Brownwood’s History and Genealogy Library is marking two decades of service with a collection that reaches from 19th-century newspapers to family histories, Camp Bowie records and online genealogy resources. The Pecan Valley Genealogical Society held an open house Thursday, October 8, at the library, 213 South Broadway, with the event continuing until 5 p.m.
The anniversary coincides with the 47th anniversary of the Pecan Valley Genealogical Society, which dates to 1979. Local historian Clay Riley discussed the library’s origins, collections and services with BrownwoodNews.com during the open house.
A downtown location built around local history
Riley said the library’s location across from the courthouse places it near several other Brownwood institutions, including the Museum of History and the tax office. The building itself dates to before 1880. It originally had two stories, but a fire during the 1960s destroyed the upper floor.
The society purchased the building in January 2006 and paid for upgrades. Since then, the organization has continued supporting the library, including by providing equipment and volunteers. A society volunteer is available during every hour the library is open to assist visitors.
“We’re in an ideal location in downtown, across from the courthouse, and the Museum of History and the tax office are around the corners,” Riley said.
The History and Genealogy Library is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. It also sometimes opens on Saturdays for special events.
Records for Brownwood families and researchers
The library holds more than 6,000 printed volumes and 13,000 microfilm and microfiche items. Researchers can view Brownwood Bulletin microfilm from 1894 through 2012, along with several subscription newspaper databases that are available at no charge while visiting the library.
Its holdings include family histories, high school annuals and materials transferred from other collections. The library received microfiche, microfilm and books after an LDS Church library closed. A Daughters of the American Revolution collection formerly held at Howard Payne University’s Walker Library is also now housed there.
The genealogy collection includes more than 500 family-history volumes, nearly 5,000 genealogies, numerous family newsletters and access to thousands of online family trees through services including Ancestry.com, GenealogyBank.com and HeritageQuestOnline.com.
The society has also assembled research that was not previously available in one place. Its Camp Bowie collection contains 10 binders, including information about prisoners of war held there. Another 10 binders document the county’s Black history.
Free help for people tracing their family roots
Visitors do not pay for genealogy assistance. Riley said researchers are encouraged to begin with what they already know, such as their grandparents’ names, then complete a packet with a pedigree sheet. Staff and volunteers use the names and dates provided to help expand the family history.
“That’s what we do. We don’t charge anything.”
The Pecan Valley Genealogical Society meets at the library on the second Monday of each month. Meetings begin at 4 p.m. during daylight saving time and at 5 p.m. during standard time, and guests are welcome. The society charges membership dues, raises money through an annual book sale and relies on donors to support its work.
Additional information is available at browncountytexasgenealogy.com.