The Riley County Genealogical Society is pleased to announce that, following a successful three‑month trial, we now have a subscription to American Ancestors.

As our nation celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2026, this resource arrived at a perfect moment—offering expanded access to early American records, colonial‑era research materials, and the stories of the people who helped shape our country. We invite you to stop by the library and explore what you can discover within this newly accessible database.

Our sincere thanks go to Sherry Butler for generously funding this subscription, making these enriched research opportunities possible for our members and visitors.

This item was originally posted on May 21, 2026.

In the early 1980s, Manhattanites lobbied for more outdoor recreational options in the city. The "Quality of Life" bond was put to vote and passed in 1986, which secured funds for 6 projects in the area, one of which included developing the Linear Park Trail.

Decades later, the Riley County Genealogical Society and the Chapman Center for Rural Studies continue to better the trail with their joint project. Together, they have researched and created 10 historical markers related to Manhattan's past, to be placed along the 9.4-mile path. The first 5 markers were dedicated in the Summer of 2024. The last 5 markers were scheduled to be installed in 2025 and have been held up pending approval from the Corps of Engineers, who maintain the dike that runs parallel to the trail.

Learn more about the early history and settlements near Manhattan at: Chapman Center Digital Projects: Linear Trail

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.

Interest in discovering ancestral roots has never been stronger—and your next breakthrough may be waiting right here in Manhattan. 

The RCGS is now officially a Family Search 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.