About the Historical Society
State historical organization operating museum, archives, and historic sites. Extensive collections on westward expansion, Native tribes, Civil War in Kansas, and wheat farming heritage.
The Kansas Historical Society is a state agency that, in its own words, "tells the story of our state." Headquartered in Topeka, it operates a connected system of museums, archives, and historic sites, and supports historic preservation and archeology programs across Kansas. Its work is supported by the Kansas Historical Foundation, whose motto is "Honor, Educate, Inspire."
Museums, Archives, and Historic Sites
The Society's resources are spread across several institutions and a statewide network of sites, including:
- The Kansas Museum of History in Topeka, the Society's flagship museum
- The State Archives and research room, with online collections and genealogy indexes
- The Kansas State Capitol Visitor Center, offering historic and dome tours
- 16 State Historic Sites across Kansas, such as the John Brown Museum, Mine Creek Civil War Battlefield, Hollenberg Pony Express Station, Fort Hays, Shawnee Indian Mission, and the Pawnee Indian Museum
- Kansas Memory, a digital archive, and Kansapedia, the Society's online encyclopedia of Kansas history
The Society also publishes "Kansas History: A Journal of the Central Plains" and the "Zephyr" newsletter, and offers classroom materials and educational programming.
Planning Your Visit
The Kansas Historical Society is located at 6425 SW 6th Avenue in Topeka and can be reached at 785-272-8681. Visitors can plan trips to the Museum of History, the State Archives, and the 16 state historic sites, each of which has its own hours and admission. For current hours, directions, admission pricing, and membership details, visit the Society's website at kshs.org.
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