Jay County Public Library offers the Indiana Room for use in genealogical research. Many print resources are available, including local histories, directories, and family history documents. Microfilm of census and local newspapers can be viewed and printed (15¢ per copy).

Two computer stations in the Indiana Room provide tools for research, including Ancestry Library Edition, HeritageQuest, and Internet access limited to useful genealogy sites, software for creating documents and publications, and access to pdf files of recent local newspapers and an obituary index. This index provides the date in which the deceased person’s obituary appear in the local newspaper The Commercial Review or its predecessors.

Genealogy Classes

Introductory classes in genealogy research are offered from time to time.  Learn the basics of using resources available at the library and how to begin to organize the results of your searches.

Next class offering: to be announced

Online Databases Offered by the Library for Genealogy Research

AncestryLibraryEditionAncestry Library Edition is available for use inside the library, using either the library’s Internet computers, Indiana Room genealogy research computers, or your own device when connected to the library’s WiFi.

Ancestry Library Edition is a genealogy research tool created for library users. It gives instant access to a wide range of unique resources for genealogical and historical research. With more than 5 billion names in over 3,400 databases, Ancestry Library Edition includes records from the United States census, military records, court, land, and probate records; vital and church records; directories; passenger lists, and more. Similar information is also available for the United Kingdom, Canada and some European countries.

HeritageQuest Online is available for use inside the library and remotely with library card and password.  Beginning and professional genealogists can use this powerful online resource to trace family histories and American culture from the convenience of their home or at the library.

More Genealogy Resources

Looking for information from the library’s local area?

Below are some of the web sites shared in materials from the genealogy class.  They appear in alphabetical order with a brief description.

Have a Genealogy Question?

We can tell you more about our genealogy resources or answer general local history questions. Call us at 260-726-7890 or use the form.