Fred Harvey Museum
624 Olive Street
Leavenworth, KS 66048
(913) 682-7947
National Fred Harvey Museum - Leavenworth - Web Page
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Currently under restoration. The museum will be housed in the Harvey family mansion. Special arrangements for tours can be made by contacting the museum. This beautiful three story, twelve room mansion was the only home where Fred and Barbara lived and raised their five children. This is a special home which is being restored to bring the history and relevance of the late 1800's to life. Fred Harvey made a difference to the opening of the western frontier.
The National Fred Harvey Museum is excited about:
- Restoring the Harvey residence to its historical magnificence
- Furnishing it with interesting artifacts
- Increasing public awareness of Mr. Harvey's accomplishments
- Providing insights into the Harvey family
The Fred Harvey home sits at 624 Olive, in Leavenworth and was built in 1869. Fred Harvey was a successful restaurant owner and entrepreneur, who worked for the Santa Fe Railroad and developed the lunch counters, hotels and restaurants in the late 1800's. His insight in making the train stations a place where travelers could find a good meal and stay in a hotel, made traveling to the west more convenient and inviting during the earlier time of the western frontier. He is known for establishing the Harvey Girls, which gave women the opportunity to travel west and earn a respectable living.
A lovely lunch can be arranged by the Convention and Visitors Bureau for the Harvey Girls to serve your groups of 20 or more. For more information call (913) 758-2948.
WHO WE ARE
Owned and operated by the Leavenworth Historical Museum Association.
OUR HISTORY
Those who know about Fred Harvey, know that he was a successful entrepreneur. Mr. Harvey created the world's first chain of restaurants and hotels called Harvey Houses in association with the Atchison, Topeka, & Santa Fe Railroad. He contributed greatly to civilizing the American Southwest. He also established The Harvey Girls -- a team of young women, age 18 - 30, who brightened the Harvey House restaurants with cheerfulness and impeccable service.
