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New England Records at RCGS!
In our ongoing effort to expand access to high‑quality genealogy resources, RCGS now has a 3‑month trial membership to American Ancestors—a fantastic resource for anyone with New England roots. During this trial period, we’ll be gathering your feedback to help decide whether to add this service permanently.
Just like the broader FamilySearch Affiliate records, free access to the American Ancestors records is available at the RCGS Library.
Drop in, explore the records, and see what discoveries you can make!
April Program
 DNA and Digitizing: Finding and Sharing of a Family Storyby Lynda Bachelor and Cheryl Bachelor Boothe
Sunday, April 12, 2026, from 2:30 to 3:30, Manhattan Public Library Auditorium
A mother and daughter team share how DNA results opened the door to new family connections and history to explore. They'll talk about what they learned as they explored DNA matches, reached out to relatives and pieced together a clearer picture of their family history. They also explain how they documented and share their experience through digital and audio storytelling... using new tools to capture memories, organize discoveries, and preserve conversations with newly found family members. Their approach offers a unique approach for anyone interested in combining DNA research with personal storytelling. RCGS Becomes FamilySearch Affiliate Library!!
Interest in discovering ancestral roots has never been stronger—and your next breakthrough may be waiting right here in Manhattan. The Riley County Genealogical Society Library (RCGS) is now officially a FamilySearch Affiliate Library, unlocking an expanded world of genealogy resources for anyone eager to explore their family story.
“Libraries are wonderful local gathering places for learning and discovery. We are excited to have the Riley County Genealogical Society as our newest FamilySearch Affiliate Library,” said Paul Nauta, FamilySearch Public Relations Manager. “Such valued relationships help FamilySearch enable more individuals to experience inspiring journeys of discovery and make more personal family connections.”
FamilySearch, a global leader in family history, partners with select libraries to broaden access to its unparalleled collections. As an Affiliate Library, RCGS now offers patrons greater and more convenient access to FamilySearch’s vast holdings — more than 13 billion searchable names and 6 billion digitized images of historical records from around the world. Even better, you can explore these resources with the support of knowledgeable volunteers and library staff who are ready to help you navigate your search.
FamilySearch continues to add hundreds of millions of new records every year and maintains the renowned FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City. Its collections span billions of birth, marriage, death, census, land, and court records from over 200 countries and territories—an extraordinary trove for anyone seeking to uncover family connections, solve long‑standing mysteries, or simply learn more about the people who came before them.
Your next discovery might be closer than you think. The doors are open. Your story is waiting.
Celebrate Local History in Color
 Discover the inspiring stories of twenty remarkable women connected to Riley County in this beautifully designed coloring book. Published in 2020 by the Riley County Genealogical Society and the Riley County Historical Society, the book commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment — the landmark legislation that secured voting rights for women across the nation.
Engaging, educational, and creative, this coloring book is perfect for history enthusiasts, families, and classrooms. Bring the past to life while honoring the women who shaped our community!
Download our coloring book of drawings and information about 20 women who impacted Riley County here. Learn even more about them from this short presentation.
May Program at MPL
Cora Kimble's Diaries
by Danelle Hall
Sunday, May 31, 2026, 2:30 to 3:30, at the Manhattan Public Library Auditorium Explore Riley County's Past
The Riley County Historical Society and Museum has unveiled a brand-new digital collections section on their website. This site provides an unprecedented peek into the thousands of images held by the museum.
Get Involved!
This isn’t just a chance to browse history — it’s an invitation to help preserve it. Visitors can suggest corrections or updates to photo descriptions, ensuring the stories behind these images remain accurate and alive. Explore the collection today: https://rchsdigitalcollections.epistrophypictures.com/
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Sunday, April 12
DNA and Digitizing: Finding and Sharing of a Family Story
Lynda Bachelor and Cheryl Bachelor Boothe, a mother and daughter team, share how DNA results opened the door to new family connections and history to explore. They'll talk about what they learned as they explored DNA matches, reached out to relatives and pieced together a clearer picture of their family history. They also explain ...
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Saturday, April 18
Branches & Bytes
Artificial intelligence is transforming family history - and you don't need a tech background to use it. Join Mark Thompson and Steve Little, co-hosts of The Family History AI Show, for a full-day seminar showing how tools like ChatGPT can help you research smarter and finally turn names and ...
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Wednesday, April 29
History on the Road to Riley, Kansas
In honor of America250, the Riley County Historical Society & Museum is taking our programming on the road! The first stop on the year-long celebration will spotlight Riley, Kansas. Located about twenty miles northwest of Manhattan, Riley is a lively farm community that hosts a variety of educational agritourism ...
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Sunday, May 3
Illuminate Our Legacy: Frontier Kansas
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