Alice Rogers, Director of Public Relations & Marketing

(502) 564-1792, ext. 4476

alice.rogers@ky.gov

http://history.ky.gov

FRANKFORT, Ky. (November 17, 2004) – Family members wanting to connect with previous generations will find a rich resource in the Thomas D. Clark Library at the Kentucky Historical Society on 100 W. Broadway Street in Frankfort. Recently expanded weekend hours make it convenient for both seasoned genealogists and those beginning to investigate their family history to explore Kentucky county histories, published genealogies, military rosters and church and land records. 

As a frontier state, Kentucky is no stranger to genealogists nationwide. In the 1770s, Kentucky was the place to be and the next place to settle. Because of limited access points, Kentucky funneled hundreds of thousands of pioneers from points east to the West. The Kentucky Historical Society’s collection is a rich resource to Americans anxious to research family origins.

In addition to more than 90,000 volumes, 25,000 vertical files and 15,000 microfilm reels, the library provides access to online resources. These include HertageQuest, Sanborn Maps for Kentucky (1867-1970), Kentucky Genealogical Society Online Archives and Projects Link and Roots Web and others. Both internet workstations and tables equipped for laptop use are available. Occasional workshops and seminars are offered for veteran and beginning family historians, often in partnership with the Kentucky Genealogical Society.

The Thomas D. Clark Library’s staff is available to help family researchers navigate the collection.  The library itself, opened in 1999 at the Kentucky History Center, offers a light, open, and comfortable space for those wanting to spend some time getting to know their family better.

In a note to the Kentucky Historical Society, a recent visitor wrote, “I was on a mission that I had very low expectations of successfully completing. But I had underestimated what Kentucky had in store for me. Firstly was the warm welcome and extra ways you went out of your way. Then your records are wonderful . . . You demonstrated what my legacy really is in Kentucky.”   

Access to the Thomas D. Clark Library at the Kentucky Historical Society is available at no charge.  Library hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 8 a.m.- 4p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time); closed Monday and most state holidays.

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The Kentucky Historical Society, since 1836, has provided connections to the past, perspective on the present and inspiration for the future.  KHS operates the Old State Capitol, Kentucky Military History Museum and its five-year-old headquarters, the Kentucky History Center.   Since 1999, the thirty-million dollar History Center has welcomed almost one million visitors.   For more information about the Kentucky Historical Society and its programs, visit the Web at http://history.ky.gov or call (502) 564-1792.