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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

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old family photo

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

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Programs & Classes

Events

Jun 1 Event Documenting Kansas African American History Project Image Jun 1 | 05:30PM - 7:00PM Documenting Kansas African American History Project Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, Menninger Room 206 Jun 3 Event Finding Your Family in Online Family Trees Image Jun 3 | 05:30PM - 7:00PM Finding Your Family in Online Family Trees Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, Menninger Room 206 Jun 4 Event Read All About It! Image Jun 4 | 06:00PM - 7:00PM Read All About It! Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, Topeka Room 204 Jun 10 Event The Historian Is In! Image Jun 10 | 03:00PM - 4:30PM The Historian Is In! Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, Topeka Room 204
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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Here are some of the things we collect: Personal papers, unpublished letters, diaries, etc., maps and architectural drawings, photographs audiovisual materials and family histories.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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