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May Program
Cora Kimble's Diaries
May 31, 2026, Manhattan Public Library Auditorium, 2:30-3:30 pm
Our presenter, Danielle Hall, will use the diary of Cora LaFond Ulrich Kimble to bring into focus experiences and civic contributions in late nineteenth-century Manhattan, Kansas. Drawing on diary entries and archival materials from the Morse Department of Archives and Special Collections at Kansas State University, Hall will show how Cora balanced domestic responsibilities while also stepping into significant public roles. From her work at Sunset Cemetery to her involvement in environmental and cultural projects, Cora's story highlights how women quietly but powerfully influenced their communities. Hall's presentation reminds us how personal records can broaden and deepen the histories we tell.
About the presenter: Danielle Hall serves as the University Records Manager at Kansas State University. A native Kansan and a former archivist with a passion in ancient history, she is committed to preserving institutional memory. Danielle discovered Cora Kimble and her diary while working in the Morse Department of Archives and Special Collections at K-State's Hale Library.
Celebrate Volunteers - A Thank You from Ginny
We had a nice celebration of the RCGS Volunteers - both Board and Library. So glad 18 of you could be there. We also want to acknowledge the others who were not there. All of you play an important role in keeping the Riley County Genealogical Society functioning. THANK YOU for all you do.
- We paid special tribute to three volunteers who have gone off the Board this year. Darlene Hagen, after 35 years as Historian, 22 years as Chart Recorder, and 17 years as Supplies Purchaser was our first honoree. What a dedicated member. We value her work as a library volunteer as well.
- We also honored Virginia Beddow who served on the Board as Corresponding Secretary for 11 years, with double duty as Recording Secretary for 6 years. And she's still a weekly volunteer at the library.
- Our third honoree was Marilyn Kirkelie who also went off the Board this year, after serving as Librarian for 8 years. She too still volunteers several times a week at the Library.
- A final honoree was long-time volunteer, Researcher and Acquisitions Chair, Marci Schuley. After 13 years, she has scrolled back a bit, but she's still a library volunteer and valued advisor.
Thank-you to all these dedicated and supportive members of RCGS. I'm so glad you're just stepping down, but not going away. We'll see you in the library and around.
PS: You missed some nice refreshments. Thanks Paula and Marilyn C.
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!
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.
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Sunday, May 31
Cora Kimble's Diaries
Our presenter, Danielle Hall, will use the diary of Cora LaFond Ulrich Kimble to bring into focus experiences and civic contributions in late nineteenth-century Manhattan, Kansas. Drawing on diary entries and archival materials from the Morse Department of Archives and Special Collections at Kansas State University, Hall will show how Cora balanced domestic responsibilities ...
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Sunday, June 28
Ridin' Trails and Writin' Rhymes: Cowboy Culture of Kansas
Join us on June 28 at the Manhattan Public Library as we host Ron Wilson for a presentation of "Ridin' Trails and Writin' Rhymes: Cowboy Culture of Kansas." Kansas was a key crossroads of frontier trails and it was the state which helped bring the legend of the cowboy to ...
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Sunday, July 26
July Program
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Sunday, July 26
July Program
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