Articles - Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library

May 18, 2026 · Liz Frazier Celebrating a Legacy: Geneaologist Sherri Camp Retiring Our genealogy librarian has spent decades ensuring diverse stories and family histories are preserved, celebrated and honored in Topeka.

May 5, 2026 · Liz Frazier 60th Anniversary Tribute to the Topeka Tornado Discover a multi-sensory exhibit that invites you to step back in time, share your story and see the storm through a new lens.

April 28, 2026 · Juliana Hill Explore local history through music The arts reflect the soul of a place. Discovering the music made in our city is a rich, resonant way to connect with Topeka history.

February 26, 2026 · Katie Keckeisen Local History: The rise and fall of Topeka's Melan Bridge Between 1858 & 1895 several bridges spanned the river at today's Kansas Ave, but none of them could withstand the regular flooding. In 1898 a bridge was finally built that was thought would last as long as the city itself.

January 22, 2026 · Katie Keckeisen Discover an easier way to access local history materials The library is home to a robust collection of items relating to Topeka and Shawnee County history including archives, photographs, ephemera and three-dimensional objects.

December 29, 2025 · Liz Frazier Indulge in hygge in the Topeka Room Topeka Room welcomes you to the fireside to read family histories and create new memories.

December 3, 2025 · Katie Keckeisen Uncover local history using newspapers in the Topeka Room Newspapers can be an amazing source of information if you're researching local history or genealogy. The library’s Topeka Room has many ways to access various newspapers that were published in Shawnee County.

November 25, 2025 · Liz Frazier Discover family stories through conversations and DNA Learn about library tools to inspire family conversations and capture family stories. You'll also find DNA family research tips from a professional genealogist and private investigator.

October 22, 2025 · Liz Frazier It's always Family History Month at the library While October is officially Family History Month, our genealogy staff is always ready with the free resources to help you find your family stories.

October 8, 2025 · Katie Keckeisen Local History: Topeka body snatching scandal In December 1895 Topeka was rocked by scandal when 3 bodies were stolen from their graves and taken to the dissection room at the Kansas Medical College.

October 3, 2025 · Juliana Hill Discovering Native American Roots Whether you seek to confirm family legends, enroll as a member of one of the 574 Native American tribes in the U.S., or connect with your family’s history and culture, the library has many valuable research tools to help.

August 28, 2025 · Liz Frazier Capture local & family stories with history kits Imagine bringing history to life by capturing the amazing stories, personal experiences and unique perspectives of the people who actually lived through it!

August 7, 2025 · Katie Keckeisen Shawnee County Stories of D-Day We've uncovered five stories of soldiers with Shawnee County connections who participated in the Normandy invasion during World War II. Discover these local connections to history.

July 22, 2025 · Juliana Hill Genealogy research: Do you have the right person? Learn how to ensure the ancestors you're researching are who you think they are.

July 3, 2025 · Sherri Camp Finding your family history in military records Learn how to use Fold3 to discover the stories of your family members who served in the military. Whether you’re tracing your family history or researching a broader historical period, this is a helpful tool.

June 17, 2025 · Katie Keckeisen Dr. Samuel Crumbine: Topeka’s public health pioneer Dr. Crumbine spent his career making Kansans healthier and preventing the spread of deadly diseases. Learn more about Topeka's history.

May 22, 2025 · Liz Frazier Quick guide to Ancestry Library Edition Discover how free library tools can help you with your family research.

April 23, 2025 · Katie Keckeisen Local History: Willie Lyman, the boy who survived a great fall Constructing the Kansas State Capitol building was not easy. Without modern-day safety measures, there were accidents and, sadly, deaths. But in 1890 Willie Lyman fell 80 feet from the dome . . . and survived!

February 24, 2025 · Katie Keckeisen Fred Harvey, Topeka & the invention of fast food In 1876 Fred Harvey opened his first restaurant at the Santa Fe depot in Topeka. He was determined to bring good food, superior service & a touch of class to anyone riding on the Santa Fe Railroad.

January 25, 2025 · Lissa Staley Kansas suffragists honored at State Capitol Discover the history of the Kansas women who fought for suffrage and explore a new mural in the Kansas Capitol that honors their achievements.

December 11, 2024 · Katie Keckeisen More retro recipes from the Topeka Room Take part in the culinary adventure our local history librarian took when she tried recipes published between 1913 and 1952 from cookbooks in the library's local history section.

November 27, 2024 · Katie Keckeisen Discover National Register of Historic Places sites in Topeka If you love history, there is nothing like standing in a place with historical importance. Both the National Register of Historic Places and the Register of Historic Kansas Places seek to preserve these sites.

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