Come enjoy an afternoon exploring our museum site dedicated to agricultural equipment

Brown County Historical Society has two waystation gardens located at 301 East Iowa Street, Hiawatha, KS. One of the most graceful and beautiful creatures are the Monarch Butterflies. Did you know that Monarchs migrate each year to Mexico and Southern California and the reason for this is that the Monarch's cannot handle the harsh extremes of the cold winter seasons in the United States?  When the Monarchs migrate, they will spend large amounts of time during the winter on the oyamel fir trees located in Mexico and on Eucalyptus trees in the Southern California region. The name "Monarch" derived in honor of King William III of England. The first reference to the Monarch was described in 1758 by Linnaeus.

Carl Linnaeus is also known as Carle Von Linne, who in 1705 discovered and remembered for his work in the field of sciences.  Linnaeus was a Swedish botanist, physician, a zoologist. Linnaeus formalized binomial nomenclature, which is the modern system of naming organisms. He is known as the "father of modern taxonomy."

The Oyamel Fir Trees considered sacred by the people of Mexico "sacred fir" as they resemble fingers clasped upward as if in prayer to the heavens.  These majestic trees protect the Monarchs during the cold and rainy winter nights.  

Brown County Historical Society wants to express its warmest thanks to Anita Pfister, who has graciously offered her knowledge; support, and guidance and the development of two Monarch Waystations.