Ellinwood Underground City Foundation
The mission of the Ellinwood Underground City Foundation is to safeguard this historical treasure, showcasing its cultural and architectural significance while fostering community engagement, awareness, and education.
Our purpose is dedicated to the preservation, restoration and promotion of Ellinwood, Kansas' unique 19th-century underground city.
Our Board of Directors
Chris McCord
Chairman
Ellinwood, Kansas
Richard Casagrande
President
Ellinwood, Kansas
Becca Maxwell
Treasurer
Ellinwood, Kansas
Nora Tyson
Secretary
Kate Wary
At Large
Great Bend, Kansas
Harry Whiting
At Large
Ellinwood, Kansas
Wyatt Dunham
At Large
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Kent Roth
At Large
Ellinwood, Kansas
Marissa Woodmansee
At Large
Great Bend, Kansas
Historical Preservation
Ensure the structural integrity and ongoing maintenance of the historic downtown building in Ellinwood, Kansas, concentrating specifically on the 1884 Historic Wolf Hotel, the 1887 Dick Building, and the Valentine Diner - keeping all three of these facilities and the tunnels beneath them open and available to the public.
Cultural Promotion
Highlight and share Ellinwood's unique place in Kansas and American history to a broader audience
Community Engagement
Continue to increase local and visitor participation through immersive tours, education programs and community event space.
Sustainable Tourism
Develop Ellinwood and Barton County as a destination for historical tourism while contributing to a vibrant local economy and community vitality.
Partnership Development
Collaborate with other local institutions, government bodies, and organizations to secure resources to support these initiatives.