An Endowment Fund for the Topeka High School Historical Society has been formed thanks to a generous Topeka High graduate with family ties to the school extending over decades.

Brenton W. “Pete” Woodward, THS 1958, has consulted with the THS Historical Society board of directors to establish the Topeka High School Historical Society Endowment Fund that will sustain the operations of the organization and encourage preservation of the building and grounds that comprise the Topeka High School campus.

“By giving to the Topeka High School Historical Society Endowment Fund,” Woodward says, “I am not only honoring my family and our past commitment to Topeka High, I am helping preserve the building and heritage for students that will pursue their future through education.”

Woodward has provided an initial contribution to the Endowment Fund as well as funds for marketing the new Fund according to Steve Holloman, president of the Historical Society board. “Pete has also pledged an estate gift that will benefit the organization for years to come,” Holloman added.

Woodward, grandson of Chester Woodward who was the president of the Topeka Public Schools (USD 501) school board when the building was being planned and constructed in the 1930’s, served as Headmaster of Holderness School in New Hampshire for 24 years. Topeka High’s library was named in Chester Woodward’s honor.

“Topeka High School is especially in need with the changing demographics, the year-to-year ambiguity of public support and memberships, the age of the building, and the necessity to preserve one of the finest school buildings in the U.S,” Woodward said.

The Endowment Fund will be administered by the Topeka Community Foundation with contributions held, administered and distributed in accordance with Foundation policies. Endowed funds are unique in that the total amount of the gift is invested. Each year, a percentage of the endowment’s average three-year September 30 balance will be distributed to benefit the THS Historical Society.

The Topeka High School Historical Society was founded in 1985 by a visionary group of alumni with a dream to preserve the building, traditions and heritage of Topeka High School.