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Local History & Genealogy

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Find something unique or learn a new skill in the Topeka Room. 

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Getting Started

The journey into your family’s past often begins with simple steps.

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Local History & Genealogy

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Explore our books, pamphlets, clippings and other written sources that tell the story of Topeka’s unique history. You will also find photographs, prints, posters, scrapbooks and audio-visual materials that help bring this history to life. The Topeka Room houses the library’s local history collection. Our digital collection includes historical photographs and the Sherwood Smith blueprints.

 

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Articles Historical Newspapers Niche Academy Programs & Classes How to Make a Donation Obituary & Research Request Form

Newspapers Section

old family photo

Dig up stories that made local history…
even the weird ones!

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Programs & Classes

Events

Jun 12 Event Tornado of '66 - Share Your Stories Image Jun 12 | 07:00PM - 8:30PM Tornado of '66 - Share Your Stories Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, Marvin Auditorium 101BC Jun 15 Event A History of Severe Weather in Shawnee County Image Jun 15 | 06:00PM - 7:00PM A History of Severe Weather in Shawnee County Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, Marvin Auditorium 101C Jun 16 Event Local History Research: Historic Newspapers Image Jun 16 | 02:00PM - 3:30PM Local History Research: Historic Newspapers Shawnee North Community Center, Kitchen + Dining Room Jun 18 Event The Day the Sky Turned Black Image Jun 18 | 10:00AM - 11:30AM The Day the Sky Turned Black Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, Learning Center
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donations

How to Make a Donation

Thank you for considering the library for your donation. Read our mission statement below to help understand our collection focus.

Genealogy & Local History

We are the best place to find the history and stories of Topeka and Shawnee County’s people, places, and events.

Here are some of the things we collect: Personal papers, unpublished letters, diaries, etc., maps and architectural drawings, photographs audiovisual materials and family histories.

If you have an item you think is appropriate for one of our collections, please contact us. We will evaluate all items offered to the library. The evaluation process may take several weeks. (Sorry, but we are unable to provide appraisals due to federal regulations.)

See Library Materials Selection Policy for more information about Topeka Room and special collection guidelines.

 
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