Jefferson County Library - Genealogy

Then and Now: from Shoes to Sheet Metal, this building has provided a home to industry in De Soto for generations.

B&W image: JCL Genealogy and Local History digital archives # 2014.004.437
Color image: Google Maps search

Your Genealogy and Local History research team will have a table at this event on Saturday! Come by and visit us, and the many other regional history organizations who will be there! Rain or shine and free to attend.

Our Genealogy staff is coming to you on June 11th @ Cedar Hill Satellite!
This Ancestry: Library Edition class will provide a step-by-step introduction to exploring your family history, with a foundational session to teach how to use names, dates, and locations to search for records, photos, and family trees. Learn how and where you can access the website for FREE!
If you do not wish to participate in the class but have genealogy questions, stop by between 11 AM and Noon for assistance.

Play Ball!
Tuesday, June 16 @ 5:30 PM Northwest Branch Meeting Room
Step into the batter's box for a deep dive into the lives of Stan "The Man" Musial and Red Schoendienst as we piece together their family histories using genealogical records! We’ll dive deep into census data, vital records, and military documents to uncover the stories of these Hall of Famers beyond the diamond. Whether you're a history buff or a die-hard baseball fan, you’ll enjoy a unique look at these legends while fueling up on some classic baseball snacks. Don't miss this chance to see how the roots of two of the St. Louis Cardinals' greatest players are preserved in genealogical records!

The Louisiana Purchase Chapter, NSDAR, honored two Revolutionary War Patriots today with a memorial ceremony and marker unveiling at Herrington Cemetery in Pevely.

Found in the wild!
One of our staff recently spotted this commemorative plate from St. Martin UCC’s 125th anniversary on a thrift store shelf and brought it in to add to our archives.

We are always excited to grow our archives with pieces of local history. Do you have anything that may be suitable for our collection? Let us know! If you aren’t familiar with the archives, take a look at the digital collection located here: https://jeffcolib.catalogaccess.com/

On his 166th birthday, learn about the man who became known as the St. Louis Mummy.
At JCL-Northwest we will explore this man's life story, what became of him in death, and why he's still talked about many years later.
Adults only.
Register here: https://jeffcolibrarymo.libcal.com/event/16594150

Our staff attended the Spring meeting of St. Louis Regional History Organizations at Jefferson Barracks today to discuss plans for a big event we will be attending in June, and to network with historical orgs from all across the STL area. It was a great opportunity to share information about the library and learn how we can support all of the groups who are actively preserving our history. You’ll be hearing more about the June event as it gets closer, but mark your calendars now. There are currently over 50 history organizations signed up to participate!

Some weird and impressive history is on its way in May at Northwest Branch!

Who is the St. Louis Mummy? Friday, May 8 @ 2 PM
A fascinating look at the man who earned this unusual nickname.

South Broadway Athletic Club History -- Author Event Saturday, May 16 @ 1 PM
Co-authors Miriam Moynihan and Ryan Buckley share the remarkable story of this enduring institution. Through anecdotes, research, photos, and firsthand insight as club members, they bring to life the grit, fellowship, and resilience that have kept SBAC fighting for over 125 years.