The Historic Ritchie House


Home of John and Mary Jane Ritchie
Kansas Territorial Settlers of Topeka and a stop on the Underground Railroad
​
Cox Communications
Heritage Education Center
Shawnee County Historical Society
1116 and 1118 SE Madison Street
Topeka, Kansas 66601
785-234-6097
​
Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9 to 1pm
​
Adults $2.00 Students $.50
​
Learn about the Bleeding Kansas era of the 1850's. And see an Underground Railroad Site and learn about the quest for Freedom before the Civil War.
Click on picture above to learn more about the House built in 1856
In the coming weeks, the Shawnee County Historical Society will present these various programs.
2025 Programs
May 19th Guilford Gage 7pm Devin Cooper at Topeka Public Library
June 28th Somerset Cafe in Dover 3pm Get some pie and find out its history
July 20th Flash Light Tour of Clock Tower 3pm $10 Ticket needed to tour Menninger Hill
August 17th Tour of Colored Woman's Club 3pm 1149 Lincoln
September Preservation Awards 2pm Statehouse 1st Floor
October 13th Historic Homes Tour 1-5pm Ticket necessary to join the tour
​
All programs are free to Historical Society members however non members will be asked to donate $5 to attend.


.jpg)
The Shawnee County Historical Society formed in 1946. It's founders recognized the need to preserve the facts and legends of the early days of our county up to more recent times.

The Historic Ritchie House
and Cox Communications Heritage Education Center
Shawnee County Historical Society
1116 and 1118 SE Madison Ave
P.O. Box 2201 Topeka, Kansas 66601
785 234-6097
Join and Support
Mission

Our mission is to encourage the preservation of, research into, and an appreciation of the history and heritage of Shawnee County, Kansas. We serve by using these resources to educate our citizens about our County and State's place in the evolution of freedom in our country, and by encouraging people of all ages to be well-informed and active citizens.
About the Society
Click for Shawnee County Historical Society Website
Membership
Membership in the SCHS is from January 1 to December 31 of each year. There are three levels of support. The Society appreciates and greatly benefits from the highest level of membership in which you are able to participate. The SCHS is a 501(c)non profit organization financially supported solely by its members and contributors.
Click to Join
Benefits from Membership
*Historical Highlights newsletter mailed to your home
* invitation to special member events through the year
* discount on SCHS publications
* help build tomorrow's citizen leaders by equipping them with a sense of our local, state, and national history.
* you're supporting local historic preservation


