The Douglas County Historical Society was organized in 1933 by a group headed by Professor F. N. Raymond of the University of Kansas. This collection consists of manuscript and printed materials from a variety of individuals, businesses, and organizations associated with the history of Douglas County, Kansas, from its territorial settlment period of the 1850s through much of the 20th century, deposited by the Douglas County Historical Society with the Spencer Research Library.

This collection consists of two manuscripts: "Franklin, Douglas County, Kansas" by General W.H. Sears, which Bumgardner edited, and "It's Lilac Time at KU."