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 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.

NewsBank

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 May. To login, enter your library card number and PIN. If you have trouble logging in, we recommend clearing your browser’s cache.

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

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.

NewsBank

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.