RESEARCH TRIP

 

Things to know when planning a research trip to Vernon County, Missouri.

 

The Nevada Library Genealogy Department houses the largest and most extensive collection of Vernon County, Missouri genealogy and family history resources anywhere! 

 

The Nevada Public Library Genealogy Department is located at 218 West Walnut Street (at the corner of West Walnut and North Ash) in Nevada, MO, one block off the northwest corner of the court square.  Free parking is available in the parking lot at the Library and the lot across Walnut Street.  Please note that on-street parking near the Library and the Courthouse is limited to two hours on weekdays.  The Nevada Library Genealogy Department is open to the public at no charge during regular library hours:

          Monday, Wednesday, Friday:  9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

          Tuesday, Thursday:  9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

          Saturday:  9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

          Sunday and Holidays (Federal & State):  closed

 

Please see the Nevada City Library webpage for current hours/services.

 

The Genealogy Department has a microfilm reader/printer, a ScanPro microfilm scanner-to-flash drive (bring your personal flash drive), a microfilm reader, and a computer for genealogy research.  A copy machine is available in the Library, and it can also scan to your personal USB drive.  The Nevada Library has free wireless internet service.

 

In addition to the extensive collection of Vernon County items, the Library has an increasing number of resources pertaining to the surrounding counties as well as the entire State.  Numerous resources are also available for the original 13 states.  Search the Library Catalog for specific titles (the Nevada Library resources are not included in Worldcat.org).

 

Many area cemeteries are maintained, and many are not.  If you are planning to visit cemeteries with which you are unfamiliar, please see the Vernon County, Missouri Cemetery Directory 2010 for information about each cemetery, its location, and the approximate location of a specific gravestone within the cemetery for the maintained and active cemeteries.  Keep in mind that there are ticks, poison ivy, etc., in this area. 

 

The Bushwhacker Museum is located on the lower level of the Library building. A variety of books pertaining to the Vernon County region can be purchased at the Museum. The Museum also has numerous resources for family history research. It is recommended that you email the Museum in advance of your trip to verify their hours and provide information on the individuals you are researching.  During their closed-season you can arrange for family history research.

 

The Vernon County Courthouse houses the offices of the County Clerk, County Assessor, Recorder of Deeds, and Circuit Court Clerk (as well as other offices).  Offices open at 8:30 a.m., are closed for lunch from 12 noon-1 p.m., and close for the day at 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.  Marriage Records and Land Records are with the Recorder's Office on the first floor. (Please note that the ground floor is the "basement," and the first floor is up one flight of stairs. An elevator is available.)  Many of the microfilmed county records are also available in the Library Genealogy Department.

 

A selection of restaurants and fast-food facilities is available near the Library and Courthouse, and Nevada has several motels for your convenience.  Please check online for locations and additional information.