Local Research Help

Let TGS Help in Your Research

Are you researching your family history in the Topeka/ Shawnee County, Kansas area, but unable to travel to Topeka to do your own research?  Or, maybe you just need the assistance of someone familiar with the local genealogical resources?

The Topeka Genealogical Society will be happy to assist you in your research.  Our experienced volunteer researchers are familiar with local resources, including those housed at the Topeka Genealogical Society Library,  the genealogical collection of the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, the Kansas State Historical Society Research Center, the Shawnee County Courthouse, and other local repositories.

Our research fees are $18.00 per hour, plus 25 cents per page for copies in excess of 10 pages.  A minimum advance payment of $18.00 is required.   This advance fee will cover one hour of research on your behalf; if you wish to pre-authorize additional research at $18/hour, you may indicate the amount you pre-authorize with your initial research request.

To submit a research request:

Send your request in writing, along with the $18.00 advance payment, and your full name and complete return address to :

Research Services
Topeka Genealogical Society
P.O. Box 4048
Topeka, Kansas 66604-0048

Hints for submitting a research request:

To make sure that you get the maximum benefit from your research fees, please address the following in your research request:
  • Who is the individual of interest (full name), and what do you already know about him/her?
  • What additional information are you seeking?
  • What sources have you already checked.

What you can expect from our research service:

Our experienced volunteer researchers address research requests on a first-come, first-served basis.  We will search all local resources at our disposal, as germane to your request.  You will receive a summary of records that have been searched, as well as copies of any relevant documents and findings.  The total research fees owed will be computed at $18.00 per hour (less the $18 deposit), plus $ .25 per page for copies in excess of 10 pages. You will be billed for any research fees in excess of the initial deposit.  

We cannot guarantee that we will be able to locate the answers that you are seeking. In the event of negative research findings, you will be sent a report outlining the sources that were checked, but the research fee will not be refunded.   

We do reserve the right to decline a research request, or suggest that you seek the services of a professional researcher if your request is beyond the scope of our resources and capabilities. In that case, any prepayment of fees will be refunded.