Special Collections has many areas of expertise. In the Topeka Room are two archival librarians, Brea and Jeanne, whose specialties include research, history and caring for items like our rare and fine art book collections. Susan “A” gets our local news sorted and filed for future reference and makes Kansas author programs and book discussions happen. It’s rumored the squirrel is their favorite animal.

The four-person Sabatini Gallery staff consists of two art historians (Sherry directs the ship and Zan cares for the permanent art collection) and two artists (Heather and Trish who combined bring strong studio backgrounds in painting, drawing, graphic design and printmaking). All four curate art exhibits. Two are coffee drinkers; two drink tea.

And then there’s Susan “M”, our leader and 5^th-generation Topekan whose great-great grandparents moved here in 1857 when Kansas was still a territory. Self-described as an “Archivist of the Arcane”,  she can recite on command a poem about General Funstun “who had not a heart of liver who could swim a raging river—for a fight—!“ and scare the pants off anyone around Halloween when she dims the lights and spooks the crowd with real Topeka ghost stories.

Whether you’re interested in the history of the Charles Curtis House or what your mom’s hair looked like in her high school senior picture (Topeka High Class of ’64), or you’re a teacher looking to provide an enriching arts experience for your students, Special Collections is here for you. And if you just want something cool to do either alone or with a friend, come to our next exhibit opening (it won’t cost you anything, you can wear jeans and we’ll give you something to eat—just like when you visit family).