Genealogy Department
Discover your roots, explore local history, and connect with the stories that shaped our community.
Home of the Adair County Genealogy & History Research Center
The Adair County Public Library is proud to house the Adair County Genealogy & History Research Center — one of the largest family history collections in the region. Our collection emphasizes Adair County history, with additional materials covering bordering counties, state records, and national resources, supporting both beginner and experienced researchers alike. Whether you’re tracing your ancestry, exploring local history, or diving into community heritage, our dedicated staff and volunteers are here to help you every step of the way.
Hours:
Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Copies/Prints: $0.25 per page
Note: Beginning July 1st, the Adair County Genealogy and History Research Center will be closed on Saturdays.
Phone: 270-380-1024
Fax: 270-380-1025
Email: adairgenealogy@gmail.com
Programs, Meetings & Community Engagement
The Genealogy & History Research Center hosts and supports a variety of historical and cultural programs throughout the year, including:
- Adair County Genealogical Society meetings and classes
- Saturday Sessions (genealogy and local history classes)
- Lanterns & Tombstones Cemetery Tours
- “Silent City” Annual Columbia Cemetery Tour
- Jane Lampton Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution
- The Adair Heritage Association
- Artifact, Art & Craft Shows
- Adair Arts Council
- Book Club
These programs help preserve local stories and strengthen community connections.
Digital Archives & Databases
We provide access to a variety of digital resources to support your research:
HeritageQuest Online
Census records, family histories & genealogical sources dating back to the 1700s
Find A Grave
Search millions of grave records and memorials worldwide
Adair County News Digital Archives
Digital archives of The Adair County News (1897–1984)
U.S. Obituary & Death Notice Collections
U.S. obituary and death notice collections (1824–present)
Ancestry: Library Edition
Comprehensive genealogy database — available for in-library use only
How to Begin Your Family Research
We provide access to a variety of digital resources to support your research:
- Start with what you know (names, dates, locations)
- Talk to relatives
- Gather family documents and photos
- Visit the Research Center for local records
Janice Holt Giles: Adair County Author
Janice Holt Giles, noted Kentucky author and historical novelist, made Adair County her home beginning in 1949. Her writing brought national attention to the culture, geography, and people of rural Kentucky, capturing Appalachian life with honesty, depth, and historical accuracy.
Inducted into the Kentucky Writers Hall of Fame in 2014, Giles authored twenty-four books during her career. Her connection to Adair County remains a proud part of our literary heritage.
