The house in which Frederick Funston grew up was built around 1860, and was originally located on a homestead about five miles north of Iola, Kansas. When the Funston family acquired it in 1867, the home was a simple three-room, story-and-a-half farmhouse. Additions were made by Frederick's father, Congressman Edward H. Funston. Located since 1994 on the Iola city square, the home has been restored according to the Victorian decor typical of the 1880s and 1890s. Artifacts and furniture on display at the Funston Home include items that were originally at the homestead during Frederick Funston's boyhood, as well as items pertaining to Funston's explorations and military career.

Adjacent to the Funston Home is the Funston Museum, which details the adventures, trials, events, and life of Frederick Funston.  Inside the museum, visitors will find artifacts pertaining to all facets of General Funston’s life.  Additionally, a film displaying Frederick’s life plays in our theater, while researchers may set appointments to view our Frederick Funston Library.

During the term of the Funston Project a total of $209,887.77 cash was donated for the Funston Museum complex. All donations were from private sources except for a $4,800.00 donation from the City of Iola Tourism Fund and a $24,500.00 grant from the State of Kansas Economic Development Initiative Fund, which is funded by the state lottery. Other donations include goods and services and most of the land for the site of the Home and Museum.

We gratefully acknowledge these many generous donors, who helped to turn a vision into a reality.