[Genealib] Input desired about resources for searching Kansas history and genealogy

[Kathy Rippel]

Please excuse any cross-posting...

I will be presenting a seminar of four sessions at the Midwest
Historical and Genealogical Society's annual meeting, "Broadening
Horizons: Research Here on the Range", in Wichita, KS, March 8, 2008.

One session is entitled "Discovering Treasure in Kansas Libraries:
Unique Sources for Research". In my experience as a consultant for the
Central Kansas Library System and genealogical researcher I am aware of
several of these Kansas jewels.

I'd like feedback from other librarians and researchers about
materials that may be discovered in Kansas libraries. Some of you may 
have used, or borrowed, materials from Kansas libraries (either 
personally or professionally). My main emphasis is on small town 
public libraries, but larger public libraries, academic
libraries, or historical/genealogical society libraries would also be
fair game.

What I want to know, especially, is about those items found that are
either truly unique or not usually expected in smaller libraries. Many
small public libraries have materials that are never cataloged anywhere
outside the local library (sometimes not even there) and often not
available to search online. For instance, original records from
courthouses, churches, funeral homes, title abstract companies, etc.
that have been transferred to the library, or manuscript/photographic
items (diaries, etc.) that reveal wonderful information for genealogists
researching a particular area of Kansas.

It could also be the unexpected resource for research of other states or
countries. Baker University houses the Kansas Area Archives of the
United Methodist Church. I know that one item they own is a journal of
an early preacher that records baptisms and other data from
Pennsylvania! It is currently being indexed.

I'm not interested in the fact that the local courthouse has 
discharge papers. I want to know the unexpected things in the 
libraries (like the discharge papers!)

Anyone have a nominee?

Kathy
Kathy Rippel
Dept. Head/Consultant--Resource Sharing and Access ;
Pathfinder Central (Manager)
Central Kansas Library System
1409 Williams
Great Bend, KS 67530

(620-792-4865) phone
(800-362-2642) toll-free, KS
(620-792-5495) fax

kdr at ckls.org
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I'm currently reading: Bringing your family history to life through 
social history, by Katherine Scott Sturdevant.

I'm currently listening to: Buckeye Beginnings: An Introduction to 
Ohio Research, by Amy Johnson Crow.