Jefferson County Library - Genealogy

07/02/2026

A look at how area residents were celebrating the 4th of July 100 years ago -- with fish fry picnics and dancing! However you choose to celebrate, we wish you a safe and happy holiday weekend!
First image: Jefferson Democrat, June 24, 1926 page 3
Second image: Jefferson County Record, June 24, 1926 page 5
Third image: Jefferson County Record, June 24, 1926 page 5

06/26/2026

Did you know the St. Louis area played a key role in one of the most important public health studies of the Cold War?

A massive research project collected more than 300,000 baby teeth from children in the region to measure how radioactive fallout from above-ground nuclear weapons testing was being absorbed by the human body.

The findings provided powerful evidence of the dangers of nuclear fallout and helped build support for the Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, which was signed in 1963.

The following article, published in a Jefferson County newspaper, describes this study and its lasting impact.

Want to learn more? Jefferson County Library - Northwest Branch, in partnership with Missouri Humanities, is hosting a film viewing of Silent Fallout followed by a Q&A with Dr. Luke Ritter on Friday, July 17th. Details and registration for this free event can be found here: https://jeffcolibrarymo.libcal.com/calendar/17659/Silent_Fallout_film

-- Daily News-Democrat Tuesday, December 23, 1958 page 3

Baby Teeth Needed For Scientific Tests
St. Louis -- A drive was underway today to collect 50,000 baby teeth annually for study by dentists to provide a record of the absorption of strontium 90 by St. Louis area children.

The Greater St. Louis Citizens' Committee for Nuclear Information, which is sponsoring the campaign, said there has been a yearly increase in the amount of strontium 90 in soil and food since nuclear tests began about 10 years ago.

Tests in five areas have shown that milk from the St. Louis milkshed contains the highest strontium 90 levels for 1958.
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06/10/2026

Then and Now: from Shoes to Sheet Metal, this building has provided a home to industry in De Soto for generations.

B&W image: JCL Genealogy and Local History digital archives # 2014.004.437
Color image: Google Maps search

06/04/2026

Your Genealogy and Local History research team will have a table at this event on Saturday! Come by and visit us, and the many other regional history organizations who will be there! Rain or shine and free to attend.

05/27/2026

Our Genealogy staff is coming to you on June 11th @ Cedar Hill Satellite!
This Ancestry: Library Edition class will provide a step-by-step introduction to exploring your family history, with a foundational session to teach how to use names, dates, and locations to search for records, photos, and family trees. Learn how and where you can access the website for FREE!
If you do not wish to participate in the class but have genealogy questions, stop by between 11 AM and Noon for assistance.

05/20/2026

Play Ball!
Tuesday, June 16 @ 5:30 PM Northwest Branch Meeting Room
Step into the batter's box for a deep dive into the lives of Stan "The Man" Musial and Red Schoendienst as we piece together their family histories using genealogical records! We’ll dive deep into census data, vital records, and military documents to uncover the stories of these Hall of Famers beyond the diamond. Whether you're a history buff or a die-hard baseball fan, you’ll enjoy a unique look at these legends while fueling up on some classic baseball snacks. Don't miss this chance to see how the roots of two of the St. Louis Cardinals' greatest players are preserved in genealogical records!

05/09/2026

The Louisiana Purchase Chapter, NSDAR, honored two Revolutionary War Patriots today with a memorial ceremony and marker unveiling at Herrington Cemetery in Pevely.

05/08/2026

Found in the wild!
One of our staff recently spotted this commemorative plate from St. Martin UCC’s 125th anniversary on a thrift store shelf and brought it in to add to our archives.

We are always excited to grow our archives with pieces of local history. Do you have anything that may be suitable for our collection? Let us know! If you aren’t familiar with the archives, take a look at the digital collection located here: https://jeffcolib.catalogaccess.com/

05/01/2026

On his 166th birthday, learn about the man who became known as the St. Louis Mummy.
At JCL-Northwest we will explore this man's life story, what became of him in death, and why he's still talked about many years later.
Adults only.
Register here: https://jeffcolibrarymo.libcal.com/event/16594150

04/27/2026