Overland Park Historical Society & Discover O.P.

Every Place Has a Story; Discover Overland Park’s.

8001 Santa Fe Dr Overland Park, Kansas 66204 View our Address on Google Maps

913.381.8867

  • Don't miss the temporary "Protect and Serve: Public Safety in OP" exhibit!

    We are showcasing the role our public servants played in our community. See equipment and learn the stories that bring to life the people who protected and served us for over 120 years.

    Learn More

  • Fall Book Club –– Native American Identity - Past and Present

    September 22 – October 20 – November 24 at Discover OP

    Get more information and register.

  • Family Fun Days

    The last Saturday of each month is Family Fun Day at Discover OP! There'll be games and prizes, photo ops (with costumes and props from the "Strang Era") and more.

    Upcoming Family Fun Day

  • Authors Series

    October 8 - Norma Hoagland on the story of Black Herefords October 22 - Chelan David with Stories from the Phog November 19 - Jeff Kluever on the Civil War

    More Info in Events Calendar

What’s happening

Current Exhibit - The Strang Depot and the Founding of Overland Park

Exhibit tells the story - through historic photographs, artifacts, maps, and interactive experiences - of William Strang's establishment of our city.

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Current Exhibit - Remembering Overland Park, 1950's to 1980's

Memories. Nostalgia. “The good old days.” This exhibit brings all those good feelings back for those who lived and worked in Overland Park in the period.

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Current Exhibit - Protect & Serve: Public Safety in Overland Park

This exhibit explores the people, equipment and services that have helped keep Overland Park safe through the years. It offers visitors a chance to get an up-close look at the people and tools behind our community’s fire, police and emergency services. The exhibit is temporary and will close at the end of the year.

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Meet the Authors Series

We have 3 great reasons to join us this fall! Meet Norma Decker Hoagland, author of BLACK HEREFORDS-THE BIRTHPLACE on October 8. Chelan David will have STORIES FROM THE PHOG on October 22. And Jeff Kluever's Civil War presentation is on November 19.

Events Calendar Learn more about special presentations

Fall Book Club

Native American Identity, Past and Present is the theme of the Fall Series.

Learn More

Partnering With Our Schools

OPHS is bringing the story of Overland Park's founding in the early 1900's to elementary and middle school classrooms through partnerships with the Shawnee Mission and Blue Valley school districts.

Learn More Learn more about OPHS classroom presentations

Research & Resources

Discover O.P. is the place to explore archival materials that document Overland Park’s history. Our collections include photographs, documents, publications, maps, artifacts and other materials that can help researchers, students, families and anyone curious about our community discover the stories of Overland Park. Many resources are available in the Research Room during regular museum hours. If you have a specific research question or are looking for particular materials, we can provide assistance by appointment.

CONTACT US

Bring Overland Park History to Your Group

Let Overland Park history come to you! We are available to make engaging presentations for assisted living and senior communities, neighborhood gatherings, civic and community clubs, schools, organizations and other groups. Programs can focus on a particular era, topic, neighborhood or aspect of Overland Park’s history and can be tailored to the interests of your audience. Our presentations offer an enjoyable way to connect with the people, places and stories that have shaped Overland Park.

CONTACT US Learn more about OPHS speakers bureau

BE PART OF OVERLAND PARK’S STORY

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Posts - Overland Park Stories

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September 1, 2026

Along Metcalf Avenue – 1970’s Photos

Metcalf has long been the major north-south roadway through Overland Park. Pictured here are some of the establishments no longer standing or operating along the corridor from 75th Street to 91st Street.                ...
Read Post Read more about Along Metcalf Avenue – 1970’s Photos

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OUR DONORS

We thank all our generous donors – including these STEWARDSHIP CIRCLE members – for helping us keep our community’s history alive for all we serve.

JANET LONG

SHIPLEY-WESTBROOK TRUST

REGNIER FAMILY FOUNDATION

ED AND JAN EILERT