Explore Even More Paths to the Past
Family history doesn’t stop at the county line—and neither do the opportunities to learn, connect, and grow as a researcher. Throughout the year, organizations across the region and around the nation host programs that deepen our understanding of genealogy, local history, research methods, and the stories that shape our communities.
These partners—historical societies, archives, libraries, lineage organizations, and national genealogy groups—are part of a vibrant network of people passionate about discovering and preserving the past. Their events complement the work we do at RCGS, offering fresh perspectives, specialized expertise, and new tools to support your research journey.
Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, explore a new topic, or connect with fellow history enthusiasts, these programs open the door to a wider world of discovery. We’re delighted to highlight opportunities that enrich the work of family historians right here at home.
If you or your organization would like inclusion of a relevant event, please provide the details and/or a link to your event website to the RCGS Webmaster.
Researching House Histories
Online and in-person.
In genealogy, we often wish walls could talk. If you know what to look for and where to look, sometimes they can! In this class, we will look at houses and their surrounding records to uncover more about our ancestors and how they lived. This class will be held in person as well as virtually via Zoom simultaneously. Registration is required. See the MCPL event listing for more information and registration: https://www.mymcpl.org/events/122189/researching-house-histories-hybrid.
Drinks & Thinks: Tried Again: Riley County True Crime
Arrow Cocktail Lounge, 418 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS
Join RCHS on October 27 at 7 PM for an evening of local history, community, and true crime at Arrow Cocktail Lounge. Melanie Highsmith, Curator of Education & Design, will share three new fascinating and true Riley County crime stories. Come for the history, stay for the conversation, drinks, and a little intrigue.
This even is free, but reservations are required and can be made here.
5th Annual Walking Tour of Historic Sunset Cemetery
Guided walking tour of the historic Sunset Cemetery with information on garden/rural cemetery movement, headstone iconography and unique stories (including a little true crime) of people interred at Sunset. Suggested donation of $5/person. Times for the tours will be announced once K-State provides the time of the football game.
We are very excited to bring you the 5th Annual Walking Tour of our Historic Sunset Cemetery on Saturday, October 31. The time of the tours will be announced once K-State announces the time of the football game.
Join Museum staff, volunteers, and local historians as we take you on a tour back in time while we explore the rich history of Manhattan's Sunset Cemetery. You will learn about the garden/rural cemetery movement, headstone iconography, and the unique (and sometimes tragic) stories of some of the people interred throughout the cemetery's beautifully designed and landscaped grounds. We have also tossed in a little true crime this year to shake things up a bit!
There is a suggested donation of $5/person and all procedes will support the Riley County Historical Society's education and preservation initiatives.
Please see the RCHS website for further information. https://www.rileychs.org/calendar.cfm
