Three Decades of Preserving Jackson County’s Story
What We Stand For
“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.”
Bring Together
“to bring together those persons interested in genealogy, especially for Jackson County families”
Discover & Preserve
“to discover, research and exchange material related to Jackson County history and genealogy; and to provide for the preservation of such material”
Provide Access
“and for its accessibility”
1991 to Today
Researching NC Roots Since 1991 — and still climbing the same 107 steps to do it.
- 1991
A Society Is Founded
The Jackson County Genealogical Society is founded to bring together those interested in genealogy — especially Jackson County families — and to discover, research, and preserve the county’s history.
- 2011
A Home in the Courthouse Wing
The Society’s office and library move into the Courthouse Wing of the Jackson County Public Library, inside the historic 1913 Jackson County Courthouse in Sylva — sharing the building with the county’s Historical Association museum and Arts Council gallery.
- Today
30+ Years of Stewardship
Staffed entirely by volunteers, JCGS now maintains a reference library of 2,000 volumes, ~200 genealogical CDs, and its own published Jackson County Heritage Book — open to the public during office hours.
Home in the Historic Courthouse
JCGS keeps its office and research library in the Courthouse Wing of the Jackson County Public Library — inside the 1913 Jackson County Courthouse, a Classical Revival brick building with a clock cupola and a statue of Lady Justice, reputed to be the most photographed courthouse in North Carolina.
The courthouse sits atop 107 stone steps rising from Main Street in Sylva — the same climb every visitor takes to reach the archive, whether they’re here to trace a family tree or simply to see the view.
Visit Us
- Jackson County Public Library, Courthouse Wing
310 Keener Street, Sylva, NC 28779
PO Box 480, Sylva, NC 28779 - 828-631-2646
- Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Sharing the Courthouse
Jackson County Public Library
Host of the Courthouse Wing, where the JCGS office and library reside
Jackson County Historical Association
Keepers of the courthouse's museum
Jackson County Arts Council
Caretakers of the courthouse's gallery
What's in the Collection
The Society maintains a research library open to the public during JCGS office hours; materials are for on-site use only. It boasts a large collection of county heritage books, including the Society’s own two-volume Jackson County Heritage Book, plus heritage books from surrounding counties and a few from Georgia and Tennessee.
Microfilm census records for North Carolina and a few surrounding areas are available, along with ~200 CDs of genealogical information and a substantial collection of reference volumes — family histories, “how to” genealogical books, documents, and Civil War material.
The JCGS office and library are staffed entirely by volunteers.
Become Part of the Story
Join us at a monthly meeting, or reach out to plan a visit to the research library in the Courthouse Wing.