I am writing to you today to bring to your attention the plight of the Genealogy Records
of Switzerland County, Indiana. In this time of economic realities, I hope a way can be
found to house these precious records in a new and better place. In their current place,
A root cellar in the courthouse, they are exposed to extremes in humidity, lack of proper
stacking for tender book coverings and worst of all, black mold on three of the creek rock
walls. In addition- Simple labels are not on these large awkward old volumes and everyone
who searches them MUST remove and open each volume to determine what the contents are. I
am a forty year old amateur genealogist and for fifteen years now and have had difficulty
finding any of the records- That were there all along! I was pleased to see during my
last trip from Cincinnati, in February, a shiny new sign that read, “Future home of the
Switzerland County Historical Society.” As I finished up a lengthy search for a deed
(1815) I!
noticed that the County Recorder was standing near. I could not help but exclaim my glee
at the thought of the 1800’s records finding a new and better home in the new building.
When I spoke, she stiffened up, and in a gruff voice said, “Madame, I am responsible for
all of those records and as LONG as I am in this office, THESE Books will be kept in the
basement of the COURTHOUSE! I know my face must have fallen! I don’t mind the fact that
I am forced to bring my own chair, (I have tarsal tunnel syndrome in my left ankle) I am
unable to stand for even two minutes looking up records. I don’t mind the steep climb
down to the records- What I mind is the fact that the records might easily be lost in my
lifetime! Black mold lives on the rock walls – It is a real threat to the records as well
as for the health of all the courthouse employees. These records do bring in revenue from
other would be family sleuths and in some ways they can pay for themselves- Folks just
have to!
have access and know that the folks who work with these records have a desire to keep
them around for a long time!
So I would respectfully hope that these records can find a place where they will be less
likely to disappear. It would indeed be a tragic loss if they did vanish forever. I have
seen the efforts of just one county over, (Jefferson) building a beautiful home for all
their genealogy references and I hope that Switzerland can one day follow in the
preservation activities. Any help that you could provide would be GREATLY appreciated!
I am planning on researching a Will in the 1840’s soon- I plan on taking photos and will
share them if it would be helpful to you.