Welcome to the MJCPL Local History- Genealogy Collection
Our library specializes in collecting historical and genealogical materials from Jefferson County, Indiana, and surrounding counties. However, we also have materials, such as census records, that cover the entire states of Indiana and Kentucky.
Feel free to give us a call at (812) 265-2744 or send an email and we will be happy to determine if we hold specific materials needed for your research.
Research Services
The library’s local history-genealogy specialist also performs limited searches for historical or genealogical information. The library charges $5 for the search and 10 cents per copy, plus postage. You must have basic information to contribute, as the library does not do a complete genealogical history.
Clipping Files
Family Files: Genealogy information of individual families in Jefferson County, Indiana, and surrounding counties. Vertical files in alphabetical order. These files may be photocopied.
History Files: Jefferson County and some Indiana subjects. Vertical files in alphabetical order. These files may be photocopied.
Online resources
Lemen Photo Collection: A digital archive of the historic Harry Lemen Photo Collection has been created by library staff and volunteers. This collection includes not only historic photographs, but also the fascinating history behind many local landmarks. From 1927 through the 1950’s, Madison real estate agent and amateur photographer Harry Lemen captured scenes along the Ohio River Valley in Jefferson County. Learn a little local history today by exploring this archive.
HeritageQuestOnline: The highlight of this subscription service is searchable census records including many decades which are indexed. Download and print copies of the actual census records. Madison-Jefferson County Public Library card holders may access this service with their 14-digit library card number.
Jefferson County newspapers on microfilm
Madison Courier (Dec. 14, 1839-present). Scattered issues prior to c. 1849. Daily from c.1850 to present on microfilm. Issues for the period 1901 – 1908 are missing.
MJCPL also has holdings of other Jefferson County newspapers from 1813 to the present. Our Jefferson County newspaper holdings are identical to those held by the Indiana State Library. Click for the entire listing.
Jefferson County genealogy records
Cemetery Records (DAR, 1941): Microfilm Information taken from tombstones. None after 1941. Index available.
Deed Records: 1811-1886 on Microfilm. Must have approximate date for look-up service.
Marriage Records: Indexed, 1811-1905. Microfilm.
Military Records: Index to Compiled Military Service Records of Volunteer Union Soldiers on Microfilm This is an index only and is for the state of Indiana.
Naturalization Records: Apr. 1853-Oct. 1904. Microfilm. Index available.
Probate Records: 1811-1918 on Microfilm Must have approximate date for look up service. Separate index on microfilm for grantor and grantee in chronological order.
Wills: July 1853-Dec. 1924 on Microfilm. Must have approximate date for look up service. Index at the beginning of each record book on the microfilm.
Census records
Indiana: MJCPL has federal census enumeration lists for all 92 Indiana counties on microfilm from 1820 through 1930. We have Soundex for the 1880, 1900 and 1920 census. We have printed indexes for 1820, 1830, 1840, 1850, 1860, and 1870 census years.
Kentucky: All counties through 1910 with Soundex for 1880, 1900 and 1910. Printed indexes available for 1800, 1810, 1820, 1830, 1840, 1850, 1860 and 1870.
Note: Nearly the entire 1890 census was lost to fire and are unavailable.
Available Equipment
Equipment available for patron use on the local history-genealogy balcony include a copy machine, microfilm and microfiche readers and a microfilm/microfiche printer. Copies are 10 cents each.
The library also has wireless Internet access available free for all patrons and visitors
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