Genealogy & Archives

The Genealogical & Historical Room

History

The Genealogical and Historical Room has one of the most outstanding reference collections of its type in the South. It was founded in 1923 by the Mary Hammond Washington Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, who realized the need for the library to provide source material and assistance for people tracing their lineage and searching for facts about their ancestors. They also believed that certain old and irreplaceable records of local and regional history should be preserved for the future and made available for researchers. Starting with a small but valuable collection given by the James Hyde Porter family and housed in part of a small room, the Genealogical and Historical Room has grown to include more than 40,000 volumes and over 24,000 microforms. Located on the ground floor of the Washington Memorial Library, it is considered outstanding by genealogists and historians from all over the United States. Last year, over 13,000 researchers came from 38 states and 5 foreign countries to use the facilities.

The growth of this room is a direct result of the support of enthusiastic and interested people and groups who, living not only in Macon but in many other parts of the country, have generously given money, books, and furnishings. Many of these gifts have been as memorials; the bookplates and the plaques on the equipment and furnishings give some indication as to those persons who have been responsible for the success of this room.

The Genealogical and Historical Collection provides a broad representation of research material, but its most distinctive feature is its collection of records on the 13 colonies. This collection on the original states is recognized as one of the finest in genealogical libraries. Considerable space is devoted to pre-colonial history as well as to colonial history and the Revolutionary War. This includes source material from England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales.

Genealogy Guidance and Assistance

General guidance and assistance is furnished by the staff of the Genealogical and Historical Room. Reference service is available in person, through mail or by e-mail. Photocopiers, overhead scanner, and microfilm/microfiche reader printers are available for the reproduction of materials. Learn more about submitting a genealogical question.

Charges

• Photocopy charges are 20 cents per page, with a minimum charge of a $2
• Postage is assessed at first-class rates
• Checks should be made payable to Washington Memorial Library

Genealogy Inquiries

If you are interested in sending a question to the staff of the Genealogical and Historical Room, please read the following:

The reference service of the Genealogical & Historical Room is designed to address questions that may be answered from available indexed sources in our collection.

• His or her full name
• Race or nationality
• Town or county of residence
• Approximate dates of residence
• Type of document requested (e.g., marriage license, will, census listing)