Join the Shawnee County Historical Society.... an organization that promotes the history of Shawnee County without government funding.
For $40, you can become a member and help us preserve the history of Topeka and Shawnee County. Click on the button above to be a member.
Our main discussion is centered on the Ritchie House; the oldest house in Topeka and also a stop on the Underground Railroad. We are located at 1116-1118 SE Madison Avenue in Topeka or you can contact us at
P.O. Box 2201
Topeka, KS 66601
If you are interested in seeing the Ritchie House, we are open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9 am to 1 pm Other times of the week, Call 785 234 6097
Admission Fee for Ritchie House
$.50 Students, $2.00 Adults.
2026 Programs
July 26th At the Ritchie House at 3pm,
a cannon will be on display and
discussed. It is a reproduction
and will be fired. Come see it in
action.
September 20th Historic Tour of Older
Buildings in Central Topeka
1-5pm Sites under
consideration include
827 Topeka, Masonic Temple,
State Office building, the
Dillon House and the old Fire
Station at 719 Van Buren
October 4th Tour and history of Vinewood
3pm. 2848 SE 29th
January Lisa Rau will talk about her
sculptures at 1118 SE
Madison at 3pm
The Holy Ghost in Topeka.
3pm near 17th and Stone
All programs are free to Historical Society members however non-members will be asked to donate $5 to attend.
Are you interested in Lithographs of Old Areas of Shawnee county? We have five of them for sale for $15 a piece plus shipping and handling.
Click here to see the view of Tecumseh in 1869
Click here to see old Topeka Buildings
Click here to see Topeka in 1869
Click here to see Topeka in 1880
Click here to see a Map of the Great Plains
If you are interested call 785 234 6097 or send us an email at shawneecountyhistory@gmail.com
Please help the Society by signing up with Dillon's and designate your purchases to help the Society. It won't cost you a thing and will help us. Click here and scroll down the page to see how to sign up.
