Compass Communications

Story by Eli Parker

In the lower level of the Pulaski County Library (located at 304 S. Main St, Somerset) is a treasure trove of history that has connected many to their heritage and helped them make discoveries about their own family history. For over forty years, the Pulaski County Historical Society has continuously made efforts to preserve our community’s extensive history.

By joining this organization, one would have access to what its volunteer staff deems as an “astronomical” number of historical records. These include census records, marriage certificates, obituaries, cemetery records, news articles, and sometimes even diary entries, all of which were donated to the historical society. 

For some, it can be overwhelming finding the right records and then sifting through one document after the other. Luckily, many find solace when aided by the historical society’s diligent staff of volunteers who are passionate about ancestry themselves.

“I’ve been coming to the historical society even when I was working. I drove the Bookmobile when we were in the old library. If I had extra time, I’d go down in the historical society,” said Babe Hughes, one of the historical society’s volunteers. “It’s like a disease. You get into it and it just keeps growing.”

Like Hughes, many find themselves drawn to the world of genealogy due to the satisfaction of unraveling their family lineage. As Hughes puts it, “A lot of people just want to know where they come from.” The history of certain ancestors, whether good or bad, often makes this process all the more alluring.

Hughes herself was interested to know that her grandfather’s uncle fought in the Civil War where he was captured by enemy soldiers and was starved during his imprisonment. After being rescued at the war’s conclusion, he later became a wealthy business owner in the Somerset area, owning several shops, a stable, and the Brinkley Motel. She was also fascinated with an incident involving her grandfather’s brother where he died as a result from a shootout that occurred at a Fourth of July celebration in the late 1800s. 

“I have found a lot of ancestors who weren’t too respectable,” added Gene Heath, another one of the society’s volunteers. “I’ve had several uncles who killed people, so I got interested in finding out who they were and why they did it, and I traveled all over doing research.”

Some are also drawn to history after becoming a part of history themselves. For Heath, it was when he served on the staff of Admiral George Dufek when he became one of the first Americans to set foot at the South Pole in 1956. After this expedition, Heath was inspired to pursue a career in teaching history and genealogy, which he did for many years at several institutions, including the University of Kentucky.

In recent years, however, the internet has drastically affected how many now track their family history. “We don’t have the business we used to have because you can get so much off the internet,” admitted Hughes. “Yet, there’s still lots of stuff in here. I mean, there’s just lots of information down here.” Additionally, the historical society utilizes several computers that allow patrons to access ancestry.com, a popular genealogy-based website, conveniently and for free.

What also helps a lot of people connect with their family history is seeing it for themselves. According to Hughes and Heath, one of the best ways of doing so is by visiting your ancestors themselves at their burial sites. Both being chair members of the Pulaski County Cemetery Board, Hughes and Heath enjoy exploring and maintaining the 500+ cemeteries in the county and find even greater pleasure in guiding others to the grave sites of their ancestors.

No matter the avenue, the Pulaski County Historical Society and its ambitious staff behind it strive to preserve history and help the community connect with it. By only paying a $5 annual fee, which solely goes toward the upkeep of the organization and its resources, you can become a member of the Pulaski County Historical Society. Members will gain unlimited access to any records on file and receive a biannual newsletter. If interested in exploring the fascinating world of history, especially your family’s, the historical society’s hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 12-4 p.m.