Issue Preview ~ Winter 2002

Sharing the world

Montezuma's Stauth Museum is a regional treasure

By Claudia Pyle

At first glance, Montezuma might seem like just another typical small Kansas town. With its population of just under 1,000, it is a quiet agricultural community. The most dominant features are massive concrete grain elevators, but Montezuma holds a suprising treasure: the Stauth Memorial Museum.

On the outside, the unique stucco structure commands attention. Inside the museum are the treasures of Claude and Donalda Stauth who spent almost 40 years traveling around the world. During the winters of 1941 through 1979, the couple visited six continents and 95 countries. The Stauths documented their trips with extensive travel logs, photographs, slides and objects which aptly represent the cultures they visited.

When the Stauths were not traveling, they often were sharing their experiences with groups in the community. After Claude's death in 1987, Donalda planned so that their legacy could enlighten and entertain future generations. Construction on the museum began a year after her death in 1993 and the museum opened in early 1996.

For more information on the Stauth Museum's collection, pick up a copy of the Winter 2002 issue. Click here to find a copy.