Museum & Genealogy Research Center

Local Genealogy

The Sheridan Historical Society is honored to serve in stewardship of the Sheridan community archive. Volunteer genealogists chronicle and update family histories with more than 500 families in active development. The genealogy center also maintains a large library of issues from the now inactive "Sheridan News," and many of the editions are on microfilm. Special requests to assist with research can be granted when pre-arrangements are made. The library also contains old yearbooks and special books pertaining to genealogy. An all-volunteer operation, genealogy often attracts many visitors to explore records and compare lineage notes. Genealogy is recognized as the third most popular hobby in the United States.

Museum Collections

Present collections provide a look back to the rural and industrial days of the Town of Sheridan, from social affairs and church events to school experiences that created community character. Several items on display capture town celebrations and rural life wherein Sheridan served as a agricultural hub. The development of a new museum facility adjacent to Boxley Cabin will enable exhibit expansion and better maintenance and humidity control. Members are reminded to be watchful for items that will enhance the Sheridan collections, including but not limited to postcards of Main Street, Indian arrowheads and tools, and war memorabilia. Some larger items are presently in storage but plans will enable exhibit rotation in the future. Special on-loan exhibits are welcome and exhibitors should inquire about policy. Donations to the collection require formal processing and on-loan items require an exhibit agreement.

New collections to preserve artifacts may be considered for permanent acquisition. NASA Astronaut Jerry Ross, genealogist and member of the Sheridan Historical Society, has donated a set of his flight patches and several photographs. His work on the Pearson Family is in the genealogy library.