Wednesday was Pioneer Day at the Barton County Historical Society Museum and Village. Third graders from across the county came for guided tours of the buildings at 85 South U.S. 281 in Great Bend that include a one-room school house, post office and other historic buildings.

Usually there are outdoor activities as well but everything moved indoors this year because of the rain. Students moved from building to building, with old-time hand bells ringing when it was time for their next session.

The museum’s buildings have a brighter look these days, thanks to changes going on inside.

“The board has come up with a new vision,” BCHS board member Justin Engleman said. “We’re remodeling the gallery and making changes to the exhibits.” Three of the outbuildings that house everything from tractors to farm machinery to the door to the safe in Great Bend’s first bank have new LED lights.

Board President Rickee Maddox said the standing exhibits are still there, but they may be in a different place than people are used to. A few of the familiar sights, such as the doll collection, are off-exhibit for now.

Funding for the renovations are from a Dorothy M. Morrison Sustainability Grant.