Jacksonville Area Genealogical and Historical Society records moved to public library
By Eric Thomas
After 52 years, the Jacksonville Area Genealogical and Historical Society (JAGHS) closed its doors on June 14. They were located at 416 S. Main St. All of their records will be moved to another location.
Due to rising costs, lack of volunteers and a dwindling membership base, JAGHS has worked out the merging of their records with all the historical documents that are located at the Jacksonville Public Library. The plan is for the society’s collection to be fully integrated with that of the library before the end of July.
The Genealogical Society, formed in 1972, is well-known around the state for having a large, and unique, information bank. In addition to having a great many family histories, there is information on the Portuguese influx, and information about the history of many of the old homes and businesses in Jacksonville. Cemetery information, church histories, school records, State Hospital data, local maps, information on the small towns in the area and veterans’ records are also part of the reserve.
On behalf of the board of JAGHS, secretary Anne Jackson sent a notification to the society’s membership explaining this transference. “We can’t think of a better location for this valuable set of records to be housed. We know it will continue to be safe, accessible and appreciated,” Jackson stated. “We thank the staff of the Jacksonville Public Library for being so helpful, and enthusiastic with this transition.”
The Jacksonville Public Library maintains a ‘Special Collection Room,’ which consists of material pertaining to the history and people of Jacksonville and Morgan County. This collection includes Jacksonville City Directories from 1866 to the present, Morgan County Atlas and Platt books, Morgan County Cemetery indexes and local history vertical files that contain photographs, newspaper clippings and other assorted materials.
All special collection materials are available for use in the library only. Library staff will pull requested items from the room for patron use during library hours.
They also maintain microfilmed copies of local Jacksonville newspapers dating as far back as the 1830s. Additionally, the library subscribes to two databases that provide genealogical information. All of the records that will be integrated into the library’s collection from the Genealogical Society will be a nice addition and they are thankful that their information has a new home.
Besides the public library, additional genealogical information is available at Illinois College and at the Morgan County Clerk’s office located inside of the Morgan County Courthouse.
