Stephanie Mowry Bearce grew up on the plains of Kansas, near Abilene, and has always loved Kansas history. She graduated from Kansas State University and is the author of nine published books. She presently lives in St. Charles, Missouri, with her husband, Darrell. The Dickinson County Historical Society and Heritage Center is headquartered in Abilene. It features the Pioneer Community (with the Volkman Log Cabin), C.W. Parker Carousel, Museum of Independent Telephony, and Historical Museum.