaping the history of your country. We walk past these brilliant scarlet blooms today without ever remembering the revolutionary fire they once fueled for your ancestors.

Honest question — had you even heard of bee balm or Oswego tea before today? No judgment either way.

06/13/2026

06/11/2026

📣 Museum Activity Update

Due to unforeseen circumstances, this week’s museum activity has been postponed.

We will have the sign-up available this weekend for next Thursday’s activity and will share all the details as soon as registration opens.

Thank you for your understanding, patience, and continued support of the museum. We look forward to seeing everyone soon!

— Oswego Historical Society Museum & Genealogy Center ❤️🏛️

06/06/2026

Member Jane Rae ran across this interesting story from July 1902 about Josephine Fisher Hart, widow of a prominent Oswego businessman.

06/03/2026

We are looking for weathered barn or shed siding that can be donated to the Society to make doors for the log cabin. Message us if you have something available.

06/03/2026

Another productive update from our restoration crew at our Log Cabin!