The papers of Joe Douglas, an African American Kansan, document his career with the Topeka, Kansas Fire Department and his active civic involvement. It ranges from correspondence to newspaper clippings to certificates that Mr. Douglas has received. Also included are Douglas's many photographs of the Fire Department and of other Topeka organizations and events, as well as photographs of other Douglas family members and the damage from the 1966 tornado in Topeka.

R.E. "Tuck" Duncan was a member of the Unified School District (USD) 501 School Board (Topeka, Kansas) from 1985-1989. This collection consists of records reflecting his activity on the Board. Papers from Duncan's time as the chair of the Topeka, Kansas Housing Authority in the 1990s-2000s can also be found in the collection.