The RCGS Library will be closed on Halloween due to restricted parking access while our neighboring business renovates its parking lot.

We searched our records for an ancestral parking solution but came up empty-handed. Rather than risk visitors wandering the neighborhood in search of a space, we'll be taking the day off.

Have a safe and Happy Halloween!

This coloring book invites readers of all ages to explore the rich history of Riley County through the stories, landmarks, and people who helped shape our community. Featuring detailed illustrations by local artist Hilary Wahlen, each page offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and discover scenes from the past while adding your own creativity and color.

As you work through the book, we encourage you to slow down, look closely at the illustrations, and imagine what life may have been like for the people who lived, worked, traveled, and celebrated in these places long ago. Every image tells part of a larger story, connecting us to the generations who came before us.

Coloring the Past: Walking Through History on the Linear Trail is a collaborative project of the Riley County Genealogical Society and the Riley County Historical Society & Museum. Together, we are dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of our community in engaging and meaningful ways. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Arts & Humanities Association of Manhattan and The Strong Inn, Rachelle Routh, Owner, for their generous support and grant funding, which helped make the printing of this book possible.

We hope these pages inspire curiosity, creativity, and a deeper appreciation for the stories that continue to shape our community today. You may download this book for free from our Resources for Educators webpage.

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.