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 Obituaries and Death Notices
Available from NewsBank, America’s Obituaries and Death Notices collects records from more than 3,600 newspapers nationwide, making them available through one fully searchable database. If you are using the database from home, enter your library card number as your password.
Ancestry Library Edition
A large genealogy database that includes census information, vital statistics, and historic records. Due to the current health crisis, Ancestry is allowing library users to access the database from home until the end of August. To login, enter your library card number and PIN. If you have trouble logging in, we recommend clearing your browser’s cache.
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.
NewsBank
Search the Jessamine Journal from 2005 to the present or the Lexington Herald-Leader from 1983 to the present. If you are using the database from home, enter your library card number as your password.
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.
Online Classes
Getting Started with Genealogy
In this video, you’ll learn how to define your research goals, gather family records, and interview family members.
Discovering Your Roots: An Introduction to Genealogy
Available through The Great Courses Library Collection. To get started, sign up to Kanopy with your library card.
Genealogy 101
Available through Universal Class. Enter your library card number to create an account.
Books
Cemetery records
- Maple Grove Cemetery Records
- Wilmore Cemetery, Wilmore, Kentucky
- Family cemeteries, Locust Grove, Macedonia Church, Ebenezer Church, Keene
- Jessamine County, Kentucky, Tombstone Inscriptions
- Guide to Jessamine County Cemeteries
- Camp Nelson National Cemetery Grave Register Through July 18, 2012
Census records
Kentucky census index (1810, 1820, 1830, 1850, 1860)
Marriage record index
Jessamine County, Kentucky: Marriages, 1799-1899
Obituary index
Jessamine County obituary index, 1887-1999. To look up entries online, visit our online obituary index.
Microfilm Collection
- Kentucky Gazette 1787-1841
- Jessamine Journal and Nicholasville News 1887-2005
- Census (Jessamine County, 1810-1930)
- Tax rolls, court order books, etc.