Preserve the Stories of People and Places
For more than seventy years, the Leavenworth County Historical Society has preserved the people, places, and stories that shaped our community. Through museum exhibits, research collections, and educational programs, we protect and share the rich history of Leavenworth County.
Carroll Mansion Museum
Explore exhibits that tell the story of Leavenworth County inside one of the city’s most beautiful historic homes.
Research & Archives
The Steiger Research Center houses photographs, records, and archival materials documenting Leavenworth County history.
Glass Negative Collection
A rare photographic record of Leavenworth County—available for viewing and select prints.
First Families of Leavenworth County
Membership Invitation to Descendants of Early Settlers
The Leavenworth County Historical Society, located in the Pioneer City of Kansas, is pleased to announce the First Families of Leavenworth County Kansas program to recognize and honor the residence of early families in Leavenworth County, Kansas.
The program is an ongoing effort to preserve the county’s rich heritage of history surrounding Fort Leavenworth and Leavenworth, the Pioneer City of Kansas, for future generations.
The Leavenworth County Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization,with revenue derived from memberships, donations, research, tour fees of our home, the Carroll Mansion Museum, and numerous fundraising activities.
Types of Certificates
Territorial Certificate Ancestors proven to have resided in Leavenworth County, Kansas on or before statehood, 29 January 1861
Pioneer Certificate Ancestor proven to have resided in Leavenworth County, Kansas between 29 January 1861 and 31 December 1880
Early Settler Certificate Ancestor proven to have resided in Leavenworth County, Kansas between 1 January 1881 and 31 December 1900
Application and Fees
• Applicant must be able to prove descent for EACH GENERATION CONNECTING TO THE NEXT with an official record of some type or other acceptable source of proof (i.e.: census records; obituaries; county histories; birth, death or marriage records; school or church records; newspaper clippings and any other records showing proof.)
• Applicant must show a relationship to his or her pioneer relative and must prove relationship with an official record of some type (i.e. census records, obituaries. county histories, birth record, etc).
• Applicant does not have to live in Kansas or ever have lived in Kansas.
To apply for a certificate, each applicant will need to complete an application form. This form includes the certificate application, permission to publish, a line of descendant chart, and a pedigree chart. In addition, each application will need to submit documentation to substantiate the information included in the line of descent chart, along with the application fee of $40, as determined by the Historical Society. Once approved by the LCHS Research Dept, applicant will be issued the appropriate certificate.
••A brief summary of the family history in Leavenworth is also recommended to be included with the application. ••
Printable PDF application form.
Help Preserve Our Local History
Memberships and donations help preserve artifacts, support research, and keep the stories of Leavenworth County alive for future generations.
Spirit Of The Buffalo
We are excited to announce “The Spirit of the Buffalo” outdoor art exhibit for Leavenworth County! The Leavenworth County Historical Society, along with community partners and the Kansas State Tourism office, is introducing a long-term exhibit designed to enhance and promote tourism to the county.
A herd of metal buffalo (4’ x 5’ x 28”), hand-crafted in a unique design, will be individually painted in a motif (depicting Historic Leavenworth, the Old West, spirit_of_the_buffalo, and the State of Kansas) selected from an original art design submitted by local artists. The county-wide exhibit project a powerful image and a distinct historical identity for Leavenworth County, resulting in a unique tourist attraction in the United States. An added component of the countywide attraction is a digital learning application that allows visitors to download narratives to their mobile phones. The stories will explore the history and culture of the Kansas Plains Natives and their cohabitation with the buffalo before the opening of the Kansas Territory.
Educational Activities
History at your fingertips
The Society works diligently to provide informative educational programs and exhibits, with a focus on the history of Leavenworth, only found in the First City of Kansas.
Historical Programs and Exhibits
Black History Month is recognized in February; Susan B. Anthony Day every February 15; Women’s History Month in March; and other appropriate historical anniversaries occurring in Leavenworth County throughout the year.
The Society has partnered with the National Archives at Kansas City, the Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum in Adams, Massachusetts, the Henry House Museum in Oshawa, Canada, Kansas City Kansas Community College, Richard Allen Cultural Center & Museum in Leavenworth, and Humanities Kansas, in bringing interesting and educational programs and events to Leavenworth. Local historians and authors are welcomed to give presentations at the museum.
Research of Early Kansas History
The Historical Society has been collecting and preserving Leavenworth County history for nearly 70 years and offers a treasure trove of artifacts and information for the study of that history. The centerpiece of myriad collections is the 30,000-piece glass negative collection, taken by pioneer photographers in Leavenworth, which is considered by experts to be a national treasure.
Glass Negative Collection
Educational Activities: History at your fingertips
The Society works diligently to provide informative educational programs and exhibits, with a focus on the history of Leavenworth, only found in the First City of Kansas.
Living Museum Program
One of the primary educational activities is the “Living Museum” program for third grade through sixth grade students to offer an insight into Victorian life in Leavenworth. Historical characters are portrayed by museum volunteers from the father to the cook, each visiting with the children in character. Contact the museum staff for scheduling and more information.
Historical Programs and Exhibits
Black History Month is recognized in February; Susan B. Anthony Day every February 15; Women’s History Month in March; and other appropriate historical anniversaries occurring in Leavenworth County throughout the year.
The Society has partnered with the National Archives at Kansas City, the Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum in Adams, Massachusetts, the Henry House Museum in Oshawa, Canada, Kansas City Kansas Community College, Richard Allen Cultural Center & Museum in Leavenworth, and Humanities Kansas, in bringing interesting and educational programs and events to Leavenworth. Local historians and authors are welcomed to give presentations at the museum.
Research of Early Kansas History
The Historical Society has been collecting and preserving Leavenworth County history for nearly 70 years and offers a treasure trove of artifacts and information for the study of that history. The centerpiece of myriad collections is the 30,000-piece glass negative collection, taken by pioneer photographers in Leavenworth, which is considered by experts to be a national treasure.
Glass Negative Collection