Regional History & Genealogy
Quick Jump
Start your journey into Monroe County’s past and uncover the stories of your family and community. Here you’ll find trusted genealogy tools, local archives, and Kentucky history collections—all in one place. Whether you’re building a family tree, looking for photographs of familiar places, or exploring our county’s heritage, these resources will help guide your search.
WBHML Local History Digital Archives
Explore digitized photographs, oral histories, yearbooks, and community collections documenting the people, places, and stories of Monroe County, Kentucky.
Featured Digital Collections
Special Projects
This section highlights community-driven initiatives, exhibits, and grant-funded projects that expand the mission of preserving and sharing Monroe County history. Special Projects may include oral history initiatives, digitization efforts, festivals, recipe collections, or other collaborative programs that document and celebrate local heritage.
From the Archives
A storytelling space that brings historical narratives to life. Browse essays, blogs, and interpretive pieces written by staff, community members, and guest authors.
In-House Genealogy & Local History Collection
The William B. Harlan Memorial Library maintains an in-house genealogy and local history collection, including yearbooks, local newspapers on microfilm, family histories, cemetery records, church histories, and county/regional histories. All materials are available for onsite use in the Genealogy & Local History Room and can be searched in our online catalog.
Beyond Our Archives
Explore additional genealogy and history resources, research tools, and collections from partner institutions and trusted online databases.
Other Local Archives & Collections
Monroe County Historical and Genealogical Society
Connect with local historians and genealogists dedicated to preserving Monroe County’s history and family records.
Western Kentucky University Manuscripts and Folklife Archives
Browse manuscripts, oral histories, and folklife collections that preserve the cultural heritage of south-central Kentucky.
Genealogy Research Tools
Ancestry.com Library Edition
(in-library access only)
Search billions of census, vital, military, and immigration records to trace your family history.
FamilySearch
Free global genealogy resource with access to digitized records, family trees, and historical images.
Find-a-Grave
Locate burial information, cemetery records, and photographs contributed by volunteers worldwide.
National Cemetery Administration Veterans Gravesite Locator
Search for veterans buried in national cemeteries and access official government records.
Oral History Resources
Pass the Word: Kentucky Oral History Commission
Search across thousands of oral history interviews preserved in Kentucky archives and libraries.
University of Kentucky - Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History
An initiative preserving interviews and oral histories from across the state of Kentucky, offering accessible narratives of local culture, tradition, and everyday voices.
Kentucky History & Digital Collections
Notable Kentucky African Americans Database
A searchable resource highlighting the lives and contributions of African Americans in Kentucky history.
Kentucky Historical Society Digital Collections
Access photographs, manuscripts, maps, and artifacts from the state’s leading history institution.
Kentucky Genealogical Society Digital Collections
Genealogy-focused archives including Kentucky family histories, records, and research guides.
Kentucky Digital Library
A statewide digital platform offering newspapers, yearbooks, maps, and special collections.