Our Genealogy Services
Research Library and Archives:
Thresa Costa, our Administrative Assistant is available to assist both members and non-members visiting the center for research. Available in our files are:
- Surname, topical and ephemera files
- Manuscripts include: Bibles, diaries, scrapbooks, autographs, account books, personal and family papers, maps, surveys,and architectural drawings.
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Record Groups (Includes civic, fraternal and professional groups, church and cemetary records, business and industry, and schools)
- Periodicals related to Western Pennsylvania
- All authoritative histories of Jefferson County
- Genealogical reference volumes
- U.S. Census search from 1790 through 1930
- Obits - Local newspaper obituaries
- Local histories, some church records, tombstone indexes, marriage indexes and other various records
- Transcriptions of courthouse records that include: death registrations (1893-1906) and estates (1834-1961)
County Records Transfer
Under agreement with the Jefferson County Commissioners, the History Center has moved the extensive tax assessor books and documents and other pertinent court house records that for many years have been stored in the court house basement to the Brady Craig house on Jefferson Street in Brookville.
These records are being maintained for public use and are available for independent research by stopping at the History Center during our normal business hours and signing out a key to access that part of the building. Researchers do not have to be a member of the JCHS to access these records and there is no fee other than for photocopying.
The JCHC will also provide information as a contracted research service for an hourly fee.
Questions about accessing these records should be referred to Theresa Costa at the JCHC (814) 849-0077 or jchc@windstream.net. Researchers should no longer contact the Tax Assessors office at Court House for access to these records
Request for Genealogy Assistance
Library Use Fees
Members - Free
Student Research - Free
Non-member - $5.00 per hour
Photocopies - $0.25 each
Student Photocopies - First 5 Free
Research Fees
Quick Look-up - $5.00 per item
In-house genealogist assisted research after 1st hour - $15.00 per hour
Genealogy Search Fee - $25.00 per hour
(1 hour minimum prepaid & balance due before mailing)
Gravestone Photograph - $20.00 (additional same cemetery - $10.00)
In order for us to assist in your genealogy search, we ask that the following form be completed. We also require a minimum of 1 hour to be paid before the search is conducted, with the balance due before shipping.
Genealogy Inquiry Form
Also please make a note that being a member of the history center, will provide a discount on genealogy searches. Applying for membership is available using the following form.
Membership Form
The JCHC asks that you please refrain from wearing any perfumes or fragrances while in the building doing genealogical research due to staff allergies. We thank you for your courtesy!