Genealogy/Research Library
The Genealogy/Research Library is now located at 3 Hay Avenue in a portion of the Exhibit Building. It had its beginnings in the Library area of the Samuel Spitler House Community Museum. Items for doing research were donated and many persons came in to use them to research their family histories. As the number of donations increased and the number of researchers grew the space available was no longer adequate. About 1995 a two story house across the street became available and the library was moved there providing the much needed space for file cabinets, shelving of books and more table space. Then in 2012 the library was moved to its present location. It was renamed the Wayne and Dorothy Watkins Research Library in 2018 to honor these persons who had been instrumental in organizing the Brookville Historical Society and spending much time over the years in guiding the growth of the organizaation and acquiring much of the research material. Mr. Watkins especially not only spent many hours assisting others in doing their family research but also transcribing information on families and events in the area from books, newspapers and other sources to add to the collection of research material.
The Primary area covered by our research material includes Western Montgomery County, Preble County, Darke County and Miami County with History Books - Census Records - Birth, Marriage, Death Records - Cemetery Readings - Funeral Home Records.
Other research material includes:
- Surname Family Files and Family Books
- Obituaries Brookville Area 1905 to Present
- Funeral Home Records
- Cemetery Readings
- Area News Items Brookville Star 1905 - 1999
- Area News Items Dayton Newspapers 1864 - 1904
- Church Records
- Maps - 1851, 1869, 1875, 1895, 1917 and later
- Tax Maps of Some Montgomery Co. Townships
- Dayton City Directories 1896 - 1993
- Area Town Histories
- Old Local Phone Books
- Other Ohio County Records and Histories
- Other States Information Including IN, KY, MD, PA, VA
In addition we have a Brookville High School Graduates file for all classes since 1889 listing members and information about them since their graduation.
There is also a large picture file of local persons, businesses, events, etc.
We also have files with information on local people, businesses and events.
The library is open by appointment. Call 937-833-0285 and leave a message. We do request about a 1 week notice so a volunteer will be available to assist the researcher.
