Riley County Genealogical Society
Riley County Genealogical Society

Library Closure - no AC

senior couple sauna
Two repair visits in, and our air conditioner is still refusing to cooperate. We’re beginning to suspect it enjoys the attention. We’ll stay closed until the professionals can wrangle this thing into submission. Thanks for hanging in there with us.
 

New England Records at RCGS!

 
The Riley County Genealogical Society is pleased to announce that, following a successful three‑month trial, we now have a full membership to American Ancestors. As our nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2026, this resource arrives at a perfect moment—offering expanded access to early American records, colonial‑era research materials, and the stories of the people who helped shape our country. We invite you to stop by the library and explore what you can discover within this newly accessible database. Our sincere thanks go to Sherry Butler for generously funding this subscription, making these enriched research opportunities possible for our members and visitors.
P.S. It’s especially exciting to dive into their extensive online database of Mayflower descendants, a treasure trove for anyone tracing early American roots.
 

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.


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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 ...
Sunday, July 26
July Program
Sunday, July 26
July Program
Sunday, September 20
Pie Party
Tall Grass Express