The Washington County Public Library - Jonesborough's Genealogy and History center was started in 1990, as a central objective of the JGS, and contains around 2,200 books, approximately 1,900 genealogy journals, vertical files, microfilm, maps, etc.  Approximately 40% of this collection has been donated by over 200 individuals, groups, organization, etc.  The genealogy collections began with the collections of Mary Hardin McCown and Charles Marion Bennett, but many others have been added including part of the late County Historian Mildred Kozsuch’s collection. The Society has continued funded projects, books, and materials for this collection as well as continued to work thousands of hours on projects to better serve our community and patrons with this resource. 

The Jonesborough Genealogical Society maintains vertical files which are housed in the vault in the library. This collection is made up of two categories of files: 1. Family Files and 2. Subject-Location Files. The society has collected materials on 895 surnames as part of our family files. In addition, several hundred subject-location files exist as well on topics ranging from broader topics such as the Civil War to specific locations and communities such as Broylesville. Visit the library's Genealogy webpage for more information about the collection. This collection is an ongoing JGS project. To volunteer with organizing, maintaining, and/or digitizing the Genealogy and History Collection, contact us.