Our library houses a limited collection of local history books, most of which are not indexed. We have the Whitman County Histories Every Name Index and Whitman County Families Every Name Index. These books are especially useful as you begin your research. You are welcome to browse and make copies of anything in our collection. The library charges a research fee of $30 per hour for people who live outside of our library's taxing district.

WCL branch libraries in each town can help you find local historians in their area. Hours and contact information for our branches can be found on our website, www.whitco.lib.wa.us .

Local Obituaries are published in The Whitman County Gazette, contact at: 509-397-4333 or N. 211 Main Colfax, WA 99111. We house hard copies of the Gazette back to 1968.

The Whitman County Auditors Office, 397-6270 (Box 350, Colfax, WA 99111) has records of all marriages in Whitman County and death certificates from 1891 to July 1907. They charge a fee for copies and searching particular names with no dates.

The Whitman County Health Department, 397-6280 ( 310 N. Main, Colfax, WA 99111) has available copies of all Washington State birth certificates from 1875 to present and death certificates from 1907 to present. The cost of these downloaded, non-certified copies is $8.00. It is recommended that you call and check on staff availability before you bring in your request.

For other local publications and census data you might also try the micro-film files at Holland Library located at Washington State University, in Pullman, WA 99163. It is recommended that you call ahead, (509) 335-2691.

To assist in your research the Whitman County Library's website www.whitco.lib.wa.us has several usefull links. Click on genealogy from the web resources link on our website to find the following. The library website is regularly upgraded. Check often for new links.

Cyndi's List - A Mega-Site that holds large amounts of information

Ellis Island-Especially helpful if your family migrated from Europe.

Family Search-This site is sponsored by the LDS church and includes basic downloadable software.

Heritage Quest-This large subscription database must be accessed from out website. It includes census records, revolutionary war records, and indexes of books and articles.

Internment.net-This is a listing of cemetery records in much of the world, including some local records.

US GenWeb Project-a free service researched by volunteers

Washington State Library Digital Archives-A digital source of historical documents, maps newspapers and other materials that are part of the state library collection.

The following is contact information for the local genealogical and historical societies:

Whitman Genealogical Society- Located in the Gladish Community Center 115 W Main, Pullman Mailing Address-PO Box 393, Pullman, WA 99163 Open hours-Wednesday 9-12 Or call Judy McMurray at 509-332-2386 The society charges a nominal research and mailing fee.

Whitman County Historical Society and Archives Gladish Community Center 115 W Main Street Pullman, WA 99163 Hours: Wednesday 9-12 Or call the Perkins House at 397-2555 or Bob Luedeking at 334-3940

Eastern Washington Genealogical Society Located on the 3rd floor of the Downtown Spokane Public Library, 906 W. Main , Spokane, WA 99201 (509) 444-5336 Open hours-Tue 10-7:30, Thur 10-5:30, & Sat 10-2

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints-Colfax Family History Center Almota Hwy, Colfax, WA 99111 397-2988 or 397-6038 for appointment Open Tues-Weds 10-12

The staff at Whitman County Library hopes this information is of some assistance to you. Good luck in your search!

Click here to download our genealogy brochure.

 

For details, please contact:

Clancy Pool
Whitman County Library
102 S. Main Street
Colfax, Washington 99111
1-877-733-3375