Jefferson County Genealogical Society
We have an extensive collection (tens of thousands of records) on our computer databases that contain genealogical information on Jefferson County families. These records can be accessed at the Research Center about five miles south of Port Townsend. Many of our databases, or indexes to them, are available on this website.
Jefferson County Genealogical Society is committed to the preservation of information pertaining to Jefferson County families and the history of the area. We work closely with the Jefferson County Historical Society to assist researchers in uncovering the past. Check back at this site for updates or contact us to find out what’s new.
JCGS Research Assistance
- We would be glad to assist you in your research using the information currently housed at our Research Center for an hourly fee. Click here for information on services and fees.
- If you find a record in one of our online indexes, we can send you the appropriate document. Complete our Research Request Form and send it with the applicable fee (mailing address is on the form).
- Should you need a copy of documents at the courthouse or assistance outside of the holdings of the Genealogical or Historical Society at the Research Center, we can send you a list of those willing to assist you for a fee. Send your request by email to wajcgs@olympus.net.
JCGS Members’ Family Stories
30th Anniversary Anthology of 24 Family History Stories. This collection of short stories by JCGS members was compiled, edited and produced by JCGS members Ray Thompson and Bill Conklin.
Jefferson County Historical Society
Dedicated to preserving the history of Jefferson County, the Historical Society is involved in many activities including a Museum in downtown Port Townsend and the Research Center which houses its archival collection. The co-location of the Genealogy Society in the Research Center simplifies your research efforts.
The Historical Society has thousands of photos and artifacts from Jefferson County families. Its extensive collection of historic maps, including Sanborn Fire Maps for early Port Townsend, offers an extraordinary resource. JCHS has conducted scores of oral histories over the years that include references to many county families. The JCHS holdings are searchable online.
Family History Center in Chimacum
The Family History Center is located at 10104 Rhody Drive, Chimacum (360-385-5195).
Open Tuesdays from 10:00 to 4:00 and other days by appointment. To make an appointment call: 360-385-1724.
The center at the LDS church in Chimacum holds a large number of microfilms and fiche on permanent loan, making them available for review at any time. A 56-page listing of items on permanent loan is available here. In addition, researchers can order microfilm or fiche from the LDS repository in Salt Lake City: www.familysearch.org.
Jefferson County Government
Many Jefferson County Government records are located at the Courthouse in Port Townsend, Washington. The Jefferson County Auditor holds deeds, vital records, and marriage records. Court records are held by the Clerk of the Superior Court. Some records have been archived at the Northwest Regional Branch of the Washington State Archive in Bellingham, Washington (see below).
City of Port Townsend
Most of the old records from the city are housed in the Washington State Archives in Bellingham. Some are in the collections of the Historical Society with indexes created by Jefferson County Genealogy Society volunteers. The City of Port Townsend can be reached through its website: http://www.cityofpt.us
Public Libraries
The County is served by two library systems. Each library holds references to Jefferson County history. For local residents, the access to the Interlibrary Loan system is an invaluable resource for obtaining needed research references. These libraries allow city and county residents free access to the Heritage Quest subscription database.
Port Townsend Public Library
1220 Lawrence Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368
360.385.3181
Jefferson County Public Library
620 Cedar Avenue, Port Hadlock, WA 98339
360.385.6544
Washington State Archives – Northwest Regional Branch
Records that can no longer be stored within the county are located at the Washington State Archives, Northwest Regional Branch in Bellingham, in a building on the Western Washington University campus. The staff there will help you locate the record you wish. Be sure to review Jefferson County Genealogical Society databases on this website first to obtain identifying information for your request.
The website for the Archives supports a catalog of holdings for Jefferson County. Check here for an accurate listing of their Jefferson County holdings. For easier accesses, a list of holdings can be viewed here, but remember that records may be added to this list at any time. The Washington State Archives can be contacted as follows:
Website: http://www.sos.wa.gov/archives/archives_northwest.aspx
Email: NWBranchArchives@sos.wa.gov
Telephone: 360.650.7930
Fax: 360.650.3323
Mailing Address:
Washington State Archives
Northwest Regional Branch
Western Washington University, MS-9123
Bellingham, WA 98225-9123
Washington State Digital Archives
The Secretary of State of Washington has started to digitize records and make them available to the researcher in an easy-to-use format. Some Jefferson County records have been included, to date, and more should be added in the future – be sure to check for new additions frequently! http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/