One-Of-A-Kind Coverage for Boot Hill Museum

Our property and Casualty client, Boot Hill Museum, sat down with Conrade Insurance to discuss how coverage for a historical attraction differs from that of a typical business, how they found Conrade, and why the CIG team is the perfect fit.

Business & Origin Story

Tell us the story of your business. What inspired you to start it?

Boot Hill Museum, Inc., a private non-profit, was founded in 1947 by the Dodge City Jaycees as a community service project for the community. Initially housed in the 3,000-square-foot Boot Hill Building, it featured cultural and natural history objects. The site expanded significantly in the following decades, adding structures like the 1865 Fort Dodge jail, a train engine, and the Historic Front Street replica, which began construction in 1958. Other additions have included the Hardesty House in 1970, the Great Western Hotel in 1982, Union Church in 2006, and the 14,000-square-foot Main Building added in 2020.

The museum’s collection of over 60,000 objects, photographs, and documents focuses mainly on Dodge City’s history from the 1870s to the 1920s. A significant portion of this collection was acquired in 1964 from the former Beeson Museum, which was started by Chalkley Beeson in the 1870s. What sets Boot Hill apart from other Museums is how it brings history to life through its education and entertainment.

What makes your business one-of-a-kind?

We’re not just a history museum—we bring history to life. Guests can experience live gunfighter reenactments and our Long Branch Variety Show, the longest-running show of its kind in the country, now celebrating 69 years. The show features the famous Miss Kitty and her dancing can-can girls. We tell the story of Southwest Kansas in a way that is vibrant, interactive, and entertaining, giving visitors an experience they don’t get at most museums

What are some risks or challenges in your industry that people outside the business might not realize?

The museum has a long history and shows like Gunsmoke helped make Boot Hill famous. As generations change, we’re constantly looking for new ways to connect with families and younger visitors while still honoring our history. We also rely heavily on fundraising events throughout the year to supplement our operating income. As a nonprofit, one of our biggest challenges is sustaining attendance and keeping the museum engaging for guests of all ages.

Why is it important for you to protect something you’ve worked so hard to build?

Boot Hill Museum is the keystone of Dodge City and the Wild West. It does so much more than simply tell history; it keeps the legend of our world-famous town alive for generations to come. We protect what we’ve built because:

It’s a Global Destination:We welcome visitors from all over the world who have traveled specifically to cross Dodge City off their bucket lists.
It Brings History to Life:Boot Hill is far more than an average museum; it immerses guests through dynamic educational programs and unique entertainment you can’t find anywhere else.
It Preserves a Legacy: When you build something that captures the spirit of an iconic era, protecting it ensures that the history, culture, and community identity continue to inspire future generations.

The Partnership with Conrade

Before working with Conrade, what were you looking for in an insurance partner?

We wanted an insurance partner who would be proactive with our coverage, someone who could help us identify any gaps and make sure our museum complex, artifacts, employees, and guests were properly protected.

What stood out to you about how Conrade took the time to understand your business?

They asked a lot of thoughtful questions and really took the time to learn about our museum, how we operate, and what our long-term goals are. It felt like they wanted to understand our business before making recommendations

How does working with Conrade give you peace of mind as a group?

They helped us identify areas where we needed better coverage, and whenever I have questions, they’re quick to respond. It’s reassuring to know we have someone looking out for us and making sure we’re properly protected.

Our insurance renewals all hit at the same time as our budgeting cycle, so it was always difficult to get accurate numbers before presenting the budget to our board. Conrade has been working with us so we can move our renewal dates up by three months. That small change will make a huge difference and make our budgeting process much smoother.

Values & Recommendations

Conrade’s foundation is built on being client-focused, building real relationships, exceptional service, and integrity. How have you seen one or more of these values most?

Their responsiveness has really stood out. Whenever I have questions or need clarification, they follow up quickly and make sure I have the information I need.

What would you tell another business owner who’s looking for the right insurance partner?

I would tell them that Conrade is thorough, proactive, and easy to work with. I appreciate the time they take to make sure we have the right coverage in every area, and they continually review our policies to help us find the best protection at the best value.