Shawnee County Historical Society

10/10/2026

On October 25th at 3pm, the Shawnee County Historical Society will be presenting a talk by Clay Wirestone, an opinion editor for the Kansas Reflector. Wirestone will center his talk on his first book called: "Opinionated: Kansas Journalists Who Proved Why Commentary Matters — Then and Now," Wirestone has worked in various parts of the country including Pennsylvania, New Hampshire and now Kansas. Won't you join us on Sunday the 25th at 3pm to hear his comments. Society members may attend for free however non members are encouraged to donate $5 for the presentation.

10/08/2026

Join Us this coming Saturday, October 10th at Constitution Hall in downtown Topeka for presentations on the constitutional convention held in October of 1855. This free event begins at 9 and lasts till two and includes the firing of an old cannon.

Come hear from historians, learn more about Bleeding Kansas and the Lane Trail, and see history in action with period military demonstrations and an antique cannon firing from 12–2 p.m.

Whether you’re a longtime Kansas history fan or just looking for something interesting to do this Saturday, we’d love to see you there!

Reserve a spot as space is limited by clicking below:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/civil-unrest-on-the-western-frontier-tickets-2002251776964

10/07/2026

10/04/2026

What a beautiful day to take a history tour of the Ritchie House. That's what these six people did from St. Louis. They made an appointment and came out today. You can do the same anytime Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from nine to 1 o'clock. You can have a tour of the Ritchie House and if you have a special group, we'll make arrangements to fit you in. There's a lot to see in Topeka.

09/24/2026

Last weekend, we had a wonderful Historic Homes Tour which featured five buildings in downtown Topeka. A lot of people made it happen and we are quite grateful for the support the Shawnee County Historical Society received for its efforts.
We had some wonderful underwriters for the event Including David Woods and Ted Yunglas, Lisa Sandmeyer, Bob and Deborah Keeshan, Katy and Mike Franklin, Ben and Wendy Coates and Duane and Beth Fager. We can always count on these fine individuals to help us promote and preserve Shawnee County History. Thank you.

09/24/2026

Washburn receives three million dollar gift for their history program.

TOPEKA (KSNT) – Officials at Washburn University are celebrating after they received a $3 million gift that will go toward supporting its history program.

Jen LeClair, senior director of marketing and communications at Washburn University, said in a press release on Sept. 23 that Johnathan Hart and Lloyd Shermer have contributed to a combined gift of $3 million to the university. LeClair said the gift will support the History Department at Washburn, providing increased resources and flexibility to the program.

The gift will also establish the Robin Shrimplin Memorial Fund. LeClair said this fund honors a longtime history department staff member and the impact she made on students at the university.

“This extraordinary gift will elevate the Washburn History Department for generations to come, creating truly exceptional learning experiences and new opportunities for our faculty and staff to know our students and support their educational goals leading them to even greater success,” said Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek, president, Washburn University. “It is a lasting investment in the future of the department and in the personal, student-centered experience that defines Washburn.”

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LeClair said this gift will help increase flexibility in the history program regarding its responses to opportunities and priorities that arise while also strengthening the educational experience it offers students.

“This exceptional investment will be transformational for the department,” said Dr. Kelly Erby, professor of history and dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. “It expands what is possible, providing support for scholarships, experiential learning opportunities like study abroad and hands-on research. Most importantly, it will open doors for students and faculty to discover new interests, ask important questions and pursue ambitious goals.”

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09/15/2026

This fire truck, owned by Todd Williams, will be on display Sunday (Sept. 20) at Fire Station No. 2, 719 SW Van Buren.
The station is one of five stops, all near the Statehouse, on SCHS's fall tour.
It starts at the new Docking building with a tour guided by the secretary of administration for the state of Kansas.
Ticket sales closed at 4 p.m. Friday.

09/14/2026

The Shawnee County Historical Society's fall tour is Sunday, Sept. 20. Five extraordinary stops, including a tour of the new Docking building with the secretary of administration.
Pictured here is the interior of the Masonic Grand Lodge at 8th and Harrison. This would be a great spot for a Topeka museum. It's the second largest Masonic library ever built.
At Fire Station No. 2, we'll have the added bonus of an antique fire truck.
Check out the ticket link -- photos of all five stops and other details are there:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1998990889562?aff=oddtdtcreator
This is SCHS's main fundraiser for the year. Please show your support for local history by joining us for a spectacular afternoon.

09/07/2026

Get ready to attend Sunday, September 20, 2026, the Shawnee County Historical Society’s Historic Homes & Buildings Tour.
This year’s tour promises to be an especially memorable journey through Topeka’s architectural and cultural heritage. Tour guests will have the opportunity to explore five significant historic sites:
• Historic Fire Station No. 2, built in 1927 at 719 SW Van Buren Street.
• The Grand Masonic Temple, built in 1916 at 320 SW 8th Street, a landmark reflecting Topeka’s civic and fraternal history.
• The Tinkham House, built in 1884 at 827 SW Topeka Boulevard, an outstanding example of Topeka’s Victorian-era residential architecture.
• The Kansas State Office Building at 9th and Harrison, rebuilt featuring historic Poco Frazier panels from the earlier state office building.
• The Hiram Dillon House, built in 1913 near 9th and Harrison, another important historical home where at 4:00 p.m. we will have our featured presentation. Because of space limitations at the Dillon house, tickets will be limited.
• Tickets will be limited and society members get the first chance to pay $65 for the tour which will begin at 1pm Sunday the 20th and culminate with a presentation at the Dillon House at 4pm. Julie Scott is our featured speaker who will talk about the history of the Dillon House located just north of the State Office Building. The first place to tour is the Docking State Office Building at 1pm as a limited amount of people can see what the state has done with the new building.
Contact the Shawnee County Historical Society at [email protected] to make arrangements for a ticket or send in your check to PO Box 2201 Topeka, Kansas 66601.

Also, don't forget on the 13th of September, we will have a presentation at 3pm at the Cox Center at 1118 SE Madison for a discussion about Dr. J.R. Brinkley, the man who almost became governor of Kansas through a write in campaign. Cost for this event is $5 for non members of the society.