The Topeka Room has the resources for local historians and genealogists, to discover their family connections as well as the stories of Topeka and Shawnee County’s people, places and events.
A few of the more popular items our researchers use are: yearbooks from Topeka high schools and Washburn University; Topeka city directories from 1870 to the present; and an extensive Local History file collection which covers topics like Topeka and Shawnee County people, schools, businesses, churches, and neighborhoods.
Our computer lab provides access to a host of electronic databases as well as a copier, scanner, and a microfilm scanner. The best utilized resource is the specially trained staff to help you with your research needs.
The Local History Digital Collection consists of a wide array of digital reproductions of architectural drawings and blueprints, photographs, oral histories and select topics from our Vertical Files.
Recent Posts
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.
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.
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.
Researching your family’s veterans
Find resources to help you explore the lives of your family’s veterans from any U.S. military conflict.