Written by: Leyton Furlong
Have you ever been curious as to who your ancestors were, but worried about spending too much on research? Are you a local historian looking for solid primary sources for your upcoming paper? Thankfully, the Northwest Missouri Genealogical Society can help you find both! Located at 412 Felix Street, the Society has been helping people to explore local history since 1979.
More than “a shelf of old books”
Now, when most people think about genealogical or historical societies, they probably imagine a small room with a handful of old history books in a library only open once a week. However, the Northwest Missouri Genealogical Society’s collection is no joke. Their collection is one of the largest in the region and has tens of thousands of records and compiled histories tied to the counties that make up Northwest Missouri. They have just about everything from your great grandma’s marriage license to your grandpa’s property tax.
It shouldn’t be understated how massive this place is. Although the collections in the first two rooms on the main floor are fairly humble, the holdings in the basement and the second floor have thousands of records that may be crucial in helping you find your ancestors (These rooms are off limits, so be sure to ask for assistance first). Their collection is so large that not even the most seasoned members can keep up. The library continues to expand annually, with an increasing number of records being donated.
What you can research here
One of the notable items the library has on display includes coroners’ inquests from the 1950s and 1960s, including autopsy reports for some of St. Joseph’s historic legal records. The library also has microfilm records for local churches, cemeteries, funeral homes, tax records, and businesses that can’t be found anywhere else.
A budget-friendly way to go deeper
One of the best things about the Society is just how inexpensive it is compared to other genealogy services. Whereas many services may charge upwards of $60 a month, the Society only charges $25 a year or $5 for guests. The genealogy service even provides free access to sites like Ancestry and Fold3, which are useful for finding digital records.
One of the best things about the Society is just how inexpensive it is compared to other genealogy services. Whereas many services may charge upwards of $60 a month, the Society only charges $25 a year or $5 for guests. The genealogy service even provides free access to sites like Ancestry and Fold3, which are useful for finding digital records.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Northwest Missouri Genealogical Society
412 Felix Street, St. Joseph, MO 64501
Hours (Mar 1 to Nov 30): Tue 2–8 pm; Wed 10 am–3 pm; Fri 10 am–3 pm; 1st and 3rd Sat noon–4 pm.
Winter schedule: Dec 1–20 by appointment; Dec 21–Feb 28/29 closed (email to arrange research visits).
(816) 233-0524