Your Family Has Been Here Longer Than You Think.
Jackson County’s family stories are waiting in the archive at the top of the steps — three decades of records, ready for you to climb toward.
Our History
A Society Is Born
In 1991, the Jackson County Genealogical Society was founded to bring together those interested in genealogy — especially Jackson County families — and to discover, research, and preserve the county’s history.
Climbing Into the Courthouse Wing
The Jackson County Public Library moved into the historic 1913 Courthouse — reputed to be the most photographed courthouse in North Carolina — and JCGS made its home in the Courthouse Wing beside it, atop the 107 stone steps rising from Main Street.
Thousands of Records, One Growing Family
Today the Society’s library holds some 2,000 reference volumes, roughly 200 CDs of genealogical information, and microfilm census records — plus the two-volume Jackson County Heritage Book the Society published itself, all staffed by volunteers.
“The mission of the Jackson County Genealogical Society is to bring together those persons interested in genealogy, especially for Jackson County families; to discover, research and exchange material related to Jackson County history and genealogy; and to provide for the preservation of such material and for its accessibility.”
Everything Waiting at the Top of the Steps
Our Story
Heritage Books
Meetings & Programs
Scholarships
Join Us on Second Thursdays
Second Thursday of every month, 6:00 p.m., in the Community Room, Jackson County Public Library. All JCGS events are free and open to the public. Our most recent program:
Thursday, May 14, 2026 · 6:00 p.m. · Community Room, Jackson County Public Library
A Century of Jackson County Sports
A look back over a century of Jackson County sports — from the era when baseball was king, through school integration, historic moments at Western Carolina University, and local high school state championship teams. State championship team members in attendance will be recognized.
Presented by Carey Phillips — Retired sports editor of the Sylva Herald, with a 42-year career and multiple N.C. Press Association awards.
Three Things Worth Knowing
Why We Climb
The mission of the Jackson County Genealogical Society is to bring together those persons interested in genealogy, especially for Jackson County families; to discover, research and exchange material related to Jackson County history and genealogy; and to provide for the preservation of such material and for its accessibility.
Home Inside the Most Photographed Courthouse in North Carolina
JCGS makes its home in the Courthouse Wing of the 1913 Jackson County Courthouse, reached by climbing 107 stone steps from Main Street in Sylva.
Kept by Volunteers
The JCGS office and library are staffed entirely by volunteers, open Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m..
Stop Being a Visitor on the Steps
Become a member of the Jackson County Genealogical Society and help keep the county’s family stories discoverable for the next researcher who climbs the steps.
- Access to the Society's research library and 2,000 reference volumes
- Invitations to monthly programs and special events
- A voice in preserving Jackson County's family history for the next generation
- The chance to support the Society's scholarship program for local students
Individual Membership Benefits
- Access to the Society's research library and 2,000 reference volumes
- Invitations to monthly programs and special events
- A voice in preserving Jackson County's family history for the next generation
- The chance to support the Society's scholarship program for local students