The Jefferson County Genealogical Society library and collections are housed in the Jefferson County Historical Society’s Research Center. The Library holdings of the society comprise approximately 2,000 books, CDs, magazines and maps that have been purchased or donated by members since 1983. The collection includes holdings regarding all 50 states and many foreign countries, references for foreign research, family histories and “how to” reference information. We also have histories and social histories in our library as one of our areas of interest.
The JCGS library collection is cataloged at LibraryThing.com.
There is no need to “join” or “sign-in”. To search the JCGS collection use the “Search this library” box in the title bar, off to the right (below the “Search site” option). To the right of the word “Search” is an arrow ▼ that offers a drop down menu with options and search tips.
You can browse the Library stacks by visiting the Research Center. JCGS members may check out books for two weeks at a time.
Families Collection – Surname related works donated by our members.
Foreign Collection – Includes titles on Canada, England, Europe, France, Germany, Great Britain (England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales) Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Scandinavia (Denmark, Norway, Sweden), Slovakia and Switzerland.
Reference Collection – Includes titles on censuses, dictionaries, directories, ethnic, fashion, immigration, genealogy instruction, genealogy writing, Internet, magazines, maps, Military (Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War), DAR, National Archives, Religion and Women.
United States Collection – Includes compiled records, histories, periodicals, or research guides at the state or county levels. The number of items varies per area, but we have something for all 50 states.
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You can also contribute to the JCGS by helping to build our library. We are always grateful for donations of genealogy books that you are no longer using. Donations can be made by dropping them off at the Research Center or calling us for pick up. If we are unable to use your donation, we will either return it to you or offer it for sale at our annual seminar, using the proceeds to help us purchase more books for our collection.
An important way to support our library is to participate in our 50/50 Book Purchase Program. You select a book you would like to use and then add to our library. If it is approved, you pay 50 percent of the cost and the JCGS pays the other 50 percent. You have use of the book for six weeks before it is added to the library shelves. A great deal for all of us. Contact JCGS for details. Email: JCGSWash@gmail.com