Genealogy & Local History

The Jessamine County Public Library’s special collection contains books, newspapers, and other records to help you research your family history and the history of Jessamine County.

For more information about what’s available in our special collection, please contact the Information Desk by phone at (859) 885-3523 or email.

Databases

America’s News

News and information from reliable news sources spanning the U.S., including the Jessamine Journal (2005-current issue) and Lexington Herald-Leader (1983-current issue). If you are using the database from home, enter your library card number as your password.

Local Newspapers

Ancestry Library Edition

A large genealogy database that includes census information, vital statistics, and historic records. Only available to patrons inside the library building.

Ancestry

Fold3 Library Edition

Provides convenient access to US military records, including the stories, photos, and personal documents of the men and women who served. If you are logging in from home, enter your library card number and PIN.

Fold3

Heritage Hub

(Formerly America’s Obituaries and Death Notices). Explore your family history with the premier collection of U.S. obituaries and death notices for in-depth genealogical research from 1704 – today. HeritageHub helps you easily identify relatives, uncover new information, and potentially unknown family members. If you are using the database from home, enter your library card number as your password.

Heritage Hub

Obituary Index

Search the obituary index for the publication dates of obituaries that appeared in the Jessamine Journal from 1887 to the present. Once you know the publication date, you can look up the obituary on microfilm (1887-2005) or on Newsbank (2005-present).

If you are in the area, stop by the Ask a Librarian Desk to search our microfilm collection. If you are from out of town, you can request a copy of an obituary.