About Us
The first Laurel County Historical Society was formed at the instigation of Rev. J.J. Dickey in 1896. Dr. Dickey was not a local resident but came to Laurel County to help establish Sue Bennett College. He was interested in the history of every area he visited and soon he gathered a group of teachers and began to collect genealogical information on local families. This group became the basis of the first historical society in Laurel County, KY.
It is not known how long this society was active, but by the 1900's it ceased to be mentioned in the old records. Not until 1963 did another group of local historians establish the present Laurel County Historical Society.
In January of 1963, Fredora Pennington Lay and Nellie Jones Johnson paid the first dues as charter members of this new historical society, followed by Logan and Barbara Brown Ewell in early February. These four began to solicit memberships from across the country, and by March 21, 1963, the Laurel County Historical Society published a list of 158 charter members. This organization has been more or less active until the present time. Between the years 1963 -1991 meetings were held at various venues, including the Laurel County Public Library, but because the Society had no permanent location, materials were not readily available for research.
In 1991 the Laurel County Fiscal Court allowed the Society to move into quarters vacated by the Older Persons Activity Center (OPAC) in the basement of the old City Hall. For the first time in its history, the Laurel County Historical Society had its own space in which to display its collection of books and files.
In the spring of 2007, the Laurel County Historical Society moved to the present location at 310 West 3rd Street when that building (the former health department) became available.
Visit Us
Our library contains many volumes of reference materials, old photos, and newspapers, as well as records on microfilm, microfiche, and CD-Rom. The society also has many donated artifacts and continues to transcribe and publish census, marriage, cemetery, and old newspaper records of Laurel Co., along with its semi-annual newsletter, Branches of Laurel.
We are open Wednesdays & Fridays from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
If you need to come another day, call us or an appointment.
CLOSED ON HOLIDAYS
(606) 864-0607 | laurelkyhistory@gmail.com
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North - From Exit 41 off Interstate 75: Turn left, go east 0.6 mile to the 2nd light. Turn right on US 25 (Main Street). Go to 4th Street. Turn right. Go two blocks. Turn left at second stop sign on Long Street. Go one block to Third Street. Turn right. Go 0.1 mile. The library is on the left.
South - From Exit 38 of Interstate 75: (There are three turning lanes from this exit. You need to get in the middle lane because once you are on the bypass you will be turning left in one tenth of a mile.) Turn right from the middle turning lane. Go 0.1 mile to the first light. Turn left on 1005 (5th Street). Go 1.3 miles to the first light. Turn right on Mill Street. Go 0.1 mile to 3rd Street. Turn left. Go 0.1 mile. The library is on the right.
East - From Hal Rogers Parkway: Turn left at the light on Highway 192 By Pass. Go to Highway 80 (4th Street). Turn right. Go to Long Street. Turn left. Go one block to Third Street. Turn right. Go 0.1 mile. The library is on the left.
West - From Somerset: Turn right on US 25 (Main Street). Go to 4th Street. Turn right. Go two blocks. Turn at second stop sign on Long Street. Go one block to Third Street. Turn Right. Go 0.1 mile. The library is on the left.
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Before driving a long distance or making a special trip we advise you to call and confirm that we are open. To check if we are open, call 606-864-0607. We will be open on other days by appointment if a staff member is available. Please call our office to schedule an appointment. You may leave a message and we will get back with you. Please call in advance allowing enough time for us to return your call and schedule a visit. You may also email us at:
We are closed on holidays, and if weather conditions make it unsafe to be on the roads. Please call during the winter months to see if we are open. Our library is located at 310 West 3rd Street in downtown London at the building which formerly housed the Laurel County Health Department. Parking is in the front facing 3rd Street and at the rear facing 2nd Street. Handicapped access is available from the rear parking lot. When using that entrance please ring the bell for admittance.
The L.C. Historical Society Board
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President
John Paul Benge
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Vice President
Shirley McCowan
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Secretary
Genevieve Palm
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Treasurer
Douglas Phelps
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Directors
Judy Brimm, Wilma Johnson, Ron Nicholas, Bobby Overbay, and Jan Sparkman
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Team
Editor, John Paul Benge
Research, Renee Beets (Genealogist)
Librarian, Jan Sparkman (Historian)
Museum Coordinator, Vacant
Photograph Coordinator, John P. Benge
Social Media Coordinators, Janet Auman & John Paul Benge
Technology Coordinator, John Paul Benge
We are dedicated to the collection and preservation of Laurel County's history with a specialization in genealogical records.
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