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Genealogy & Local History
The Local History/Genealogy Room was established for the collection and conservation of Hancock County local history and genealogical materials.
Researchers may use the Local History Room during library business hours:
Mon — Thurs: 9 AM — 8 PM; Fri: 9 AM — 6 PM; Sat: 9 AM — 5 PM; Sun: 1 — 4 PM
Genealogy Resources for Hancock County and surrounding counties:
- Start Here - Hancock County Genealogy Pathfinder
- Death Records Index 1921 - 1989
- Digitized Death Records Index 1882 - 1920
- Park Cemetery Listing, 11/27/2023
- Family Histories - limited number
- Biographical Memoirs by B.F. Bowen, 1902
- History of Hancock County, Indiana, Its People, Industries, and Institutions by George J. Richman, 1916
- History of Hancock County, Indiana by John H. Binford, 1882
- The Pioneer, county history by Samuel Harden
- Migration and plat maps
- Greenfield City Directories and Phone Books
- High School Yearbooks for: Greenfield-Central, New Palestine, Eastern Hancock, Mount Vernon and a limited number of pre-consolidation school yearbooks can be found in the Local History Room. Yearbooks up to 2012 can be found online here.
- Many how-to books for genealogical research
- Joseph Skvarenina Article Collection (1989 — 2022)
- Newspapers online (accessible in Library only):
- Greenfield Daily Reporter (1908-2021)
- The Fortville Tribune (1940-1985)
- The Hancock Democrat (1860-1957)
- Pendleton Times-Post (2007-2021)
- More papers available via "See all" link at top right of page.
- Newspapers on microfilm:
- Greenfield Daily Reporter (1908-2013)
- Hancock Democrat (1860-1957) — (some missing)
- Hancock Republican (1889-1973) — (some missing)
Databases and other helpful websites:
- Ancestry Library Edition - accessible in Library only
- HeritageQuest — accessible in Library and remotely with Library card
- Family Search — accessible in Library only. Online birth, marriage, death, census, church, and other indexes from the LDS church.
- Family Search Wiki
- James Whitcomb Riley memorabilia and literary works
- 2011 Greenfield Historic District Guidelines
- Hancock County Historical Society - Frequently Asked Questions
- Clerk's Office - marriage licenses, public records, election and voter information, traffic tickets and more
- Hancock County Health Department
- Vital Records Department - birth and death certificates