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And We're Open!
The plumbing has finally decided to behave, the pipes have stopped their interpretive dance routine, and the restroom is once again operational. Which means… the Library is open!
Our volunteers are relieved. Our patrons are relieved. Honestly, everyone is relieved—and now they can do so in the appropriate location.
Come on back in! The only thing flowing now is information. New England Records at RCGS!
In our ongoing effort to expand access to high‑quality genealogy resources, RCGS now has a 3‑month trial membership to American Ancestors—a fantastic resource for anyone with New England roots. During this trial period, we’ll be gathering your feedback to help decide whether to add this service permanently.
Just like our new FamilySearch Affiliate access, the American Ancestors account is available only at the RCGS Library.
Drop in, explore the records, and see what discoveries you can make!
RCGS Becomes FamilySearch Affiliate Library!!
Interest in discovering ancestral roots has never been stronger—and your next breakthrough may be waiting right here in Manhattan. The Riley County Genealogical Society Library (RCGS) is now officially a FamilySearch Affiliate Library, unlocking an expanded world of genealogy resources for anyone eager to explore their family story.
“Libraries are wonderful local gathering places for learning and discovery. We are excited to have the Riley County Genealogical Society as our newest FamilySearch Affiliate Library,” said Paul Nauta, FamilySearch Public Relations Manager. “Such valued relationships help FamilySearch enable more individuals to experience inspiring journeys of discovery and make more personal family connections.”
FamilySearch, a global leader in family history, partners with select libraries to broaden access to its unparalleled collections. As an Affiliate Library, RCGS now offers patrons greater and more convenient access to FamilySearch’s vast holdings — more than 13 billion searchable names and 6 billion digitized images of historical records from around the world. Even better, you can explore these resources with the support of knowledgeable volunteers and library staff who are ready to help you navigate your search.
FamilySearch continues to add hundreds of millions of new records every year and maintains the renowned FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City. Its collections span billions of birth, marriage, death, census, land, and court records from over 200 countries and territories—an extraordinary trove for anyone seeking to uncover family connections, solve long‑standing mysteries, or simply learn more about the people who came before them.
Your next discovery might be closer than you think. The doors are open. Your story is waiting.
March Program
 Join us for a fascinating presentation by Dr. Robert Smith as he traces the dramatic transformation of the American Revolutionary War soldier—from the early days of improvised militia units to the emergence of a disciplined, highly trained Continental Army.
Dr. Smith earned his history degree from the University of Nebraska before completing his MA and Ph.D. at Kansas State University. His career includes distinguished service as Director of the Fort Riley Museum Complex, where he oversaw the full renovation of both the U.S. Cavalry Museum and the 1st Infantry Division Museum. He retired in 2024 after more than a decade of leadership in military history interpretation.
This RCGS program is free and open to all. We look forward to welcoming you.
Sunday, March 22, from 2:30 to 3:30 pm, Manhattan Public Library Auditorium, 629 Poyntz Explore Riley County's Past
The Riley County Historical Society and Museum has unveiled a brand-new digital collections section on their website. This site provides an unprecedented peek into the thousands of images held by the museum.
Get Involved!
This isn’t just a chance to browse history — it’s an invitation to help preserve it. Visitors can suggest corrections or updates to photo descriptions, ensuring the stories behind these images remain accurate and alive. Explore the collection today: https://rchsdigitalcollections.epistrophypictures.com/
Celebrate Local History in Color
 Discover the inspiring stories of twenty remarkable women connected to Riley County in this beautifully designed coloring book. Published in 2020 by the Riley County Genealogical Society and the Riley County Historical Society, the book commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment — the landmark legislation that secured voting rights for women across the nation.
Engaging, educational, and creative, this coloring book is perfect for history enthusiasts, families, and classrooms. Bring the past to life while honoring the women who shaped our community!
Download our coloring book of drawings and information about 20 women who impacted Riley County here. Learn even more about them from this short presentation.
April Program
DNA and Digitizing: Finding and Sharing of a Family Story
by Lynda Bachelor and Cheryl Bachelor Boothe
Sunday, April 12, 2026, from 2:30 to 3:30, Manhattan Public Library Auditorium
Learn from a mother and daughter how DNA results lead to new family connections and how they created their family journey using digital and audio storytelling. May Program at MPL
Cora Kimble's Diaries
by Danelle Hall
Sunday, May 31, 2026, 2:30 to 3:30, at the Manhattan Public Library Auditorium |
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Friday, March 6
First Friday Program
In lieu of scheduling a March "First Friday" training session, we suggest you register for the upcoming RootsTech 2026 family discovery event scheduled March 5-7, 2026. The online experience is completely free and you may watch videos on your own schedule. Register here: www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/registration/online/pass ...
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Friday, March 13
Board Meeting
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Friday, March 20
Roundtable
Join us for an open ended discussion of all things related to family history.
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Saturday, March 21
Online Swedish Genealogy Workshop
Digging Deeper in Your Swedish Research, a Virtual Genealogy Workshop with ArkivDigital. Featured Speakers Kathy Meade (ArkivDigital), Geoffrey Morris, and Mike Swanson. Topics include: The Power of Index Searching in ArkivDigital, What's New in ArkivDigital, Introduction to Tax Mantals, and Citing Sources. Register at oldmillmuseum.org by March 20. Fee of ...
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