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

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Events

May 7 Event House History Hunt Image May 7 | 06:00PM - 7:00PM House History Hunt Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, Topeka Room 204 May 12 Event Find Your Family in Immigration and Naturalization Records Image May 12 | 05:30PM - 6:30PM Find Your Family in Immigration and Naturalization Records Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, Menninger Room 206 May 14 Event Save Your Family Memories Drop In Image May 14 | 02:00PM - 3:00PM Save Your Family Memories Drop In Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, Digital Arts Studio (2nd Floor) May 18 Event Rochester Cemetery Walking Tour Image May 18 | 06:30PM - 7:30PM Rochester Cemetery Walking Tour Rochester Cemetery
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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Here are some of the things we collect: Personal papers, unpublished letters, diaries, etc., maps and architectural drawings, photographs audiovisual materials and family histories.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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