Next Meeting
Regular Library Hours
Tuesdays and Thursdays
1PM to 5 PM
Tax Exempt Organization under IRS Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
Research
In 2004 our library was established to serve as a repository for research files and resources that had been held in members' homes. Our holdings are 100% donated and include resources not only for Jackson but of many other areas.
LOCATION
211 W. Ganson Street Suite 170 Jackson, Michigan
PHONE
517-768-9266
HOURS
Tuesday and Thursday 1 to 5 PM
IF YOU WISH TO DO RESEARCH ON YOUR OWN
Researchers are always welcome to come into our library and do their own research. Computers are available on a first come, first served basis. You can always bring in your own laptop or devices. Internet searches can only be accessed through the Society's computers. Photocopies from a cellphone or another device are prohibited.
If you would like one of our volunteers to assist you on a one-on-one basis, please call ahead and make arrangements prior to your arrival. After communicating with our research volunteer, a $15 deposit is needed to start your research.
Research Fee
$15 per Hour
Library usage fee
$10 per day (waived if you are a Society member)
Copies
$.20 per copy
These databases are free to JCGS members!!!
Ancestry is the most well-known research site with thousands of searchable records, family trees and access to other countries.
Comes with the Ancestry subscription. Newspapers, County Record Search. Original Hard Copy Certificates for a fee.
Comes with the Ancestry subscription. U. S. Military Historical Records, Revolutionary War to Vietnam, City Directories, Homestead Records, Naturalization Records, Black History and Native American.
Comes with the Ancestry subscription. Historical newspapers.
(New England Historic Genealogical Society)
3,000 unique searchable online collections Vital Records, Passenger Lists, Cemeteries, Church Records, Tax Lists and much more.
| Resource | |
|---|---|
| Historical Newspapers | 1690-2007 |
| Historical Books | 1801-1900 |
| Historical Documents | 1789-1994 |
| Newspaper Obituaries | 1977-Current |
| Social Security Death Index | 1937-Current |
| Newspaperarchive.com | 1600-2011. Worlds largest collection of newspaper archives online - USA and other countries. |
Library Holdings for Jackson County, Michigan
| Resource | |
|---|---|
| Cemetery Records | Files of nearly all the cemeteries in Jackson County plus maps with locations of most of the cemeteries in the state. County by County. |
| Burial Transit Records | Several Townships |
| Obituaries | Various scrapbooks and files along with access to our newspapers online |
| Family Files | Organized by surname. Collections of various items collected from research and/or donation. |
| Family Histories | We have a collection of published and privately produced family genealogies and histories. |
| Church Records | A select collection of local church membership lists and histories. |
| Pioneer Certificate Records | Over 100 certificates on file |
| Vital Records | Early Marriages 1828-1869 & various |
| County Histories | History of Jackson Co., Michigan 1881; Deland's History of Jackson County 1903; Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson Co., Michigan 1890 |
| Township Histories | Published Township histories plus other items relative to specific townships. |
| Naturalizations | Indexes 1830-1968 Records for 1918-1924 |
| Research Collections | Member research donated to the Society |
| Microfilm | Early 1900 newspapers, burial records, Probate records Ect. |
| Land Owner Atlas/Plat Maps | 1830's thru 1990's |
| JCGS Lexicons | 1977-current (indexed) |
| Scrapbooks | Indexed |
| School Yearbooks | Jackson High back to 1907 - plus items from other county/city schools. |
| City Directories | 1860-2000's (incomplete) |
WE OFFER EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
Our Society has developed Free Genealogy Workshops and Presentations on many topics to help you gain more knowledge and skills to help you in your research in a group setting. Look at our Society's Calendar for any upcoming events and speakers. Become a member and learn more!
We now offer one-on-one personal service on Understanding How to Use DNA and DNA services to assist you in your research. Please call ahead so we can schedule a time. Our fee for this service is $15 an hour.
HOW TO ORDER RESEARCH
All research is conducted by our team of skilled volunteers, at the Jackson County Genelogical Society. We can be contacted by email, phone or in person. Please include your contact information so we can respond to your request promptly. We ask that you provide as much detail about the person as you can. The more we know the less time it will take, and less cost to you. A sample request (below), can also be sent back to us. Your researcher will contact you about fees, estimated time and how extensive you want to go. Below are suggested forms to help with your research and could be included with your request.
Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for a reply. Mail your request and check or money order to:
Jackson County Genealogical Society PO Box 188 Jackson, MI 49204-0188
Please make check payable to: Jackson County Genealogical Society.