For those interested in learning more about their family history in Bourbon County, the Old Fort Genealogy Society is a valuable resource to the community.
“Many people don’t know what we have to offer,” said Susan Karleskint, president of the society. ” We have tons of Bourbon County history….birth records, death records, cemeteries, pictures.”
“We provide help to people who are researching their families in Bourbon County,” she said. “In addition, we have moved beyond genealogical to historical.”
The society is non-profit.
“We don’t charge, but do ask for a donation, should they want to give one,” she said.
In early 2025, the society’s board began searching for an alternative location. The location they were at, in the basement of Memorial Hall, was too small for all the records they housed, and the cost of renovating to a different part of that building was too high.
They found a much larger site for their services at 2801 S. Horton, in the Professional Building, north of the old Mercy Hospital.
In the spring, they began the move to that building, which has been vacant for several years.
“We have encountered some ‘hiccups’ along the way that have slowed our progress,” Karleskint said.
“The space is futuristic,” she said. “We can grow. We had a lot of things that couldn’t be put out (in the prior building), but now can be.”
The space is almost 4,000 square feet.
Now the board members are seeking volunteers to help them get open to the public.
“Volunteers are needed to unpack items….to go to the bookshelves,” she said. “Currently, there are three to four of us. We need helpers in order to get us open.”
“When our doors open, we will have a need for volunteers who would be willing to help at least 1/2 day per week.”
Contact them at 602.223.3300. “If that number is not currently answered, an individual may call my phone at 620-224-6613,” Karleskint said.
The board consists of Karleskint, Ralph Carlson, Peggy Cummings, Shirley Hurd, Jim Logan, Terry Sercer, and Don Tucker.
Karleskint said she wanted to thank this board for all of the time and energy they have contributed in the past few
months.