Welcome
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Mission and Purpose
Mission Statement:
The mission of the Jefferson County History Center is to encourage an interest in the Historical Culture of Jefferson County by collecting, preserving and making available materials of historical value related to the development of Jefferson County and the history of its people.
Purpose:
- Provide access to materials of genealogical and historical value
- Promote historical preservation
- Encourage interest in the history of the county and its people
Hours
Research Hours: Appointment Required
Preferred appointment times are listed below. You may call 636-481-3161 or 636-481-3166 to inquire before requesting an appointment to ensure that staff will be available to assist you.
Monday - 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Tuesday- 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Wednesday - 8:00 am -1:00 pm
Thursday - 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Appointments
Appointments are required to do research in the History Center. Please call 636-481-3161 or fill out the form below. Please look at the materials available under Resources and indicate in your request the items you would like to view. For probate files, please indicate the file number and the person's name. This will allow library staff time retrieve the items for your visit.
Before you come
- Access policy and agreement formBefore you come for your research appointment at the Jefferson County History center, please take a moment to read the access policy. You may bring a signed copy of the form with you or one will be available when you arrive.
Ask a Librarian
Local and Family History Research at Jefferson College
An introduction to the Jefferson County History Center at Jefferson College. Learn about the process for setting up a visit to the center, the materials and resources that are included in the collection, additional local and state resources, and helpful tips for conducting your own family research project.
Getting Started
Genealogical Research is a process. You will want to begin with yourself and work backwards. Talk with relatives, gather family bibles, birth certificates, death certificates, and other documents that contain names, dates, and places. Reach out to family members and ask them about their life growing up , the relatives they remember , and the family stories they might have heard. The Jefferson County History Center has collections of Local records and histories to assist in finding information on your Jefferson County Ancestors. Missouri state resources can assist in finding information and documents on ancestors from Missouri outside of Jefferson County. National resources can assist in locating census records, land records, and immigration records. Additionally, the Library at Jefferson College has a number of books and eBooks on the basics of genealogical research and preserving your family heirlooms.
Equipment provided
- Digitial Microfilm Reader
- Copier
- Scanner
- Document Camera
- Lockers
Collection Development Policy and Donation Form
The Jefferson County History Center will collect, organize, catalog and make accessible books, public records, family histories, city and town histories, and other printed and digital materials on the people, events, activities, places, organizations, and services of Jefferson County, MO. Due to space limitations, 3-dimensional artifacts will not be accepted. Some printed materials such as newspapers, yearbooks, and photographs will be evaluated for relevancy to the scope of the collection and the condition of the materials before acceptance. Any materials donated to the Jefferson County History Center will be accepted with the understanding that the donated items become the property of the Jefferson County History Center at Jefferson College Library. The items are subject to be deaccessioned according to the guidelines of the Jefferson College Library Collection Development Policy.