Genealogy

The Heritage Room

Our private Heritage Room houses a collection of genealogy and local history resources. Books are available on local family histories; county histories with an emphasis on Thomas County; periodicals; local high school yearbooks; city directories from 1946; a lateral file collection containing local history and more.

A state of the art Microfilm reader/printer is available to view the counties census and Thomasville newspapers from 1861-2012 and 2011 partial. Hard copies available from 2011 to the present.

The Georgia Death Index from 1919-1998 is available, as well as databases for censuses and other genealogical records. There are four computers which offer genealogy software and free access to subscription on-line services. Copying and printing are available for .10 per black and white page and .50 per color page.

TCPLS is also a Family Search Affiliate Library, which provides access to a collection of genealogical records that are viewable here at the library.

Obituaries

Since 2009, in cooperation with The Jack Hadley Black History Museum and The Thomasville Genealogical History Library, The Thomas County Public Library has been a proud participant of an ongoing project in archiving and indexing an extensive collection of over 4,200 African-American obituaries spanning the Thomas County area. Not only does this collection provide individuals with vital connections in genealogical research and family heritage, but is unique to the Thomas County Public Library branch.

For a full list of obituaries click : List of Obituaries

To access funeral programs using GALILEO Digital Library of Georgia click : Funeral Programs

To access NewsBanks extensive listings of American obituaries and death notices click: American Obituaries

Those wishing to contribute to the collection, please contact Perida of the Reference Department at (229) 225-5252 ext. 102 or email us.

Genealogy From Home

TCPLS patrons may also access the genealogical database, Heritage Quest, from their home computers through GALILEO. Patrons who have already set up their online PINES account may access GALILEO through PINES by clicking on the GALILEO link at the top of the screen once they have signed in. PINES account password can be obtained by either visiting or calling the Thomas County Public Library at (229) 225-5252.

ONLINE GENEALOGICAL RESOURCES:

• Jack Hadley Black History Museum
• The Thomas County Genealogical and History Library
• Thomas County Clerk of the Court
• Thomas County Museum of History
• Thomas County Probate Office
• Ellis Island - Port of New York Passenger Records
• African Ancestry in the Americas

Through AfriGeneas.com which offers mail lists, message boards, geneaology chats and more.

• RootsWeb

A database of websites which offers links to the Social Security death index, surname lists, charts, graphs and more.

NATIONAL ARCHIVES

Explore the nation's history through documents, photos, and records. The National Archives includes resources and information for citizen archvists, federal employees, genealogists and more. You may request military records or learn about other services for yourself or family members.

For a PDF fomat of the military requests form click : Military Record Requests Using Standard Form 180

*South Georgia Genealogical Society meets every second Saturday of the month at the Library. Speak with our Reference Manager, Perida Mitchell, for further information.

New to the Genealogy Room!

New materials to assist in your family tracking (for in-house use only).