Laurel County Historical Society

Services

Genealogical Research — We assist visitors to the library in this area. In 2022, the Society offered research help to people unable to visit. We will provide approximately an hour of research at no cost except for copies and shipping and handling charges. Since the Society is all volunteers, you may not get an immediate reply.

It helps if you ask specific questions and give us enough information to permit us to do the research. Please tell us the sources which you have already searched so we do not waste time duplicating your searches.

Storage of artifacts and documents — We will gladly make copies of family photos at no charge and store them, or you may donate originals if you wish. This was the first-person language used in June 2022; the offer is historical and is not active here.

Membership

Membership in our Society not only helps us preserve the history of our community but also entitles you to two newsletters a year: spring/summer and fall/winter. We welcome queries and articles for the newsletter. The membership year is from January 1 through December 31, and dues were collected each year. Membership involved a mailing process, payment instructions, a fee, and personal details.

In June 2022, the Society said it met in even-numbered months and recorded a recent election of officers and directors. It named Renee Beets as president, Shirley McCowan as vice president, Jo Larkey as recording secretary, Genevieve Palm as corresponding secretary, Brady Brummett as treasurer, and John Paul Benge, Dwight Larkey, Liz Michael, Wilma Johnson, and Doug Phelps as directors. These were the offices and directors listed in June 2022 and should not be treated as current office information.

Hours

In June 2022, the Society reported reduced opening because of a volunteer shortage and advised people traveling a long distance to confirm availability. It also described appointments as dependent on volunteer availability. The historical notice is not a current hours or appointment schedule.

The Society's practical volunteer guidance was: bring a focused question, share what has already been searched, allow time for a reply, and help preserve Laurel County records. The About Us and Purpose pages record the longer institutional history and collecting mission.