The article reveals the contribution of secretaries of Western Siberia statistical committees to the study and promotion of knowledge about the region in the second half of the XIX century. Being the only administrative and research centers, statistical committees performed many “unnecessary work”, were engaged in historical, ethnographic and archaeological research and publishing activities, thereby forming new trends in the study of the region. A special role in the organization and conduct of those activities was played by secretaries of statistical committees. Their efforts and commitment resulted in working out comprehensive programs for the study of the region, which contributed to the promotion of knowledge and the emergence of new trends in the study of Western Siberia. On the basis of archival records and published sources analysis the author considers the activities of N.A. Kostrov, I.N. Yushkov, N.Ya. Konshin, N.N. Pantusov, E.P. Michaelis. Taking into consideration the characteristics of the region, the author shows the role of statistical committee secretaries in the development of museum funds and museum collections. Special attention is paid to the development of libraries with the direct participation of the statistical committee secretaries.