The Jay County Historical Society, Inc. and the Jay County Genealogy Society have voted to merge.  Both groups have like goals of preserving the history of Jay County.  This merger will allow both of us to streamline our collections and eliminate some duplication of efforts.

Thank you to all of the former Genealogy Society members who are continuing their membership in the combined organization.  Thanks also for directing dues payments and questions about membership to the museum office at: 903 East Main Street,  Portland, IN,  47371.  Phone: 260-726-7168,  fax: 260-726-7178, or email us at:  research@jaycountyhistory.org.

Until we are able to expand the museum to accomodate the genealogical records, genealogy research will continue to be done by volunteers at the office at 109 South Commerce Street, Portland, IN 47371.  The hours are : 10AM to 4PM, Thursday and Friday.  Any genealogy questions should be directed to them at 260-726-4323 or research@jaycountyhistory.org.

Research will be limited to materials contained within the Genealogy Office.   

Charges for genealogical research are as follows:

1.  JCHS members will be allowed two queries per year, not to exceed one hour’s total research time  for the two, at no charge.  Copying and postage will be additional.

2.  Queries for non-members will be done at a charge of $10 per hour, with a minimum charge of $10.

3.  There will be a charge of 25 cents per page for copied material and $1.00 per page for scanned material, plus postage for shipping for all queries.

4.   Persons who visit the genealogy office and search the material for their own personal use, with assistance, will be charged only copying fees.

We appreciate your patience while we work out the “bugs” in our combined organizations and look forward to the time when both groups can be permanently  housed in one location.  Watch for opportunities in the coming months to help us build the necessary space to accomodate all our assets.

Get Started Tracing Your Family History With The Pedigree Chart Below.

If you would like to give genealogy a try, here is a link to a printable pedigree chart.

pedigree_chart