Tour of Martin F. Schmidt Research Library
Researching family history can be a daunting yet rewarding experience. One of the key factors to a successful search is finding an institution with records and documents that can help with your research. One such location is the Martin F. Schmidt Research Library at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History in Frankfort.
Researchers can utilize many types of records, materials, and services at the library. Upon entering the library, you will immediately come across our special collections displays. These displays showcase rare and interesting books housed in our archives. Next, you will come across the reference section, which is where you can find reference books relating to Kentucky. There are encyclopedias, indexes to early land records, census indexes, books relating to Kentucky’s time as a part of Virginia, and many other resources.
As you enter deeper into the library, computers are available for personal research. Patrons can search through the catalog to see what library materials are available. Databases like Ancestry.com are available for genealogical information, or Fold3 for research on ancestors who were in the military. The library catalog can be accessed online on your own computer from the comfort of your own home. You can look to see if we have a certain book in our collection before traveling to us.
Figure 1: Computers for patron use
To the left of our patron computers, you will find our reference desk. Here, you can sign up for a library card and talk to our reference librarians who can provide the help you need.
Stepping into the back section of the library, enter through the double doors to find the main collection we call “Open Stacks.” While searching this collection, you will first see long rows of filing cabinets containing several folders. The main set of folders are surname files, and these can be a great place to begin your family research journey.
Figure 2: Surname filing cabinets
Figure 3: Close up of surname filing cabinet drawer
After browsing the surname files, you will come across our family histories section. This is like the surname files in a way. These are typically books written about a family by a descendant. Many are written in a narrative style, while other family histories may be comprised of family or descendancy charts.
It’s important to keep in mind that your ancestor may have moved to Kentucky from another state, or they may have been born in Kentucky and later relocated elsewhere. In either case, it’s a good idea to consult the historical societies and research institutions of those other states. However, the Martin F. Schmidt Research Library also includes a section of books that provide information on other states. Some of these resources focus on specific counties in neighboring states. These materials can help you trace where your ancestor came from before settling in Kentucky, or where they may have gone after leaving the state.
Figure 4: Close up of North Carolina Historical Review
Figure 5: Out of state books
Another important section of our library is our county collection. Here, you will find access to transcribed copies of county records in book format. You may come across vital records, such as birth or death records, or land records. Some counties may also have other records, such as: church records, probates, cemetery records, pensions, censuses, court records, military records, or even histories about the county and community.
Figure 6: Kentucky County Books
Another resource you may find useful is the microfilm. There are several rolls of microfilm that store different types of records. Looking through the microfilm is another great resource for finding more birth, marriage, and death records. There are also other resources that can be found on microfilm as well. These materials include censuses, church records, deeds, probates, court records, papers written by individuals, some older newspapers, tax records, and several other helpful items.
When visiting, you can also request archival materials. You can search through our library catalog or ask one of our librarians at the reference desk to see if we have a particular archival item. If accessible, you can fill out one of our call slips at our reference desk and a staff member will retrieve the item and bring the material to the viewing area for your perusal. It is important to note that some archival materials have been digitized and can be looked at online through our Digital Collections.
The Martin F. Schmidt Research Library is an excellent location to visit for help researching your Kentucky ancestors. The resources here are very useful and can help you get to the bottom of your genealogical mystery.