The library has an extensive collection of genealogical materials including local family histories, index to vital records (birth, marriage, death), Greene County state and federal census records, cemetery records and other items of interest.
Browse digital archives, explore local history resources, and learn more about upcoming genealogical programs at your library.
Local History Resources
Greene County Iowa Historical Society
Jefferson's local history museum features permanent and rotating exhibits, as well as events, programs, and reenactments.
State Historical Society of Iowa Research
Browse over 200 million pieces of history, with reference and printing requests available.
Iowa State University Special Collections & University Archives
This collection features physical and digital "unique, rare, and historical materials" that "cover multiple subject areas, including agriculture and rural life, design, life sciences, engineering, technology, and Iowa State University history.
Iowa Historical Newspapers Guide
Browse digitized collections of Iowa newspapers by city or county through the University of Northern Iowa.
Local Genealogy Resources
Greene County Genealogical Society
Search Greene County and adjacent county history, directories, obituaries, and more.
Explore Iowa and other Midwestern family history as well as digital collections, classes, and events.
Iowa GenWeb Greene County Project
Access free census records, biographies, photos, and other historical documents in Greene County.
A directory of cemetery names and locations in Greene County.
Resources at Your Library
Genealogy Room
The library enjoys a unique partnership with the Greene County Genealogical Society: their reference collection is housed in the library basement. Volunteers assist patrons during open hours.
Genealogy Room Hours:
Wednesdays: 1 PM - 3 PM
Saturdays: 9 AM - 11 AM
Many family histories are available in the GCCS collection. Visit the Greene County Community Archives website and type in your surname to see if your family is included in the reference library.
The GCCS collection is extensive and not limited to Greene County. The Genealogical Society members are knowledgeable and ready to assist you in your research: to contact a member prior to your library visit, please call us at 515-386-2835.
Adult Department
The Adult Department has many resources to help you in your family history research. Many of these resources have now been digitized and are available to browse from any Internet-accessible device or computer at home, work, school, and in the library.
Resources available at the library include:
- Grand Junction, Jefferson, and Scranton newspapers on microfilm from the 1800s and onward
- Greene County census records on microfilm from 1850 to 1930
- Cemetery burials in Greene County
- Courthouse vital records like birth, death, and marriage records for Greene County
Access one of the world's most comprehensive genealogical and ancestral collections.
In-library use only.
Search issues of the Jefferson Herald, Scranton Journal, The Globe Free Press and many more local history resources dating back to 1871.
GREENE COUNTY TOWNS AND TOWNSHIPS
Greene County was incorporated in 1854 and is located in west central Iowa. It was named for General Nathanael Greene who served with General George Washington in the Revolutionary War. The first settler was Truman Davis. The first courthouse was built in 1856.
Towns: Jefferson (county seat), Churdan, Grand Junction, Paton, Rippey, Scranton
Unincorporated: Cooper, Dana, Farlin
Abandoned: Adaza, Angus (and others)
Townships: Bristol, Cedar, Dawson, Franklin, Grant, Greenbrier, Hardin, Highland, Jackson, Junction, Kendrick, Paton, Scranton, Washington, Willow
Photo courtesy of Jim Brower for the IA GenWeb Project.