KSHS Collecting Efforts

The Kansas State Historical Society wants to tell the story of all Kansans. The Society uses its collections of documents, photographs, mansucripts, and objects to tell these stories. Several of the the diverse populations are underrepresented in the Society's collections.

One of our recent collecting effort was a joint project with The African American Museum of Kansas. This northeast area community history and heritage project brought families together to share their stories with future Kansans. The Historical Society also conducted a collecting effort related to Kansans' responses to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The Society is planning similar future collecting efforts around the state.

The 2000 Census statistics underscore the growing diverse population of the state. These communities are representative of large populations with a long history in the State of Kansas. The Society is currenting conducting an effort to expand its collecting focus and be more inclusive of the contributions of all Kansans.

To collect the stories of these different cultures and customs, the Society is requesting public input and involvement. The first efforts will be to learn about existing resources and identify and contact individuals who may be interested in participating.

Items to be collected include photographs, reminiscences, diaries, family letters and histories, artwork, music, musical instruments, clothing and personal items, furnishings, ceremonial items, clothing and other items associated with celebrations and societies.

For more information about the KSHS Collecting Efforts contact donate@kshs.org or mail to

Nancy Sherbert
Collecting Effort
Kansas State Historical Society
6425 SW Sixth Avenue
Topeka KS 66615-1099

Visit us at the Kansas History Center at 6425 SW Sixth Avenue, Topeka, 785-272-8681; TTY 785-272-8683; via I-70 exit 356. The Reference Room of the Center for Historical Research is open 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday. The Kansas Museum of History is open 9:00 - 5:00 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday; 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Sunday.

This collecting effort follows the successful effort, Kansas Remembers, which documented the lives of ordinary Kansans during extraordinary times following September 11, 2001.

The Kansas State Historical Society does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to, access to, or operation of its programs. The Society requests prior notification to accommodate individuals with special needs or disabilities.