Kansas is home to over 400 historical societies, preservation organizations, and heritage groups. From major institutions in Topeka to small-town societies preserving local heritage, these organizations maintain vital connections to Kansas's rich past.
Featured Historical Societies
Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site
Location: Topeka, KS
Founded: 1992
Commemorates Monroe Elementary School and landmark 1954 Supreme Court decision ending school segregation. Interprets civil rights struggle and path to educational equality. The organization's collections and programs illuminate important aspects of Kansas's heritage, including cattle drives, Bleeding Kansas
Website: nps.gov/brvb
Fort Larned National Historic Site
Location: Larned, KS
Founded: 1964
Best-preserved fort on Santa Fe Trail protecting travelers and mail routes 1859-1878. Nine original sandstone buildings interpret frontier military life and Plains Indian conflicts. The organization's collections and programs illuminate important aspects of Kansas's heritage, including railroad towns, Bleeding Kansas
Website: nps.gov/fols
Kansas Historical Society
Location: Topeka, KS
Founded: 1875
State historical organization operating museum, archives, and historic sites
Website: kshs.org
Boot Hill Museum
Location: Dodge City, KS
Founded: 1947
Recreates Front Street during Dodge City's cattle drive heyday 1872-1885. Living history interpreters portray lawmen like Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson in Old West's wildest town
Website: boothill.org
Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum
Location: Wichita, KS
Founded: 1939
Documents Air Capital's history from Wichita people through aviation manufacturing. Housed in former city hall with exhibits on Wild West era, railroad development, and aircraft industry
Submit a Society
Know of other Kansas historical societies? Help us expand this directory by submitting organizations you're familiar with.
Submit a Society →Additional Kansas History Resources
- Kansas Historical Society - Statewide history organization
- Kansas State Historic Preservation Office - State historic preservation programs
- Kansas State Archives - State archives in Topeka