Shelby County Historical & Genealogical Society

200 Years of History. A Legacy for the Future.

In January 2027, Shelby County will celebrate its 200th anniversary. For two centuries, generations of families have shaped our communities, leaving behind stories, photographs, documents, and memories worth preserving.

Now, the Shelby County Historical & Genealogical Society invites you to become part of that continuing story.

Introducing the 1827 Legacy Level — a special annual membership offering new ways to discover Shelby County's past while helping preserve its history for generations to come.

Explore the 1827 Legacy Level

You're invited to a free digital open house! Discover the research tools, photographs, and stories waiting inside our new Legacy Library.

Open through December 31, 2026

username: openhouse

password: freetrial

Enter the 1827 Legacy Library—Free Preview

Read Our Free Premiere Newsletter

Enjoy the first issue of Beyond the Museum Doors, featuring real Shelby County stories and a look behind the scenes at our archives.

Learn more about the 1827 Legacy Level
Get a glimpse beyond the museum doors
Listen to part of an interview with Barry Burnett

Read the Newsletter

Already an 1827 Legacy Member?

Coming Soon: Enter the Legacy Library

Discover More with the 1827 Legacy Level

Your $100 annual Legacy Membership includes all the benefits of regular SCHGS membership, including our quarterly publication, Shelby County Ancestors, PLUS exclusive access to these special features.

Quarterly Topic Search

Explore decades of Shelby County Ancestors by subject. Discover articles about local history, families, communities, schools, churches, businesses, and more.

Surname & Location Search

Search our extensive index of surnames and Shelby County locations to discover references in historical publications and research materials. Find new leads for your family history or explore the places that shaped our county.

Monthly Digital Newsletter

Enjoy an exclusive monthly newsletter featuring historical discoveries, interesting stories from our collections, research highlights, and behind-the-scenes updates from the Society.

News from the Past

Step back in time with historical news stories and fascinating accounts of life in Shelby County, brought to life through special digital features.

Extended Historical Videos

Go beyond our public videos with longer presentations featuring additional photographs, historical details, and stories uncovered through our research.

Browse the Photo Catalog

Browse our growing digital photo archive featuring Shelby County people, families, buildings, and places. Explore historical photographs, discover familiar faces and locations, and learn the stories behind the images.

Become Part of the Legacy

1827 Legacy Level Membership — $100 Annually

Your membership includes all the benefits of regular SCHGS membership, plus exclusive access to our growing collection of digital historical resources and features.

Choose to receive your quarterly publication, Shelby County Ancestors, in either printed or digital format. All additional Legacy benefits are delivered digitally.

Membership runs from January 1 through December 31, 2027.

A Special Gift for Early Members!

Join the 1827 Legacy Level before January 1, 2027, and receive the December 2026 issue of Shelby County Ancestors FREE!

Your full 2027 membership won't begin until January, but you'll receive this complimentary quarterly as our thank-you for becoming an early Legacy member.

You're Invited to Our 1827 Digital Legacy Open House!

Through December 31, 2026 | Free and Open to Everyone!

Curious about what the 1827 Legacy Level has to offer? Come explore!

The Shelby County Historical & Genealogical Society invites everyone — members and nonmembers alike — to enjoy a special preview of our new Legacy Library through December 31, 2026.

Discover historical research resources, explore Shelby County surnames and locations, browse photographs from our growing digital archive, and enjoy selected historical videos.

Enjoy the free premiere edition of Beyond the Museum Doors, our new monthly digital newsletter, featuring stories, discoveries, and highlights from Shelby County's past.

No membership required during our Digital Open House!

Explore the links at the top of the page for these features!

Beginning January 1, 2027, these exclusive resources will become benefits of the 1827 Legacy Level membership.

Join the 1827 Legacy Level — $100

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