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.

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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 or shawneecountyhistory@gmail.com

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​   Admission Fee for Ritchie House
     $.50 Students, $2.00 Adults.​

 

2026 Programs   

 

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September 20th     Historic Tour of Older

                            Buildings in Central Topeka 

                            1-5pm  Historic Fire Station

                            No. 2, built in 1927 at 19 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, an

                           outstanding example of                                       Topeka’s Victorian-era

                           residential architecture.

   

•                      The Kansas State Office                                 Building at 9th and Harrison,

•                      featuring historic architectural

•                      panels by Poco Frazier

•                      preserved from the earlier state

•                      office building.

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•                      The Hiram Dillon House, built in                       1913 near 9th and Harrison,                           another important part of                               Topeka’s architectural story.

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                            Admission for everyone is $75,

                            however SCHS Members $65. 

                            Send checks or cash to PO Box

                            2201 Topeka, Kansas 66601 or

                            call us with your credit card

                             information or venmo to   

                       shawneecountyhistory@gmail.com.

                         

 

 

October 4th           Tour and history of the

                             Vinewood at 3pm                                               2848 SE 29th       Non

                            Members are asked to

                            pay $5 for program 

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January                 Lisa Rau will talk about her

                            sculptures at 1118 SE

                            Madison at 3pm

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 To Be Determined  Program on the The Holy 

                            Ghost in Topeka which

                            occurred in 1901 

                            3pm near 17th and Stone

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   All programs are free to Historical Society members however non-members will be asked to donate $5  to attend.