NOTE:
In January 2003 the Shawnee County Historical Society merged with Historic
Topeka.
The combined organization is called Shawnee County Historical
Society.
Our focus is on both preserving Shawnee County's history and on protecting
the county's historic architecture.
A
lot of people grew up here and are interested in what went on
in the past. The past should be made interesting. there's still
plenty of material that hasn't yet been written.
—John W. Ripley
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Become
a 21st Century Pioneer
Topeka and Shawnee
County, Kansas, possess a fascinating history. It's a story of building
a town amid territorial strife...laying out a railroad empire to the
American Southwest...fighting the elements of drought and grasshoppers
to keep the family homestead...of good times under the Big Tent and
the no-so-good times of local boy Bennie Dickson as Public Enemy No.
1.
This is your story, whether
you are a native or a newcomer or once lived in this area of Northeast
Kansas. Join the Society and share with others who enjoy learning how
our community came to be what it is today.
The
Shawnee County Historical Society: a brief history...
 The
Shawnee County Historical Society formed in 1946, it's founders having
recognized the need to preserve the facts and legends of the early days
of our county up to more recent times. In December of that year, the
young organization published its first Bulletin.
Since then, the Society has published 78 more Bulletins
on the history, culture, and heritage of Topeka and Shawnee County.
The Bulletins are considered the hallmark
of the Society. In January 2003 the Shawnee County Historical Society
merged with Historic Topeka. The combination organization is called
Shawnee County Historical Society, but our focus is
on both preserving Shawnee County's history and actively protecting
the county's historic architecture.
And, with your help, a bright future...
As you can see by
our Membership Form,
joining the Society is possible at different levels. To compensate for
increasing costs of publication, to maintain historic property owned
by the Society, and to continue full communication with members, the
Society greatly appreciates and benefits from the highest level of membership
in which you are able to participate. For this low annual fee, you receive:
- Annual Bulletin
- Discounts on
previous publications
- The Shawnee County
Historical Society News
- Invitation to
the Annual Meeting on or near December 5, the anniversary of Topeka's
founding
- Announcements
of Society activities and special events
Membership revenues
also support other local endeavors including the Topeka West High School
oral history project and History Day at Washburn University.
Your Society also
works closely with the Kansas State Historical Society -- and, since
its merger with Historic Topeka, Inc., includes a preservation focus,
meant to preserve and celebrate the tangible aspects of our heritage.
 Shawnee
County is blessed with a great history. The Society's mission
is to make people aware of that history, principally through
 publications
which take us back to our roots.
—June Windscheffel
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Preserving
and interpreting the little stone house at 1116 Madison
assures that a rare artifact of early Kansas remains available
to successive generations for insights grained by studying
those who have gone before. Built by John and Mary Jane
Richie between 1856 and 1887, the house represents the struggle
to make Kansas a land of the free. their lives typified
the generation of Kansas pioneers whose dedication and
energies laid the foundation for the state.
—Bill Wagnon
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The
Society answers my questions, 'Why is it called River Road?
Why is this building no longer in use?' It extends my knowledge
of who I am, where I live — I'm
part of a place that produced people, products, and traditions.
—Daisy Wright
|
When
we look at an old building or read about an historical event
like the Oregon Trail, we don't appreciate their significance
unless we know something about their history. The Society
gives us the background that helps us understand and enjoy
more of what we have inherited from those who
have built our community.
—Irving Sheffel
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I
became aware of this organization through my efforts to
save my family farm (Oakwood Farm) from a road project.
The help given to me by many members and the board in this
endeavor was tremendous. This organization truly is helping
to make the general public aware of
the importance of respecting our past as we chart our future.
—Martin Jones
|
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Benefits...free
Bulletins and newsletters mailed directly to you
|
About the Bulletins
The Shawnee County
Historical Society is committed to preserving the past and making
it accessible to those interested in knowing who we are and where
we come from. Published annually by volunteer researchers and
writers who explore a certain topic in time, the Bulletins
take us back to our roots, connecting us to our rich past and
to those who came before us.
Recent Bulletins
- Strolling Down the Avenue
(Downtown Topeka #2), v. 77, 2002
- Topeka Floods, v.
78, 2001
- A
Topekan for All Seasons : Life of Chester Woodward, 1876-1940,
v. 77, 2000
- A
Park in the Country : Gage Park, v. 76, 1999
- Oakwood
Farm : A biography of a Kaw Valley homestead,
v. 75, 1998
About the newsletter
The News
is published periodically and mailed to your home. It is an important
information source for the Society's special events, annual meeting,
past and upcoming Bulletins, President's
messages, and other topics of interest to members.
Your participation
Most current members
would tell you they joined the Society to receive the annual Bulletins
in order to gain increased awareness of the history of Shawnee
County. However, membership can involve much more participation—as
much as you wish! Check the News for
the many ways you can get involved in your Society: volunteering
to work on the next Bulletin, helping
organize the next Annual Meeting, or serving on one of the committees
established by the officers of the Board. You'll soon discover
the joys of taking part in celebrating our common heritage and
make new friends at the same time.
CONTACT:
Rick Friedstrom, SCHS President
3605 West 9th * Topeka, Kansas 66606
Voice 785.228.5233 * Fax 785.228.5234
e-mail: rfriedstrom@ft.newyorklife.com |
See
a listing of our previous Bulletins still
available for purchase.
See site of Historic
Topeka, now joined with Shawnee County Historical Society |
