Ladson Genealogical Library

Tucked away in downtown Vidalia the Ladson Genealogical Library is the only public library in Georgia dedicated exclusively to history and genealogy.   With more than 35,000 books it is one of the largest genealogy facilities in the United States.  Although it specializes in historical papers and genealogy materials from the South the collection contains significant genealogical information from every state.  The Ladson Genealogical Library contains a rare book room where the books are kept in a controlled environment to protect books that are up to 400 years old.  The collection originated with John E. "Jack" Ladson, Jr. and his creation of a private collectionof genealogy and rare books.  The collection outgrew his home and Mr. Ladson made the books available to the public through the establishment of the John E. Ladson, Jr. Historical and Genealogical Foundation.  

When Ladson passed away in 1999 the collection was transferred to the  Ohoopee Regional Library System and became the only free standing genealogy library in the state.  Collections of historical photographs, primary school records, local scrap books and local family memntos.  Local Historical organizations donate materials to continue the expansion of the collection.  An oral history project is being conducted at the library to capture local stories and provide access to future generations.  Digital access to Ancestry.com is provided for free and patrons have access to a large scanner to digitize their materials.  Library staff provides help in getting started with genealogy and free classes are offered each month.

For additional information, you can visit our webiste at www.ohoopeelibrary.org. 

You can also visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/LadsonGenealogicalLibrary