60th Anniversary Tribute to the Topeka Tornado

On June 8, 1966, a massive tornado changed the landscape of our city forever. As we approach the 60th anniversary of that historic day, explore a special commemorative exhibit ’66 / ’26: The Topeka Tornado 60 Years On in the Topeka Room. Running through June 28, 2026, this multi-sensory exhibit invites you to step back in time, share your story and see the storm through a new lens. Here is a preview of what you can experience during your visit.

Rare art & never-before-seen photography

The Alice C. Sabatini Gallery curated a beautiful collection of new art that captures the theme and impact of the tornado. Perhaps most moving are the rare, reproduced images sitting on the Topeka Room mantle. These photographs were discovered in an envelope noting they had "no duplicates and no negatives." By bringing these unique glimpses of history to light, we hope to honor the memories of both the photographer and the community.

Get hands-on with history

We believe history is best experienced up close. The exhibit features several interactive ways to engage with the past.

Try out our vintage Eumig slide viewer! It’s a piece of "old tech" that lets you manually click through film slides of the storm's aftermath. If you prefer a more modern view, these same images play in a continuous loop on the Topeka Room monitor.

Browse through three voluminous scrapbooks located on the Statehouse desk and the Resource Room map cabinet. They are filled with clippings and memories that document the city’s resilience.

Throughout the room you’ll find 10 QR codes. Scan these with your smartphone to unlock digital resources and valuable information from the library’s archives.

Map your memory

The heart of this exhibit is your story. Beneath our display tables, you’ll find a collection of Topeka maps, including a large-scale map of the tornado’s path. If you were in Topeka during the storm, use a dry-erase marker to plot the spot where you hunkered down. We are digitizing these "dots" to create a permanent community memento of where we were that day.

"Coloring up a Storm" contest

Calling all young artists! Pick up a coloring sheet and markers at the table in the Tech Chapel.

The Prize: Winners will receive a custom, in-house 3D-printed tornado trophy!

Judging: Submissions will be judged on June 29.

Plan your visit

If you aren't sure where to start, we’ve made it easy. Pick up a bookmark-style "Tour Guide" in the foyer. This handy cheat sheet will lead you through the exhibit so you don't miss a single component.

Stop by the Topeka Room this spring to reflect, remember and honor the spirit of Topeka.