War Dance in the Interior of a Konza Lodge, by Samuel Seymour (1819), courtesy of the Library of Congress.

Riley County Genealogical Society (RCGS) has a story rooted in passion, community spirit, and a love of preserving local history. It began in 1961 as the Manhattan Genealogical Society—a small but determined group meeting in the home of Mrs. Herbert W. Woldt, who generously opened her doors and her personal library to help the group grow.

As interest surged, regular meetings were established, and new members contributed their own family trees. What started as a handful of books quickly expanded into a thriving community collection.

Within just 18 months, members recognized the need to share their discoveries more broadly. They created a newsletter, elected officers, and introduced modest dues. In 1963, the organization officially became the Riley County Genealogical Society, launching its now‑familiar newsletter, Kansas Kin.

The Society continued to flourish. Meetings remained in the Woldt home until 1977, when RCGS moved to the Goodnow House Barn under the Kansas State Historical Society. By 1980, the collection had grown to an impressive 6,000 volumes—large enough to require a new home once again. The Platt House on Claflin became available, and with volunteer labor, donated funds, and a shared commitment to preserving local heritage, the Society transformed it into the welcoming research center it still occupies today.