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RCGS Becomes FamilySearch Afffiliate 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.
March Program at MPL
 Join us for a fascinating presentation by Dr. Robert Smith as he traces the dramatic transformation of the American Revolutionary War soldier—from the early days of improvised militia units to the emergence of a disciplined, highly trained Continental Army.
Dr. Smith earned his history degree from the University of Nebraska before completing his MA and Ph.D. at Kansas State University. His career includes distinguished service as Director of the Fort Riley Museum Complex, where he oversaw the full renovation of both the U.S. Cavalry Museum and the 1st Infantry Division Museum. He retired in 2024 after more than a decade of leadership in military history interpretation.
This RCGS program is free and open to all. We look forward to welcoming you.
Sunday, March 22, from 2:30 to 3:30 pm, Manhattan Public Library Auditorium, 629 Poyntz 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/
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.
April Program at MPL
DNA and Digitizing: Finding and Sharing of a Family Story
by Lynda Bachelor and Cheryl Bachelor Boothe
Sunday, April 12, 2026, from 2:30 to 3:30, Manhattan Public Library Auditorium
Watch this page for additional information. 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 |
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Friday, February 20
Roundtable
Join us for an open ended discussion of all things related to family history.
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Friday, March 6
First Friday Program
In lieu of scheduling a March "First Friday" training session, we suggest you register for the upcoming RootsTech 2026 family discovery event scheduled March 5-7, 2026. The online experience is completely free and you may watch videos on your own schedule. Register here: www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/registration/online/pass ...
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Friday, March 13
Board Meeting
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Friday, March 20
Roundtable
Join us for an open ended discussion of all things related to family history.
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