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November 5, 2024 · Katie Keckeisen
Freud and Friendliness: Menninger at 100
In 2025 the world-renowned Menninger Clinic will celebrate its 100th anniversary. The work of the clinic made Topeka the hub for psychiatric treatment, research and training for more than 70 years.
October 30, 2024 · Sherri Camp
Finding your identity with genealogy research
October 22, 2024 · Katie Keckeisen
True Crime: The Monroe Axe Murder Mystery
On Dec 20, 1894, Almeda Matson was discovered murdered in her home at 15th and Monroe. The crime shook the Monroe neighborhood and residents began to claim the victim’s spirit was not at rest.
September 17, 2024 · Katie Keckeisen
Researching the history of your neighborhood
Uncover the great resources the Topeka Room has to help you learn more about the history of where you live!
July 16, 2024 · Katie Keckeisen
The Library on Capitol Square
Discover the library's first permanent home on the Capitol grounds, which library leaders hoped would become "a lasting monument to the enterprise of our city."
June 28, 2024 · Hayley Swisher
Local History: The suspicious death of "Six Foot" Kramer
In 1930 Topekans were shocked when a local packing company's VP became the victim of foul play. Discover more about Roy Kramer and his killer.
April 26, 2024 · Jennifer Masters
Discovering a missing part of my history
Discover how one library staffers curiosity was sparked in the library's Baker Genealogy Center and how you can also use these free resources.
April 18, 2024 · Katie Keckeisen
Anatomy of a Folly: The history of Topeka's peculiar mansion
An eccentric millionaire. The birth of a religious movement. A speakeasy. A mysterious fire. All this can be found in the history of one of Topeka's most awe-inspiring houses.
March 5, 2024 · Hayley Swisher
Local History: The last illegal public hanging in Topeka (Part 2)
Pick up on the story of a 1889 Topeka burglary that claimed the life of A.T. Rodgers and his murderer.
January 22, 2024 · James Mosher
Finding local & family history in Newspaper Index
Learn a little history about the Topeka and Shawnee County newspaper index and how to use it to find your family history.
January 22, 2024 · Hayley Swisher
Local History: Last illegal public hanging in Topeka (Part 1)
An 1889 late night attack in Topeka at 3rd & Fillmore started the events that led to an illegal public hanging.
December 14, 2023 · Katie Keckeisen
Retro recipes from the Topeka Room
Katie tried cookie recipes from newspapers & recipe books in the library's local history section from between 1913 & 1946.
November 14, 2023 · Susan Schafer
Researching your family's veterans
Find resources to help you explore the lives of your family's veterans from any U.S. military conflict.
November 7, 2023 · Susan Schafer
Bank robbers, G-Men & 1937 Topeka shoot out
On April 16, 1937, 2 fugitives & 3 FBI agents met at a Topeka post office. What happened became national news.
October 12, 2023 · Katie Keckeisen
Local History: The eccentric life & death of Samuel Radges
Explore one of Topeka’s most unusual citizens – secretary of a liars club & eccentric afterlife planner.
September 19, 2023 · Katie Keckeisen
Local History: Topeka's spiritualist fraud
In 1881 at a séance held by Mrs. Holladay in Topeka, William W. Aber said spirits declared him to be a powerful medium.
September 6, 2023 · Sherri Camp
Caring for your personal collections
Find best practices to protect & store your collection of photos, documents, quilts or other heirlooms.
August 24, 2023 · Katie Keckeisen
Local history: library, lottery & murder shocked Topeka
In 1876, a scandal threatened to tarnish the library’s reputation and even led to murder.
April 21, 2023 · Debbie Stanton
The Golden Rule in genealogy
Learn how the Golden Rule applies to your family history research and give back to your global community.
March 14, 2023 · Adrienne Sanders
Who built the railroad?
Adrienne uncovers the history and contributions of immigrant railroad workers in Topeka.
March 6, 2023 · Hayley Swisher
Abandoned Topeka with Emily Cowan
Author Emily Cowan conducted a large amount of research to discover & document Topeka's hidden stories.
February 27, 2023 · Susan Schafer
Freedom: A Documentary History of Emancipation
Find first person narratives & primary sources to research the destruction of slavery & the transition to freedom.
December 28, 2022 · Sherri Camp
Writing your family's story
You can tell the story of your family's culture, neighborhoods & experiences to add to our collective history.
December 13, 2022 · Adrienne Sanders
Railroad history: Choose your own adventure
Adrienne offers suggestions for uncovering interesting facts about Topeka's railroad history.
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