Genealogy Library

Discover Your Roots at the Wayne County Genealogy Library

The Elizabeth Furr Duncan Library, housed within the Wayne County Historical Society, is your gateway to exploring your family history. With an extensive collection of genealogical resources, we help individuals trace their lineage and connect with their past in Wayne County.

Our Collections

The library boasts a comprehensive array of resources dedicated to genealogical and historical research:

  • Family Files: Extensive files on numerous Wayne County families.
  • Local Histories: Books and documents that explore the rich history of Wayne County and the surrounding areas.
  • Census Records: Access to federal and state census data that can help trace your ancestors.
  • Civil Records: Includes birth, marriage, death, and other civil documentation.
  • Military Records: Information on the local veterans and military history of the region.
  • Cemetery Records: Documentation of cemetery plots, allowing for the location of family graves.
  • Photographic Archive: An extensive collection of approximately 7,000 photographs depicting the history of Wayne County families and events.

Research Assistance

Our library is staffed with knowledgeable volunteers who are dedicated to assisting you in your search for information. We are equipped to conduct research and are here to help you effectively use our extensive resources to uncover your family's history or delve into local historical topics.

Hours of Operation

  • Summer Hours (April 2nd - October 31st): Wednesday to Friday, 10:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
  • Winter Hours (November 1st - April 1st): 10:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.
  • Appointment Availability: Appointments are now available on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Saturdays, enhancing accessibility to our resources.

Visiting the Library

The Elizabeth Furr Duncan Library is located within the Wayne County Museum at 65 North Main Street, Monticello, KY. We welcome everyone from amateur genealogists to professional researchers to explore our collections.

Research Fees

At the Wayne County Historical Society, we are committed to facilitating access to historical documents and resources. Whether you need our assistance or prefer to conduct your research independently, we provide options to suit your needs.


Self-Conducted Research

  • No Charge for Self-Service: Visitors who wish to conduct their own research at our facilities can do so free of charge. This allows direct access to our archives and resources without any associated costs.

Assisted Research Fee Details

  • Standard Research Fee: A fee of $20.00 is charged for each research request made by mail, email, or phone, or for additional in-house research requiring copies and postage.
  • What’s Included: The $20.00 research fee includes:
        -Staff review and processing of your research request
        -Up to 5 copies of documents
        -Postage for mailing documents to you

Additional Charges

  • Exceeding Copy Limits: If your research requires more than 5 copies, additional charges will apply:
        -Letter size copies: $0.25 each
        -Legal size copies: $0.35 each
  • Extended Research Needs: For research that necessitates visits to courthouses or other outside locations, additional fees will be determined based on the scope and requirements of the request.

How to Submit a Research Request

To submit a research request, please contact us:

  • By Email: Send your detailed inquiry to wchistoricalsociety@gmail.com
  • By Phone: Call us at 606-343-0399
  • By Mail: Address your request to: Wayne County Historical Society P.O. Box 320 Monticello, KY 42633


Please include as much detail as possible about the information you seek to help us serve you better. Once we receive your request and research fee, our staff will begin processing your inquiry and communicate any additional costs if your needs exceed the standard coverage.


We are here to support your exploration of Wayne County's history, providing valuable insights and information through both assisted and independent research options. We look forward to assisting you in your historical research endeavors.

Contact Us

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call the library at 606-343-0399 or send an email to wchistoricalsociety@gmail.com. You can also submit inquiries, which our staff will process on a "time available" schedule.


Donations

The library appreciates donations of Wayne County-related materials and monetary support to help enhance our collections and services. A donation is also requested for research conducted by the library staff.


Join us at the Elizabeth Furr Duncan Library and uncover the stories that have shaped the lives of generations in Wayne County. Discover your family's legacy with us!