KSHS Overview

The Kansas Historical Society was established in 1875 by the Kansas Editors' and Publishers' Association to save present and past records. In 1879 the state enacted legislation that recognized the Society as "the trustee of the state" for the purpose of maintaining the state's history.

Today the Society operates with six divisions: Administration, Cultural Resources (Archeology and Historic Preservation), Education, Historic Sites, Library, and Museum. The Society serves as the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and State Archives. The Society's executive director is appointed by the governor. The KSHS, Inc., the private non-profit arm of the Historical Society, is a member organization, featuring award-winning publications, special member benefits, and promoting Kansas history.

The Society is headquartered in Topeka, Kansas. Here you'll find four buildings and a nature trail on 80 acres of woodlands and prairie at the capital city's western edge. The complex presents dramatic exhibits and fascinating programs to thousands of visitors each year.

We invite you to join us for a tour of our headquarters in Topeka and see the Kansas Museum of History, the Potawatomi Mission, the Stach School, and the Research Center Library. Shop in the Museum Store featuring Kansas books and gifts. Look here for a tour about the Nature Trail.

The Society administers 16 state historic sites around Kansas: Constitution Hall in Lecompton, Cottonwood Ranch in Studley, First Territorial Capitol in Fort Riley, Fort Hays in Hays, Goodnow House in Manhattan, Grinter Place in Kansas City, Hollenberg Pony Express Station in Hanover, John Brown Museum in Osawatomie, Kaw Mission in Council Grove, Marais des Cygnes Massacre in Pleasanton, Mine Creek Battlefield near Pleasanton, Native American Heritage Museum in Highland, Pawnee Indian Museum in Republic, Pawnee Rock in Pawnee Rock, Shawnee Indian Mission in Fairway, and William Allen White House in Emporia. We also administer tours at the Kansas State Capitol in downtown Topeka.